The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1899-12-21
partner OF an extensive mercantile firm
IN tho city of nntiOnS

the last ten years, VIII not DelieNe me,
how can | expect aught else from
strangers? Here l have been, under
your eye, with the charge of the books
for this long time, and never have
failed to give entire satisfaction to all.
until now. If you had not discovered
this | should have been able TO refund
the amount before the end of
the year., / know that / did wrong;
but in the frenzy of my despair / did
not think it wrong. Mr.. Marbury, have
mercy! do not expose me to the firm!
Only keep this knowledge you have
gained until January, then, il i have
not returned the amount, with inter-
est, will not ask for further forbear-
ance," pleaded the young man.
Everett Morse, it matters little what
| believe. ! care not whether you are
innocent or guilty. Fate has thrown
you in my power, and | glory in it.
have no love for you. Years ago you
crossed my path, and have almost, II
not entirely, blasted my hopes of hap
piness. Clara Dayton smiled on me,
until she met you. Since then you have
occupied the position / had hoped to
gain. Promise to leave town, to resign
all hopes of Clara's hand, and / will
have mercy. Hear me out: | will give
you as much time as you wish to re-
turn the money, and will also make an
arrangement to send you to Europe, on
business for the firm. / had intended
going myself but this affair has
changed my plans somewhat. Now,
sir, you have my answer. You must
either conclude to give up your lady
love, or stand before the world a
felon."
Mercy! Mr.. Marbury is this mercy?
Oh. heaven pity me! How can | give
her up! You do not mean itr'
when Clara Dayton hears the man
who has sought her love stands before
the world branded with dishonesty, she
will most likely release you from this
task. l will be a severe blow 20 her
proud nature"
''She will never believe it, will go
to her and tell her all. Mr. Marbury,
let me tell you how / was so sorely
tempted, and yielded You have heard
that when my father died, he left his
affairs very much embarrassed The
old homestead was mortgaged. This
had been great grief to my mother.
She thought of losing this home, most
valuable for the loved associations con-
nected with it. You know, too, that my
brother and have been trying to re-
deem this property. The last note was
due. | could not meet the payment
This has been trying year to me. My
mothers illness has very much in
erased my expenses; then, worse still,
my brothers misfortune in breaking
his right arm, has of urse prevented
his attending to his engraving. So the
whole burden has been on me. | felt
sure that as soon as Abbott could re-
turn to his work, should be able to
return the loan, as / considered it,
Fatal mistake! I now see that any
swerving from the right path is GER
tain to bring its punishment. But will
you not, for the sake of my poor
widowed mother, spare me? 1t will kill
her to hear am even suspected of dis
honesty, she is SO feeble now. Do not
demand this terrible sacrifice of me-
But just! be generous! be mercifulr'
It's useless, sir. I have told you
on what terms can treat with you. /
love Clara more than my own life. and
cannot relinquish the chance of win
ming her. 1t will be impossible for you
TO remove the suspicion that will fol-
low you. The fact of your employers
want of confidence in you will be suf-
ficient to condemn you. Accept my
terms. Go to Europe without seeing
Clara again. Take your own time to
return the money, and at the end of
one year, II | have failed to win her,
you are free to seek her anew, and I
will give you my word never to men
ton this affair again"
Il see too plainly have no other
chance. II Clara loves me, as l have
hoped, she will remain constant. re-
CARELESS Of appearances, for that time.
Thank heaven, l have not sought to
bind her by an engagement. Every
chance is against me, though. What
will she think of my leaving without
telling her goodbye, even?"
Just what l wish her to-that you
do not love her any too devotedly.
will take your regrets to her, of pres
sure of business, and time and such
little excuses. OF course she will be
mortified, and disappointed, and in this
state of her feelings hope to triumph.
Once mine, do not doubt being able
to make her love me Such love nc