Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1896-05-02

ests of the firm by which she was
employed; and she was puzzled to decide
what action ought to be taken In the |
matter, and with whom to consult
Reflections decided her to entrust her
suspicious 10 Mr.. Middleton; and that |
young man was considerably astonished |
to receive note frem her, asking for an
interview on subject of importance.
He devoted more than usual attention !
to his personal appearance in respond
ing to the wishes Of the fair writer of
the note before him.
This was useless, for Nettie was too
sensible to judge a person by the style
of their wearing apparel; but, perhaps
the act was natural enough, and should
pass without our criticism.
Mr.. Middleton's step was heard on the
stairs lending to Nettie's apartment, and
she blushed, and half repented having
taken this step, but 1t was too late to
recede.
She had no cause to fear any criticism
on her neatly arranged parlor, nor the
appearance of the little boys over whom
she exercised the care of mother and
sister.
81 have taken he liberty to ask an
interview with you, Mr.. Middleton, that
| may avail myself of your advice and
counsel in a matter of considerable
Importance" she commenced.
"Thank you for your confidence In
me, Miss Percival. shall be very
happy to place my humble services at
your disposal" said Mr.. Middleton.
"You are very kind. hardly know
how to introduce the subject; but, per-
haps, it will be as well to speak out
plainly at once. There are those con-
nected with the firm by which we are
employed who are dishonest, and who
almost daily swindle the company-ob-
tanning large sums of money"
as 1t possiblep exclaimed Mr.. Mid
dleton, starting to his feet In surprise,
and evincing much interest in what he
heard; "pray tell me how you learned
this?"
al discovered that false entries had
been made in the books, and can refer
you to them for ample proof of what l
have said. What can do, Mr.. Middle
ton-what ought to dor"
"Nothing, Miss Perclval. If you will
intrust this matter to me, assure you
nothing shall be left undone to bring the
offenders to justice"
al do trust you, Mr.. Middleton, and
shall feel relieved from great respon-
sibility If you undertake to deal with
these bad men"
81 cheerfully assume the duties of
that position, and you deserve much
credit for the part you have taken in the
expose"
AS Arthur walked toward his bache-
lor home that evening, the vision of
two bright blue eyes was ever before
him; and the neatly-arranged parlor, SO
coy and home-like, made him sigh and
wish he had such one of his OWN.
The following day Mr.. Middleton did
not make his appearance at the store,
but in the evening surprised Miss Nettie
by rapping at her door.
"Excuse me" he said, retaining Net
ties hand in his longer than there was
any necessity for, and until she gently
withdrew it, "but have confession to
make"
Nettie looked up in surprise, and he
continued.
81 am not Arthur Middleton, clerk
of Messrs. Ward, Wilkinson & Co., as
you have supposed, but Walter Wilkin-
son, chief owner of the establishment
SO successfully commenced and contin
ued by my ancestors. I learned from
friend that some Irregularities were
being P.acticed by the trusted employees
of our firm and knowing l should not
be recognized after SO long an absence
from home, sought and obtained employ
ment here, that might detect and bring
to punishment the guilty parties.
"You have discovered what | have
been unable to, and In a few days a re.
organization of the establishment will
take place, and shall be known in my
proper character. But there was anoth
er matter, Miss Nettie, of far greater Inn
portance, that l wished to investigate. |
| desired to ascertrin, before threw off /
my disguise, if you entertained any |
feelings of regard for me- Then l de-
eided not to approach you under any
false appearances, for l know you are
frank and dislike even the semblance of
a falsehood; SO | offer you an earnest,
devoted love. May hope that you love
me little in return2"
But you do not remember, Mr.. Mid
dleton-I beg your pardon, Mr.. WiIk-
inson--that am poor girl, dependent
on my small salary, and having two lit
tie brothers TO support"
Il know all that and more. know YOU
are by education and natural qualifications
lazy in the true sense of the term, and
that you have it in your power to make
me happy or miserable"
Nettie placed her hand In his, and &C.