The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1907-01-23

The merchant debated the idea with
himself for two weeks before he adopt
ed it. In tie store he gave no sign
that he was troubled, but the booE-
keeper was not deceived. She knew
what the profits were, and she knew
who had q clutch on him. She even
interpreted the glances he cast 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 to bis 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 rejoiced at tho
thought that none Of the vil1asers
would be on the street in such storm.
Between midnight and / o'clock the
flames would start. When the alarm
was given people could unly turn out
and look ON with folded arms. French
went to bed at the usual hour. He
left nothing to chance. he lay there
hour after hour thinking, schemieg and
planning. It was close upon midnight
when his other self came to the rescue.
The two personalities debated and ar
gued and fought. The one self COD
tended and the other protested.
After 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
a criminal and branded befo7e the
world. Bankruptcy might come, he
might be forced to most menial employ
ment, the widow Allen might triumph
and he might lose the one he had
learned to 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 dog was in sight. AS he ran be
prayed that he might not be too late.
With shaking hands he inserted the key
in the door and pushed it open. There
was no small Of smoke. Striking a
match, he made his way to the closet.
The candle bad been blown out hours
ago. It had rot burned half an inch.
With new fear at his heart the man
turned away and lighted 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:
'Nr. French, I blew the candle out
a long, long tire ago.
"You-you found and blew it out"
he gasped.
eyes, and I have been waiting for
you to come"
II was going to burn the store for
the insurance" he said, after long
silence.
"Yes."
ITO pay the notes due that woman
in thirty days. and save myself from
bankruptcy"
II know
'.But I couldn't do it. I thought
could-I meant to-but came here to
blow out the candle and save the store.
I am q ruined man, but am not a
criminal except in intent
Il knew you would come" said the
girl, with tears in her voice. 1T is
hard to face ruin, but it is harder to
face conscience. Yesterday q lawyer
came to see mother. He told her
she was one Of the heirs to large es-
tate. He brought papers for Eer to
sign, and within month she will have
$4,000"
sWellr' queried French, as he wiped
his brow and looked around the store.
"I-thought-tho
"You want to give me notice and
leave your place at the end of the
week. You will 60, Of course. but
hope you will remember that I came
back to save the store. I wanted tie
insurance money, but my conscience
wouldn't let me be a criminal"
"I thought that II yon wanted to take
in partner
"But where can I find one:'
IF you-you wanted to take in a
partner and pay up the notes and be
clear Of that woman mother would
give me the money, and
He saw her to her home through the
storm and 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 q silent partner
with him and behind him and daily
adding to his happiness.