The advocate., 1895-07-03

your family suffer for it. You know what say /
do. Come, then, will you answer me this: Were
you present when Hotchkiss came with those &C.
CeptanCes2"
"Mr. BreadmonSter, what ought 1 to doP It
Troublesome to tell what my duty is To betrsy my
employers secrets is hardly right and can't bear
to think OF sending poor fellow to the sCaffod by
my silence"
The old boOk-keeper looked perplexed.
"To keep the secrets of a murderer and hang an
innocent man in his stesd-whst kind of con.
science would say that was right, Matthew"
"Yes, should help the innocent instead of the
guilty. will tell you all know. 1t has troubled
me sorely to avoid telling it before
"To begin with, Mr.. Rakestrsw has been short Of
money for several months, and has been depending
on his marriage with Mr.. StilwelPs daughter to re-
lieVe him of his embarrassment He has frankly
told me that as soon as the wedding is over he will
make Mr.. StilWel advance him a sum of money,
and that shall then get my salary, but he has been
very anxious that his condition shall not become
known lest Mr.. StilWell should stop the match.
was right here when Mr. Hotchkiss presented the
scceptances and, knowing Mr.. RakestrsW's condi-
tiOn, wondered what he would do, for knew that
If he did not pa ythe aCCeptsnces, Mr.. Stwe would
4
and that he could not obtain in any way could
think Of, so much as fifth part Of the amount.
But his assurance stood him in good stead He
said:
"'Of course, if you insist upon it, Mr.. Hotchkiss
| will take up these acceptances at once, but it
would inconvenience me some to do so to-day. Il
shall be in Worcester tomorrow, and can take
them up then without any inconvenience at all.
But just as you wish. can do it now.'
$50, no, Mr. Rakestrsw, never mind it, said Mr.
Hotchkiss. Tomorrow, or any time within two or
three days. will do just as WELL Suit your convent
ence. To tell the truth, would prefer you should
come in for l do not much relish carrying the
money over, the road in these days.
"'Very well, said Mr.. Rakestraw, Il shall be in
tomorrow. Are you going back immediately
eyes, must be home this evening, and l am
getting old ride slowly
SHE put the acceptances back In his pocket and |
walked out, mounted his horse and rode away. 1 |
asked Mr. Rskestraw what was to be done, and he |
said he had no idea what to do, but he must do |
something or the dishonor of those bills would ruin
him, He left in about half hour, and came back |
with his gun, saying he was going hunting, and he
started down the road on his horse The next morn
ing he handed me the scceptances to be entered on
the books, and explained that he had taken them
up, and told me never to reveal that he had not |
taken them up in the first place. The next day |
heard of the murder, and 1 have been uncomfort-
able ever since. But he does not dream that any
body suspects him"
Matthew, you have acted the man, sir Now,
you stay right here until after the grand jury sits
and no one need know have talked with you
Meantime, get ready to come to Worcester to liVe
You shall be taken care of, depend upon It, 1 had
better 60 lest 1 be found here. If he hears have
been here, tell him was out to friends house to
spend Christmas Any lie will do in an emergency
Good-day, sir"
And BreadmOngSter was soon speeding homeWsrd,
When Dobbins was about to take leave Of Ger
trude that same afternoon, she suddenly remem-
hArad snmathinR