Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1907-03-05
CHAPTER XVI.

After hearing my grandfather's extra
ordinary story / was disposed to take a
more lenient view of the d. It he had
played in it than had been previously
presented to my mind. l did not for a
moment doubt that he had saved the
child's life; in relating that part of the
story his manner alone carried convic-
tion. And it seemed to me quite possible
that with the distorted views of right
and wrong which the ignorant owe to an
imperfect comprehension of religious in
struction imperfectly given, he really
looked upon himself as a benefactor to
poor Psyche in keeping her out of the
way of temptation and sin.
Speak out, sonny. if you've got any
questions Albumin in your mind" said
the old man, seeing that was not quite
satisfied. I'm prepared to answer any
question. Here am L. lookin' you straight
In the face"
How much money did you get for
that job?' / asked.
Il can't tell 'xactly how much. but
quite a lot"
"You must know how much your faith
ar gave you tor your share"
well, of and on, dussay he's give
me as much as fifty pounds"
And you managed to keep yourself
and the girl on that for twelve years
fits not quite two shillings a week"
But you forget how virtue is reward
ed here below, and what a lot l made
by reforming my ways, and signin'
pledges. and one thing and another"
But how about your father? He
has not reformed. You signifed that he
could raise aundred pounds to buy this
cottage Nov. il he gave you half, as
he promised"
IF! Why. you don't suppose he KEEP
his word, do YOUR
l was compelled to admit that this was
scarcely likely, and being stopped on this
line of inquiry l opened another.
What sort of man was it who gave
yor the child?' i asked.
He was a little, shortish kind OF
man" said my grandfather, shifting In
his chair, rather high-shouidered, with
red hair and a bottle nose
you spoke Of him in your narrative
as a gentleman"
well. sonny, what II did? Look at
Mr.. Meavers, the horse dealer: there's a
gent for you, and there's bottle nose 20
But you said the night was pitch
dark. How could you tell whether ne
had red hair or notT''
The old man continued 10 look at me
steadtsstly for another minute, but he
passed his tongue round his cheek and /
ssw that had him in a corner.
sonny. he said at len til, you see
me shit Just now. That was cause /
was telling huntrutA. l never see that
gent for the darkness, and If see him
again | shouldn't know him from Adam.
Only as you seemed to want such a lot
of particulars | tried for TO oblixe Won IS
/ felt that 1 had got as much truth
out of the cunning old fellow as I could
hope to get for the present. and | rose.
thinking of Psyche whom had left alone
In the cottage.
Barnard" said my grandfather rising
also, what are you going TO do?'
Find out the truth aboCt that poor
girl"
You can try certainly. and l wish you
l2ck. But look here, I'm goin' 20 give
you word of advice. don't know what
you're done with the young 'un, and
only hope you are TAXI as much care OF
her as what l took. Sizes got TO be tool
care of and In more ways than one" He
spoke impressively, and with genuine
esrnestness- You're got TO keep a watch
ful eye on her, for fear she don't take
and alp through Jour Earer< You're