Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-10-18

at Is the twisted key.
She pointed TO an old-fashioned
piece of furniture of walnut wood,
which stood Immediately opposite
the foot OF her bed In the upper
part, the iii of which let down To be
used for writing upon, was large
space. A large book with clasps lay
there, and, standing upon It, was a
rosewood desk. Maria carried the
desk to her aunt, and laid It or thu
bed. The latter showed her winch
was the key, and told her to open It,.
There's not much in it, observed
Miss West. "Some writing-paper,
a book of valuable receipts, few
letters, and a memoranda, and some
money. There's my purse. call
that my every day-purse. Count the
money in it, Maria"
She obeyed and found a sovereign
and sixteen shillings.
sometimes | like TO pay for little
things myself; so, when tell you to
take money from my desk, You will
get it out of that purse, remember.
Put your hand underneath that lid
and press 1t.
Maria did so, somewhat awkward
~, for she did not understand what
she was about; but in few seconds
the lid flew up and disclosed shal
low partition, III which lay an Old
red morocco pocket-book. The in
valid took it in her right hand, open
ed it, and took out a piece of thin
paser, which she managed TO unfold.
1t was a bank note for 600.
at is what have saved" she said
to Maria. 81 might have been ten
times as rich for the profits of the
poultry were mine, aud Joseph
always made me present at Mich
aelmas for my clothes. But never
was Of saving turn, and what with
poor relations and you know we
have them. Maria-and what with
other outlets, that's pretty nearly all
| have put by. | show you that it
is here, that you may keep the bu
reau and desk shut.
AS Maria held the note in her fin
gers, Mrs. West entered, bringing a
newspaper.
Taking stock" cried she in jok-
ing way.
81 am telling Maria that I nave a
note of value in my desk. SO that
she may be careful not to leave 1t or
the bureau unlocked, now that my
keys will be sometimes in her
/ hands. Not that we have dishonest
girls in the house, but bank notes
might prove an awkward tempta-
ton"
"Why not let Joseph put that
800 note In the bank for YOU
suggested Mrs. West. at would be
safe there"
at is Just as safe here" quickly
returned Aunt Hester; "but common
precaution must be exercised in most
affairs and that is why cautioned
Maria. Fold it up, will YOU"
Maria folded the note, placed it
in the pocket book, and returned
them to the desk. Mrs. West left
the room again.
as this a Bible, Aunt Hester"
inquired Maria, abiding TO the book
in the bureau on which the desk had
stood.
eyes, you may look al it if you
like. 1t was your grandmother
Bible; and all our names and ages
are recorded there"
Maria laid the desk on the table,
and took up the book and unclasped
it. 1t was printed in large, clear
type, and had fine plates scattered
through its leaves.
"Oh, aunt what beautiful book" ~
she exclaimed. 81 have heard papa
speak of his mothers Bible; this
must be the one"
"Y es, it is. She set great store by
it, so | always kept it locked up.
More store than her children do, |
! fear"
A happy flush rose to Maria's coun-
tenance. "Aunt Hester, papa set
great store by the Bible. | do not
know that he thought enough of it
before mammals death, but after
ward it was his daily companion"
"Ah, well; have not heard much
about them all-what they set store
by, and what they didn't. There
were ten of us once. Maria, brothers
and sisters, in the old home, and now
where are we? Some dead and some
separated. 1t is the way of large
families; we have to 60 where Prov
idence calls US, and none of us know
where it will be, so long as we re.
main in our childhood's home, boys
and girls together. | and Joseph
have had too great share of care
and hustle on our shoulders to give
much time IN tho Ribla Won con