Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-02-28
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Nedham shvcred slightly and his
face changed color. In Il moment. how
ever. he had mastered himself.
"Ah," he said, lightly. ARE you the
boy I've heard him speak so often
about? How strangely people meet
sometimes! Who could have dreamed
that should have had the pleasure of
seeing you at such an unlikely hour
and place? Sit down. sir-sit down"
The STRIPPING sat in silence; for a
minute no words passed.
II suppose" wilkins muttered at
last. you will now send for the po-
lice?'
The merchant laughed loudly as he
lay back in his chair.
"Why police!' he said. "You have
not robbed me-
Il had that Intention" was the reply.
"But. like most of my other schemes in
life. it did not come Off. But, remem-
Der, If l had cleared your sideboard |
should not have called myself a rob
ber-n0t even law breaker. My faith
err has told me that you robbed him.
and were the cause of his ruin ut the
end"
Nedham drew himself up, fidgeting
OH his seat.
Il do assure you" he said soothing
ly. "there is no vestige Of truth in the
accusation. You may not know that
your father was subject to hallucina-
ton long before we parted company"
II disagree with you, sir" put in the
other. with trembling lip. but that
is all past now. and need not be mourn
ed over. My father is far beyond bust
ness trickery ut this moment. But.
candldly, I bear you Il bitter grudge,
my mother"
"Your mothcr?" rueried the old man.
in whisper. "She is still alive. then ?
All, the mention of her brings back to
NE the days of youth. presume your
father never told you how he came be-
tween us. and made the only woman
ever loved his wife? i"
II am in no mood for sentiment" the
young man interrupted. "And. besides.
that. too is a bygone. What do know
is that the terrible crash came uneX-
pectedly, and brought down to the
earth like carh-castle all that made
for happiness with us. l had to leave
college. and. though l have tried.
never have been able to mend the brok-
en- thread of my life. But all this does
not interest YOU" And he moved to-
ward the door.
AS the gentleman-burglar passed in
to the hall he turned with forced
smile and said:
II came by the back door and will go
by it, presume"
"Not Mt ALL" cried Nedham ELUSIVE
ly. "No visitor at Woodlands has ever
you out by the front door. and, when
next you come to see me. perhaps you
will give me fairer warning than you
did this morning"
He opened the door and held out his
hand. The youngster took it coldly.
by the way" said the merchant sis
your mother in need of money!
Money" said wilkins. drawing him
self up proudly on the doorstep. Char
ity? And from such as you? Thank
God, we are not yet reduced to that
level"'
And so saying, he passed out into
the night.
Nedham listened to the retreating
footsteps for some moments, and then
quietly shut the door.
"Queer fellow, certainly" he chuck.
led. "But boy Of spirit-ay. a boy Of
spirit" he added emphatically, as he
pulled on the bolts.
The Australian branch Of Mr.. Ned
hams business, which he opened at
Melbourne some four years ago, is
thriving beyond all expectations. But
when business friends congratulate Mr.
Nedham. he laughs and says:
II mustn't take the credit. It's young
wilkins concern. I'm taking him into
partnership with the New Year."
Odd Effect OF the SUN.