Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1902-04-30

'"uns man simply and stretched his
arm back and laid his hand on the hand
Of the boy. AAA'
The boy. crouching behind his friend
uttered quick sob.
Stop that" said the old mercbsn,
Sharply. We can't have any disturb
ance here"
There was little silence.
hats your proposition p he abrupt.
iy asked.
It's very simple" replied the young
man We propose that you take back
TINS erring but contrite boy and that You
give nun the chance to pay back the
amount he has taken. Let him pay a
part OF his salary each week until the
delinquency IS wiped out. In the mean
time you hold that letter as proof of his
misdeed."
The old merchant frowned.
That would be establishing very
bad precedent" be growled.
There Is one other condition" the
young man went on. "rhe affair is TO re-
main profound secret. known to no
one outside Of this room"
The old man opened his eyes.
Are you aware that am considered
you heard that most OF my 500 en-
ployees regard me as a soulless tyrant?"
have learned to dlstrust popular
prejudice In these personal matters" re-
piled the young man. My own father
has been held up to the world MS an ex.
ample of heartless greed and cartooned
and vilifed, when | know he Is the best
OF men,"
But the old merchant did not heed his
words. lie was looking at the boys let
ter.
I'm the first place." he said, 1--WE
might as well destroy this. II could
make trouble In the future" And he
tore the envelope and its contents into
fragments. Then he looked up. boy"
he said, come here The lad arose and
stepped to the desk. The old man looked
him over. you may go back to your
place." he said. Each Saturday after
noon you win bring to me So from your
salary. IL | find that you are faithful
aud ambitious, you may rest assured
that l will recognize the fact in a prae-
teal way. Should your sister notice that
your salary Is apparently decreased, you
may say to her that you are Investing IL
In sinking fund by my personal advice.
That Is all. Return to your work and
tell the cashier that you were detained
by me-"
Thank you SIR" said the boy bro
keniy.
II fancy your thanks are all due to this
smiling Samaritan here" said the old
man. 'He has saved both your life and
your honor. and II you ever forget 1t you
Fnrfa nj hs. h.y 4
willing to aid"
The lad caught the young mans hand
and pressed it and then hurried from
the room.
"One moment" said the old merchant
as his visitor arose. IF you are not en-
ployed or wish a change, | would be
glad TO offer you a place"
Thank you." said the young man.
.but am as well satisfied with my pres
ent place as ever hope to be with any
form OF labor. I'm a natural idler. you
know"
The old man shook his head as though
he doubted this. and there was wistful
look in his eyes ms he regarded the
young man.
II regret that you cannot come" he
said. Il would like 10 have you near
me. You are a very unusual sort OF
young man. But you'll promise me one
thing-you'll come in to see me from
time TO time, won't your"
with pleasure" replied the visitor
ut will give me the chance TO inquire
after my protege. And from what he
told me ! think | would like TO know
more about his invalid sister" He look
ed at the old man and smiled perhaps
We might do something to make her dull
life a little brighter"
The old man nodded as II 10 answer TO
an appeal.
81 feel sure we can" he said. Then
be put out his hand. Before you go |
want to know your name"
Greer. Durham Greer" replied the
young man.
Greer repeated the old man, You
said something moment ago about
your father. ! didn't quite catch the re-
mark. Is he the railway king?'
HE has been called So" Durham re-
piled.
Understand me-" said the old man.
II don't think any more OF you GU this
account"
why should your cried Durham
hEHttN- AT nave lOuuu u Il
positive handicap. A rich mans SOP
gets credit for very little useful behavior
in this prejudiced world. It's quite dis
couraging."
But be laughed as he said it.
Thank God that riches haven't spoil,
ed you" said the old man soemnly.
And their hands met in warm clasp,
That evening Durham critically star
ed at himself in the glass in his hotel
room.
well. Dunn:e, my boy" he said to his
smiling reflection. you missed an i'm
portant business engagement in Buffalo,
and. what is worse, you don't look as if
you regretted il in the least. You are
quite a hopeless case, old fellow. Good
night."-Cleveland Plain Dealer
Athletic wome1 of Other Days.