The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1899-12-28

going, what is the matter?''
Father, let me pass! Do not de-
tain me-nor question: You will
know soon. Let me go quick before it
is too late. Open the door, or l will
soon end my disgrace. Thank heaven,
| have the means of escape!' and he
placed his hand in his bosom.
4 quick. light step was sounding
through the hail. and soon the erring
youth was caught and clasped tight
in loving arms, the wildly throbbing
head pillowed on the mothers devoted
breast and with gentle, encouraging
words she drew him into the room.
Where would you, my boy. find
surer help in this hour Of need than
from your parents. Come, my hus-
band, let us stand by our boy. Tell
him. though all the world condemn and
desert him, we will do our best to save
him. What is it? Speak, my child;
do not fear, your mothers heart is
strong enough to hear the worst, and
brave enough to bear all for those she
loves. Father, speak to your boy"
My son, let U.s. know the worst. You
have your mothers promise of help. 1
will do all she wishes"
ooh, you may save me from inn
prisonment, but the terrible shame for
you to bear. Your name borne by
forger!" gasped forth the guilty youth.
'Old Truman will have no mercy. !
heard him say that when he discovered
the guilty one he would make an eX-
ample of him. he continued.
Swiftly fled the thoughts of til
Their back to the time, long years
him, writhing under his relentless
hand And comes back to him the
long-forgotten words:
do you not fear you may need the
mercy you now deny to me?"
At last he hcarsely whispered
THE amount! tell me!'
Five thousand dollars! Father, you
can easily fix that, but the shame" he
answered, unconsciously probing still
deeper and deeper the wounded man.
more than this disgrace. For years /
have been living beyond my means. /
cannot meet this but only by withdraw
ing from the firm. This property and
everything else is no longer mine, nor
has it been for three years past. l
have tried to keep this from you, hop
ing I could manage those difficulties
until Uncle Jacobs death. l feared
that if the strange old man should
know / was no longer prosperous he
would destroy his will, and cut me en-
tirely off. Now If he hears of this
fear the consequences.
"Oh! this is a severe blow"
A loud ring came from the hall door,
and girlisl4 voice softly said:
Papa! there is gentleman in the
next room, who wishes to see you, and
he asked If Dayton was home
After me, know! Father, let me
go away. have money enough to car
ry me out of the country" pleaded the
boy.
Remain with your mother / will
see this gentleman, and try to make
terms with him.
God bless you, my husband, do not
think of me, think only of your son
and your name
Mr.. Marbury, / am here on very un
pleasant business. l hope, however, to
give you some comfort. Your son is
with you, hear; was fearful he had
fed. He has told you, / think, of his
trouble" said the stranger.
You are right, sir. The amount ]
can return, that is nothing; but Oh,
God! the disgrace! Can hope for any
mercy? Can anything induce Mr..
Truman to spare us that?"
"Mr. Matbury,- am a man of few
words, and wish not to prolong your
sufferings. / have pleaded with Mr..
Truman for your son. He is a stern,
rather hard man; but I think / have
induced him to yield. He is under OBJ
legation to me- in fact, only my repre-
sentative; the 'capital is mine When
he became aware of this unhappy bust
ness he Immediately telegraphed for
me, before he had ascertained the
guilty one. This affair is known only
to Mr.. Truman, the bookkeeper and
myself, and | am here this morning to
pledge to you, sir. that this knowledge
shall go no further. Relieve your
mind, your sons and your wife's. The
name of Marhury shall remain spot
less"
How can l ever thank you! On
what terms is this mercy granted us?
will be ready to meet them imme-
diately."
II have made all the necessary ar
rangements. / know you are a proud
man, therefore will not release your
son from tho naymanf nf tb;. ,,,ono,,