Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1906-10-24

suspect him, but she would have no
proofs.
The merchant debated the idea with
himself for two weeks before he adopt
ed Ii. In the store he gave no sign
that he was troubled. but the book
keeper was not deceived. She knew
What the profits were and she knew
who had a clutch on him. She even
interpreted the glances he east around
the store, and when she saw him add
ing to the litter In the closet she could
have told him his purpose.
One windy, rainy night, when there
was excuse for shutting up early. and
when only thirty days remained be
tween French and business ruin, he
made a preteXt TO be the last one out
and the candle was placed and lighted.
The young merchant went 10 his board
ing house and TO his room. and all he
had to do was wait
The wind rose and the rain fell more
heavily. and he was rejoiccd at the
thought that none of the villagers
would be on the street in such a storm.
Between midnight and / O'clock the
flames would start. When the alarm
was given people could only turn out
and look on with folded arms French
went to bed at the usual hour He
left nothing 10 chance He lay there
hour after hour thinking. scheming and
planning. 1t was close upon midn ght
when his other self came to the rescue.
The two personalities debated and ar
gued and fought The one self con
tended and the other protested.
After a quarter of an hour the mer-
chant arose and hurriedly began to
dress. He was pale faced and trem-
bling and frightened. He felt himself
n criminal and branded before the
world. Bankruptcy might come. he
might be fbrced to most mental employ
ment. the widow Allen might triumph
and he might lose the one he had
learned 20 love, but he would save the
store
The wind was blowing a gale and
the rain coming in sheets when he
stepped from the door and ran through
the mud and storm to the store. Not
even a Cog was in sight. AS he ran he
With shaking hands he inserted the key
in the door and pushed it open. There
was no smell of smoke. Striking a
match. he made his way TO the closet
The candle had been blown out hours
ago. 1t had not burned half an inch.
With a new fear at his heart the man
turned away and lighted a lamp and
leaned on the counter to think He
heard the rustic of garments and light
footsteps, and Miss Warder came out
OF the darkness and stood before him
and said:
"Mr. French, blew the candle out
long, long time ago.
"You-you found and blew II OUT
he gasped.
"Yes, and / have been waiting for
you to come"
Il was going to burn the store for
the insurance" he said, after a long
silence.
yes"
'''To pay the notes due that woman
in thirty days and save myself from
bankruptcy"
IL know"
But couldn't do it. l thought
could meant to-but | came here to
blow out the candle and save the store.
/ am Il ruined man, but | am not n
criminal except in intent"
Il knew you would come" said the
girl, with tears in her voice. 1T is
hard TO face ruin. but il is harder TO
face conscience Yesterday a lawyer
came to see mother. lie told her
she was one of the heirs TO large es-
tate. He brought papers for her TO
sign and within a month she will have
100000"
"Welly" queried French, MS he wiped
his brow and looked around the store.
"I-thought-tho
"You want to give me notice and
leave your place ut the end of the
week You viii go. of course, but
hope yuu will remember that | came
back 10 save the store. ! wanted tie
insurance money. but my conscience
wouldn't let me be criminal"
Il thought that If you wanted to take
in Il partner
but where can ! find one?''
IF you-you wanted TO take in
partner and pay M the notes and he
clear of that woman mother would
give me the money, and
lie saw her TO her home through the
storm aud darkness, and he did not
realize that the wind blew or the rain
fell or that he had to pick his steps.
He realized only that he held her hand
and that he had been saved from his
other self. His sign reads George
French" but there is silent partner
with him and behind him and daily
adding TO his happiness.
Rachel as Pbedre.
So [ saw Rachel Ii was one OF the