Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-11-27

 your unfortunate attack of fever
 ssYour guardian,
 "JoHN sTRoBEL."
 ''Feb. 25, 1902. "Dear Guardian. I am surprised at the charge and arrest you mention, the particulars of which my sister wrote me yesterday. There is no real ground for the accusation, and l have written to Rufus assuring him of my unshakens confidence in his integrity. Pardon me, but I fear prejudice has a tendency to blind you as to his worth. Thanks, am improving.
 "Your ward,
 JUDITH MAYS" In Strobe1's opinion his ward was dis- playing more faith than common sense, but had she not always proved herself peryerse? In the end, he said, after pe- rusing the reply to his note, she would see her folly-one had to be patient with sentimental girls of eighteen. Preju- dice? That was harsh name for what he insisted was his interest in her well fare-but which was really his love and an ambition to win her for himself. But
 
 self
 The circumstances were indeed against Rufus Dent. He was young lawyer with reputation and fortune yet to make, but Miss Mays guardian was the only one who believed that he was not living within his income, insig- uificant as it seemed to man of means. That he might get cheaper lodgings, he had even secured boarding place in the country a couple of miles distant from the little county seat. His arrest on serious criminal charge came about in this way:
 The nearest neighbor of his landlord was Jacob Reef, the county trustee. This man had been small farmer all his life, not very successful from a business standpoint, and unused to handling con- siderable sums of money; but he was jovial and a good mixer" and this seemed qualification sufficient to his con- gtituents for being intrusted with gov ment funds" At the beginning of February his collections had been great. It was the last month in which taxes could be collected without a penalty at tached for delay; and he was consequent ly rushed to write his necessary re- ceipts, even with the help of an assist ant. By dark he found himself in the possession of six or seven thousand dol lars of the peoples money.
 With this sum on his person-there was no bank in the village-he very nat urally felt somewhat nervous; and his nervousness was increased by the fact hor rF ha committed throughout. the county dur ing the winter His sense of responsi- bility made him 8 coward, and as he drove on homeward after night, it was a relief to oyertaks young Dent on the road.
 Get in the buggy and ride, Rufus,'' he said. 'I don't mind saying that I'm joyed at seeing you. l hain't told any body else, but I've got in my wallet more money than ever saw before in one pile, and hang me eff it don't weigh as heavy on my mind as ton of lead! Did you See them two rel1ers roller1n' me from store. to store to-day while maxim colIec- tions We'll, it strikes me that they seemed little too interested not to be .taxpayers theirselves."
 "Oh, I. suppose they meant nothing" :" said Dent. tI saw them, but some one said they had been inquiring for 6 small farm for sale. What you need is good warm supper, and then you'll for. get your uneasiness."
 "P'rhaps. Still, wish you'd go home with me tonight. I would feel better with some one in the house besides me and my wife. S'pose you go over?"
 Thank you" said the young man. 'l am obliged to put in late hours tonight reading up the authorities on torts That big suit of Day vs. Long comes of dexr week, you know, and 1 want to make hit in managing the suit if pos gible."
 Reaching lane, Dent got out of the vehicle and went to his room. The trustee soon reached home also After warm supper, and with many remarks concerning the responsibility of an of ficer of the revenues, he retired, placing the wallet of public funds under his pill low.
 Worn out with the day $ duties, he and his wife soon fell into deep slumber.