Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1895-08-24

UnSSA ASoS W SAA8y One Ass AS~~N~
ton, neglected to STATEN what man
ner the money came into his hands.
When his father, therefore, read the
letter and saw the large sum Of mon
ey, he was struck with amaze ment,
fear and trembling.
"Wife," said he, in evident con-.
sternation, II am terribly ashamed
Where did our boy get all this
money /? In bis position he could
not earn it. Oh, God ! my Elmer
and yet be was always so honest and
true; yet how did he get this money!
1t is so mueh-count it again.
counted one hundred dollars--a
large sum, a very large sum. So
much money I never possessed at
any one time. Oh, Elmerl Elmer !
my son my son is it possible that
you have been corrupted by bad
company; that the evil spirit has
prompted you to become thief
Child, ] can never more behold your
face with pleasure |"
The mother counted the money.
There are really one hundred dol.
lars,s she stammered, but could not
utter another word. The shock was
too great.
"Let me read the letter again.
perhaps the money was not sand
was not intended for us. See here
is a postscript which / overlooked,
perhaps this will explain
But, alas this part Of the letter
only increased their terror and dis
may (; for it was a request that they
should by no means let Mr.. May
know that he had sent them the
money.
While Elmer, no doubt, made the
request out of pure modesty, his par
ents regarded it as clear proof that
the money was stolen from Mr.. May.
ooh, God |" exclaimed Mr.. Lee,
wringing his hands and looking to-
wards heaven, "my son has become
a thief; wife l must be off at once
to Enfield to see Mr.. May and tell
him all even if it costs my sons life."
The mother uttered a scream, and
conjured her husband not to be so
rash, but allow himself little time
for reflection.
"No 4! no u exclaimed the father,
"the sooner, the better; this is no
time for delay. / must do, and do
at once, what my heart and con-
science dictate and demand
He seized his cane, toro loose from
the arms Of his wife, who clung to
him in vain to retain him, and run
ming, rather than walking, FASTENED
to Enfield. Without the knowledge
of his SUI, Ire at uncc went TO Mr..
May in his Office.
"Why, Mr.. Lee," exclaimed the
merchant in surprise, "what is the
cause of this unexpected visit, and
your seemingly strange manner 7"
30 a very unfortunate and dis
tressing matter" replied Mr.. Lee.
Mr.. May was visibly disturbed at
this reply, and further asked: "What
can it be7 Prom your manner it
must be something very serious"
"Oh, Mr.. May, good and kind
friend, / am on the verge of desper.
alton. We are disgraced-ruined
You have been a benefactor to my
son, but, oh, God -"
"He has richly deserved all / have
done for him." interrupted Mr.. May,
"and out Of pure love and regard for
him I will assist you all in my pow
err, only tell ms what calamity has
betallen you."
"Out of love and respect for my
son !" exclaimed Mr.. Lee, "Great
God, how happy would I be did he
deserve it. Alas he does not. He
has been guilty of base ingratitude
towards you, his friend and benefac-
tor.
"Elmer ungrateiul to mel" asked
Mr.. May, elias he said anything
about me, or against me?"
calais, worse than that" exclaimed
Mr.. Lee, che has been guilty Of
notwithstanding money from you,
his benefactor and best friend. He
is a thief, and as such must be pun
ished as he deserves. Alasl this
will bring my gray hair with sorrow
to the grave
Mr.. May was, for the moment,
quite surprised and perplexed by
this accusation, and asked; ais it
possible that your son has done
this?r
"He has done 1.-THE has done it,
the ungrateful and wicked boy,'
cried the old man, and placing his
hand upon the purse containing the
money, he added, "Here is the stolen
money, the hundred dollars my base
son sent me, it is even one hundred
dollars. / now restore it to you,
and ask for my son, that ! may hand
him over TO the authorities fol
punishment"
A light now broke in upon the
mind of the merchant, and emptying
the purse and recognizing the money
he simply said, in tone Of voict
that seemed singularly unconcerned