The Pioche weekly record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1877-1900, 1896-04-30

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 TO Mr.. Middleton; and that
young man was considerably astonished
to receive a note from her, asking for an
interview on a 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 person by the style
of their wearing apparel; but, perhaps
the act was natural enough, and should
pass without our criticism.
Mr.. Middleton step was heard on the
stairs lending to Nettie's apartment, and
she blushed, and half repented having
taken this step, but it was too late to
recede.
She had no cause to fear any criticism
on her neatly arranged parler, nor the
appearance of the little boys over whom
she exercised the care of mother and
sister.
al 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 it possibleT exclaimed Mr.. Mid
dleton, starting to his fet In surprise,
and evincing much interest in what he
heard; spray 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
have said. What can do, Mr.. Middle
ton-what ought to do"
"Nothing, Miss Percival. lfyou will
Iintrust this matter to me, | assure you
nothing shall be lei' undone to bring the
offenders to justice"
al do trust you, Mr.. Middleton, anc
shall feel relieved from great resPon
sibility If you undertake to deal with
these bad men,"
al cheerfully assume the duties o
that position, and you deserve muci
credit for the part you have taken in thu
expose"
AS Arthur walked toward his bache
lor home that evening, the vision o
two bright blue ewes was ever befor
him; and the neatly arranged parlor, s.
coy and home-like, made him sigh an
wish he had such a'one of his OWN.
The following day Mr.. Middleton di
not make his appearance at the store
, but in the evening surprised Miss Netti
J by rapping at her door.
: "Excuse me" he said, retaining Ne
ties hand in his longer than there We
any necessity for, and until she gent
withdrew it, "but have confession
; make"
E Nettie looked up in surprise, and /
E continued,
[ 81 am not Arthur Middleton, a cler
of Messrs. Ward, Wilkinson & Co,
| you have supposed, but Walter Wiki
son, chief owner of the establishmei
so successfully commenced and conti
: ued by my ancestors, l learned fro
t friend that some Irregularities we
being practiced by the trusted employee,
7 of our firm and knowing | should NJ
be recognized after SO long an absent
from home, sought and obtained emplo
ment here, that might detect and brir
TO punishment the guilty parties
"You have discovered what | ha,
been unable to, and in few days a r
organization of the establishment wi
take place, and shall be known in n
e proper character. But there was auot
r er matter, Miss Nettie, of far greater in
d portance, that wished to investigat
/ | desired to ascertrin, before threw @
r my disguise, If you entertained ar
+ feelings of regard for me. Then | d
( cided not to approach you under ar
false appearances, for | know you a
2 frank and dislike even the semblance
a falsehood; SO | offer you an earne.
J. devoted love. May hope that you lo'
' me little in return''
!. But you do not remember, Mr. Mi
E dleton-I beg your pardon, Mr.. vii
c inson-that am poor girl, depende
on my small salary, and having two Ii
4 tie brothers to support"
e 81 know all that and more. know yt
reby education and natural qualification
4 a lazy in the true sense of the term, ar
that you have it in your power to NAL
/, me happy or miserable"