Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1901-05-02
"Ah," he said lightly, "are you the

f; 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.
1t is cold as an iceberg here. Let me
get you whisky and Soda" And he
passed over to the sideboard.
The housebreaker protested, but the
old gentleman insisted.
"To tell you the TRUTH" he said,
laughing, you've given me quite
turn. I need something to still my
| futtering heart, and | make it rule
never to drink alone when there is
company about"
So saying he handed Wilkins the
frothing stimulant, and, filling up his
own glass to the brim, he raised 1t
with:
"Well, sir, l drink to you, and l sin
cerely hope l have not disappointed
you by appearing so unexpectedly on
the scene tonight"
The STRIPPING drank in silence. For
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-"
81 had that intention" was the re-
ply. "But, like most of my other
schemes in life. it did not come off.
But remember If | had cleared your
sideboard should not have called my
self robber-not even a lawbreaker.
My father has told me that you robbed
him and were the cause of his ruin at
the end"
Nedham drew himself up. fidgeting
on his seat
81 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-
tion long before we parted company"
81 disagree with you, SIR" put in
the other, with a trembling lip. "But
that is all past now and need not be
mourned over. My father is far be-
yond business trickery at this moment.
But candidly l bear you a bitter
grudge and ever will do so. So does
another-my mother"
"Your motherY queried the old man
in whisper. "She is still alive, then?
All, the mention of her brings back to
me 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? p
81 am In no mood for sentiment" the
young man interrupted. "And besides
that, too, is a bygone. What l do
know is that the terrible crash came
Unexpectedly and brought down to the
earth like card castle all that made
for happiness with us. l had to leave
college, and, though have tried,
never have been able to mend the
broken thread of my life. But all this
does not interest you" And he moved
toward the door.
"Do have another drinkw insisted
the merchant. ut is bitterly cold out
side, and you may have long way to-
walk
The offer was declined.
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 1t, presumeY
"Not at allp' cried Nedham effusive-
ly. 'No visitor at Woodlands has
ever been allowed to do that. Let me
show you out by the front door, and
xrhn fo
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 'is
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 re-
treating footsteps for some moments
and then quietly shut the door.
"Queer fellow, certainly" he chuc-
kled. "But boy of spirit-aye, boy
of spiritv' he added emphatieally 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:
'T mustn't take the credit. It's young
Wilkins concern. I'm taking him into
partnership with the new year."-Chi-
cago Times-H Herald.