The Lambertville record., 1901-03-06

You young foolr' he said. You do
not know Tom Nedham, or you would
not have tried this mugs game on"
He rubbed his hands. Tom Nedham
has never been known TO be caught
mapping, neverr'
II have heard said" replied the bur
glar neryously, that you are smart
man of business-a very smart man OF
business" he added, raising his eyes
and looking Nedham squarely In the
face.
You 1atter me, young man." chuc-
kled the portly merchant. And who,
may ask, reported so favorably OF
mef
My name," replied the STRIPPING,
leaning over the table-"my name is
wilkins. My father was your partner"
And having fired that shot he awaited
results.
Nedham shlvcred slightly, and his
face changed color. In a 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 ut such an unlikely hour
and place? Sit down, sir; sit down!
1t Is cold as an Iceberg here. Let me
get you n whisky and soda" And he
| passed over to the sideboard.
The housebreaker protested. but the
old gentleman insisted.
ITO tell you the TRUTH he said,
laughing, you've given me quite
turn. l need something to still my
fiutterlng heart. aud make II Ii rule
never to drink alone when there Is
company about"
So saying he handed wilkins the
frothing stimulant. and, filling up his
own glass 10 the brlm. he raised 1t
with:
well. sir. drink to you, and sin
cerely hope l have not disappointed
you by appearing SO Unexpectedly on
the scene tonight"
The STRIPPING drank In silence. For
Il minute no words passed
II suppose" Wilkins muttered at
last, you will now send for the po-
| lice2"
The merchant laughed loudly as he
| lay back in his chair.
why pollcef" he said You have
not robbed me-"
II had that intention" was the re
ply. .But, like most of my other
schemes In life, II did not come off.
But remember II had cleared your
sideboard l should not have called my
! self robber-not even lawbrcaker
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 seat
II 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 halluclna-
tion long before we parted company"
Il disagree with you, SIR put in
the other, with trembling lip. But
that is all past now and need not be
mourned over. My father Is far be-
yond business triekery at this moment.
But canddly bcnr you bitter
grudge and ever VIII do so. So does
another-my mother"
"Your mother" queried the old man
In whisper. she is still alive then 2
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 wife2 r.
Il am In no mood for sentiment" the
| In
TINT. too, Is a bygone. What | do
know Is that the terrible crash came
Unexpectedly and brought down to the
earth Ike card castle all that made
for happiness with us. | had to leave
college. and, though have tried,
never have been able 10 mend the
broken thread OF my life But all this
does not interest you" And he moved
| toward the door.
do have another drink Insisted
the merchant. at IL bitterly cold out
SIDE and you may have long way to
walk"
The offer was declined.
| AS the gentleman burglar passed in
| 10 the hall he turned with forced
smile and said;
Il came by the back door and viii
go by 1t, presume"
Not at all!' cried Nedham effusive-
| ly. mo visitor at Woodlands has
ever been allowed TO do that. Let me
| show 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 und held out his
hand The youngster took 1t 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 az you? Thank
God. we are not yet reduced to that
levelw
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 splrit-aye, boy
Of spirit" he added emphatlcally 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 oil expectations. But
when business friends congratulate
Mr.. Nedham he laughs and says
Il mustn't take the credit. It's young
wilkins concern. I'm taking him into
partnership with the new year."-Chi-
cago Tlmes-Herald.