The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1897-02-12

duct. Never in his life before had the
reverend gentleman received seven such
fiattering communications. He did not,
in the least. understand what they
meant; but still they put him in an ex-
cellcnt humor. Honorable? Certainly.
actirg on his nephew's advice, he had
given him checks for distribution
among the seven tradesmen on the pre-
vious day; but. that was only a settle
men,-rather q tardy one into the bar
gain-of his just debts. There was
nothing extraordinarily honorable in
that. Still it is always nice to be ac-
knowledged honorable. especially by
your enemies. And when the vicar had
finished reading the seventh letter he
was in very good temper indeed.
At that fortunate moment knock
came at his study door. and Frank en-
tered. Seeing the expression on his
uncle's face, and auguring therefrom
the best results, he lost no time in maxi
Amy. The vicar exclaimed. He
hummed and hawed. But he was in a
heavenly temper: and he ended by Civ.
ing his consent.
This is how Frank Miller had worked
his little scheme. Sidney Perks was the
solicitor whom he had come across in
town; and, in certain dealings with him,
Frank had learnt some facts about
Perks. by communicating which to the
proper authorities, he could have
brought him to the bar of the Old Bailey.
Perks had tried to obviate such a pos
sibility by promptly clearing out of
town. Curiously enough he had be-
taken himself to the very place of which
Franks uncle was vicar.
Armed with these irresistible argu-
ments. Frank had, on the morning of
Valentines day, gone straight to Perks
office, and. under threat of setting the
police OH to him Immediately, had made
two demands, to which, after some use
less demur. Perks was fain to consent
The first demand was, that he should
write out and hand over to Frank re-
ceip.s for the seven accounts. The sec
ond, that he should leave Winfield
within IL hours. Upon these conditions,
he should be left to escape and lose him
self. unmolested. Frank was inexora-
bic. and Perks was not in a position to
resist. So both demands were complied
with.
Franks next step, two days later,
was to go round and see the tradesmen,
informing them that the vicar had duly
paid their accounts to Perks, and pro-
oucing the receipts; he also advised
them Tin friendly way) to look sharp
after their money. as ugly rumors were
current about Perks, and he was said to
have bolted. Those concerned
lost no time in hurrying round to Perks
office. where he was not; and thence to
his house, which (his servant told them)
he had quilted hurriedly two days be-
fore. where had he gomez" He
hadn't left no address," Then, indeed
was bitter lamentation and outcry heard
among the swindled shopkeepers. Then
it was that the vicar (all unknown to
himself) had "acted so honorable and
like gentleman" by writing the checks
for the seven accounts and handing
them to Frank to distribute. This
astute young man had left the trades
men under the impression that, in order
to save them from loss. his uncle had
paid their accounts twice over; and had
descanted. in rather strong terms. upon
this truly Christian return of good for
evil.
Frank did not acquaint his uncle with
these little mysteries until he was just
starting on his honeymoon. And as. by
that time, the vicar had tasted the
sweets of six months popularity in the
parish. and found it exceptionally agree
able. he saw no reason to forfeit it, at
this late hour, by any useless dis
closures.-London Truth.