The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-11-02

&oA He lOu: grew ldte, anu Wi
f. Brand paced his chamber
s ~ 8 in moody silence. The train
L ] had come in, bu this mes
R02a senger had not returned,
and the merchant was troubled; trou'
bled by vague sort Of doubt, which
haunted him in spite of his faith in
Lake. A merry, sober old trader OF
long experience had said that Lake
was too young to fill the important po-
sition which he held, but Mr.. Brand
had never found his trust in Tom mis-
placed.
Having heard rumors concerning a
house with which he had extensive
dealings, the merchant had despatched
Lake to London, telling him to make
inquiries. and in any case, to get the
partners of the firm in question to set
tie their account.
So Lake had gone from Liverpool to
London. The time appointed for his
return passed, and still he did not
come.
A lady entered, and stole to the mer-
chants side; her own sweet face was
anxious, aud there was 2 tremor IN the
music of her voice as she said:
do you think he will be here TO-
night. dear papa?'
81 hope so, Mary, hut it is very
late"
.'Is there no other train:"
s'Only the night express. and that
does not stop, except at the central STA
tons"
s'Perhaps he will come, papa; he
would not mind coming ten miles, even
If he had to walk"
.sHe should not have missed the
train" said Mr.. Brand, sternly: pune
tuality is am imperative duty with
men of business"
'But, papa, something may have o.
Cured to d.tain him."
Nothing should detain a man who
has given his word"
The fair pleader was silenced-her
father was angry, and knowing MS
strictness of principle and bow lnvet-
crate was his dislike to any breach OF
discipline or duty, she did not even
venture to speak again.
The time dragged slowly on; Mi.
Brank continued his restless walk. and
Mary sat subdued and quiet, watching
him. She saw that he was listening
as the night express went whirllng
by. and from the depths of her heart
there went q prayer that Lake would
come safely home. The girl loved him.
would have staked her life on his truth,
and knew that he was not beyond his
time through any weakness or wrong.
Two slow, weary hours passed. Mt.
Brand was reading the commercial
news: but for the first time in his life
it did not interest him; he was think
ing of the young clerk and the heavy
sum of money that would be in his
possession should the London firm have
paid him. And Mary, reading her
fathers thoughts. felt panied ana
chilled by the slur cast on her lovers
honesty by his suspicions-her every
thought was denial to his DOUBTS
and as the rapid clatter of horse
feet rang out, she ran to the window.
sLuokw she said, dashing the cur
tains aside with an eager hand; "look'
look. papa, I said he would come-l
knew he would"
The merchants stern face relaxed
with a smile of pleasure: he was not
emotional or demonstrative. but bis
daughters gladness pleased him.
There were a few moments OF eA-
pectancy. and then Tom Lake came IN.
He went straight to Mr.. Brand, only
noticing with bow the lovely face
whose glance thrilled his soul.
"They have paid" he said quietly
as he placed thick pockethook in the
merchants hand, ''but l think. we were
only just in time
Indeed"
"There was consultation at the
bankers before could get the cash
for the check"
"Do you think they will break?'
"Hopelessly. They have given me
an immense order, but it would no;
be wise to forward the goods
''You did not hint that we had the
slightest fear?''
"No; but 1 was glad to get the
money. Twelve thousand pounds
would have been a heavy loss"
1T would have done me serious in
jury just now"
And yet" said Tom gravely, "this
morning the odds were considerabl!
against its ever reaching YOU
How
Tom took two chairs and placed then
side by side near the fire. led Mary tt
one. and seated himself in the other
He had done his duty as the ner
chants clerk, and now was Mr.. Brand
prospective son-in-law and partner.
II had an adventure" he said; Il wa
the hero of a strange story in ride b.
express"