The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1896-06-19
HIS REFORMATION.
BY HAROLD p. NICKERSON.

Office at the back end of his place of
business. The hour was late, and all
his employees had gone. Mr.. Dyson was
Il pleasant-looking man of about IS or
30, and his fellow townsmen frequently
pointed to him with pride as a self-made
man.
But, while everybody had a good word
for Henry Dyson, very few people spoke
we'll of his brother, Tom.
On the night our story opens the mer-
chant was waiting for his graceless
brother, and as the hours rolled on the
frown on his face grew deeper.
Il can do nothing with Tom" he said,
as he paced the floor impatiently. II
have given him every possible chance,
but he grows more idle and dissipated
every day. Perhaps L ought not to wait
for him, but he was so urgent in his re-
quest for an interview tonight that
could not refuse. Poor fellow, What
new trouble can he be mixed up in?''
The front door opened and a young
man entered quietly, and, after furtive
glance round the store, proceeded to the
office.
well, Tom?" said Henry Dyson.
Il am here, you see," replied Tom.
Il suppose said Henry, ''it is useless
to ask why you are so late or where you
have been during the last two days?"
Tom looked nervous and his eyes fell.
THAT is neither here nor there, '/he
answered, in a staggering way. II
have had some business of my own To
look after, and l knew that you were
not short of help in the store
''WelI, what is it?" asked Henry, alb
ruptly.
Brother" Tom broke out, hurriedly
and in a faltering voice, Il must have
some money-at least 5000
Il wonder where you will get ito"
Henry rejoincd. You will not get an
other dollar from me-that is certain
Why should L toll here and economize
in order 10 furnish YOU with funds to be
lost at the gaming table,"
IF | do not get this money" said
Tom, turning very pale, Il shall have to
leave the country
"A good thing for the country, then,
snapped Henry. Don't let me interfere
with your travelling plans"
Tom seemed to fall all TO pieces at
this reply. He made one more effort.
Il hope you are not hard up your
self?" he said.
Il was never getting along better"
responded the merchant, but that has
nothing 10 do with the case"
He pulled open the door of the iron
safe and pointed to a little tin box
DO you see that >" he asked We'll,
that box contains 20 crisp $500 bank
notes. drew the money from the bank
to-day for an investment. No, Tom,
am prospering, but | am tired of your
endless drain upon my purse. 1t must
stop, and now is the time
Henry rose from his chair and went
into a little closet for his oyercoat.
In an instant, before man could
count three seconds, Tom had drawn
the fiat tin box from the safe and
slipped it into the breast of his heavy
overcoat.
His brother slowly emerged from the
closet and put on his overcoat. Then he
closed the door of the safe with a click.
4 am ready to CO." he said. "You
have no further business with me,
presume?"
No, sir" Tom responded, with pale,
determined face. Neither now nor
later; good-by."
..Good-by, old fellow" said Henry,
with yawn.
Tom walked out of the store without
another word, banging the door after
him.
Il know him." soliloquized the mer-
chant. ''He will not leave here. He will
be here tomorrow with a new PROPOSE
ton. Perhaps, after all, 1 had better
look into his affairs and give him an
other chance"
IL n
locked the door. A glance up and down
the street showed him that Tom was
not in sight, and he then quietly made
his way to his home and straightway
went to bed.
After leaving the store Tom hugged
the tin box to his breast and walked at
] a rapid pace.
1T was an awful thing to do" he
muttered, but 1 had to have money.
and | helped to make some of it for my
| lucky brother
| The young man sped onward through
| the deserted streets of Paineville until
lie reached the river. He crossed the
bridge and started up the hill on the
| other side.
His plan was plain enough. He was
| goirg to the railroad station to take the
train for New York.
Suddenly he pulled up with a jerk
| He. took the box from under his coat.
'.Hang it," he exclaimed Il must
| have been mad 1 am no thief, and
will cut my throat before l will become
one There is but one thing to do.
will return the box back to my brother
confess my folly and then leave him
| forever"
He turned and retraced his steps.
| When he reached the bridge he paused
n moment and looked into the darl
waters below.
Il may find peace there" he said
gloomily.
| lie leaned over the railing and listened
to the swift-rolling current
'-AIy Godi" he cried "The box-th'
boXi"
1t had slipped through his fingers
and already the rushing waters wer'