The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1901-02-28
known KIN to be caught mapping

II nave heard said,' replied the
burglar, n~ervously, shat you are .
smart man of BUSINESS very smart
man of business" he added, raising
his eyes, and looking Neaham
squarely in the face.
"You fatter me, young mani"
chuckled the portly merchant. "And
who, may I ask, reported so favor
ably of me?"
"My name" replied the STRIPPING,
leaning over the table-"my name is
Wilkins; my father was your part
ner." And, having fred that shot,
he awaited results.
Nedham shivered slightly, and his
face changed color. In amoment, 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 I 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 a whisky-and-soda." And he
passed over to the sideboard.
The housebreaker protested, butthe
old gentleman insisted.
"To tell you the truth" he said,
laughing, you've, given me quite q
turn. I need something to still my
auttering heart; and I make it a 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 it,
with:
swell, sir, I drink to you; and I sin
cerely hope I have net disappointed
you by appearing so unexpectedly on
the scene tonight"
The STRIPPING drank in silence; for a
minute no words passed.
II suppose" Wilkins muttered at
last, "you will now send for the 20.
police?"
The merchant laughed loudly al he
lay back in his chair.
why p%olice?" he said. "You have
not robbed me-"
II had that Intention" was the re.
ply. But, like most of my other
schemes in life, it did not come off.
But, remember, if I had cleared your
sideboard I should not have called my.
self a 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, fdgeting
on his scat.
II do assure you" he said, soothing.
ly, "there is nc 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 a trembling lip. "But that
is all past now, and need not b.
mourned over. My father is far be-
yond business trickery' at this mo-
ment. But, c%andidly, I bear you a bit
ter grudge, and eve will do so. Sc
does another-my mother"
"Your mother?" queried the old
man, in a whisper. "She is still alive
then? All, the mention of her bring.
back to me the days of youth. I pre-
sumo your father never told you how
he came between us, and made the only
woman I ever loved his wife? l."
II am in no mood for sentiment
the young man interrupted. "Aud, be
sides, that, too, is a bygone. What
do know is that the terrible crasl
came unexpectedly, and brought dowr
to the earth like a card-castle all tina
made for happiness with us. I had t.
leave college, and, though have tried
I never have been able to mend tn,
broken thread of my life. But all thi!
does not interest you" And he moved
towards the door.
"Do have another drink" insisted
the merchant. at is bitterly cold out
side, and you may have a long way t.
walk"
The offer was declined.
AS the gentleman-burglar passet
into the hall he turned with a forcet
smile. and said:
81 came by the back door, and will
go by it, I presumed"
"Not at ALL" cried Nedham, ~effusive
~. "No visitor at Woodlands has eve
been allowed to do that. Let me shoy
you out by the front door, and, whel
next you come to see me, perhaps yo1
will give me fairer warning than 20
did this morning"
He opened the door and held out hi
hand. The youngster took it coldly.
"By the way" said the merchant, 81
your, mother in need of money!"
Money!" said Wilkins, DRAWN
himself up proudly on the Doorstep
Charity? And from such as you
Thank God, we are not yet reduced t
that level"
And, so saying, he passed out. int
the night.
Nedham listened to the retreatin
footsteps for some moments, and the,
quietly shut the door.
"Queer fellow, certainly" h
chuckled. ."But a boy of spirit-ay,
boy of spirit!" he added, emphatically
as he pulled on the bolts.
The Australian branch of Mr.. Ned
hams business, which he opened a
Melbourne some four years ago, i
thriving beyond all expectations. Blu
when business friends congratulate
Mr.. Nedham, he laughs, and says:
II mustn't take the credit. tt
young Wilkins concern. I'm takin,
him into partnership.'-Answers.
An UnmistalSabI HIT.