Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-03-12

Though not inclined TO judge others dIy
TOO charitably, he had never suspected
Walter of dishonesty
Are you sure you looked back far
enough" lie asked.
Yes said Nichols; ito make sure,
looked back four weeks. The woman said
only a fortnight. you know"
Il know. Then it seems Conrad Eas
concealed the sale and kept the money
Perhaps" suggested Nichols. Nho
rather liked Walter. The forgot to put it
down"
IF he did. be forgot to put the money
in the drawer. for the cash and the sales
Lave always balanced. He's an migrate
full young rascal" continued Mr.. Drum
mond, harshly After l took him into
my house and treated him as a som
this was not saying much. if Joshua he
believed-''he has robbed me in the most
coid-blooded manner"
Nichols was astonished by the evidence
against our hero. He did not like TO
think him guilty. but it certainly seemed
as il he must be.
What are you going TO do about 1t.
Mr. Drummond?" he asked.
Il suppose | ought to have him arrest
| cd He deserves it.
Il hope you won't do that. He may be
able to explain it."
"If I do not proceed TO eXtremities. it
will be on account of his relationship,
which l blush to acknowledge"
The time had been. and that not long
since when Mr.. Drummond felt proud of
his relationship to the rich Squire Con
rad, of Willoughby; but that was before
his loss of property. Circumstances al
ter cases. Quite unconscious of the storm
that was gathering, Walter at this mo-
ment entered the store.
so you've got back?" said Mr.. Drum
mend. harshly. You haven't been in
any particular hurry. However, that was
not what | wished to speak to you about.
We have made discovery since you went
out, and not a very agreeable one"
Il am sorry for that" said Walter. not
knowing what else was expected of him.
NO doubt you are sorry" sneered Mr..
Drummond Il should think he would be.
eb Mr. Nichols:"
Il am sorry also" said Nichols, who,
though rather weak-minded. was a good
hearted young man.
| 80 am sorry. Sdlu VII.
''lf strikes me | have most reason to be
sorry considering that the loss has fallen
on me. | have discovered how you have
repaid me for my kindness. You didn't
think | would find out, but your iniquity
has providentially come to light"
| Il don't know what you are talking
about. Mr. Drummond," said Walter, i'm
patiently. Il wish you would stop talk
ing in riddles"
Did you ever witness such brazen ef-
! frontery. Mr.. Nichols?" demanded Mr.
| Drummond turning to his head salesman :;
even when he is found out he brazens it
out"
Wouldn't it be as we'll to tell him
what is the matter. Mr.. Drummond?"
asked Nichols. who was in hopes orr
hero would be able to prove his innocence
ITO come to the point, did you, or did
you not, a fortnight since, sell one Of
those shawIs, such as you see on the COIN
ter, for five dollarsf"
Il did not" said Walter, promptly.
ut might not have been exactly a fort
night. Have you sold such a shawl with
in four weeks?'
| 4 have not sold such shawl since
have been in your employ, Mr.. Drum
m0nd."
You hear what he says, Mr.. Nichols -
said Mr. Drummoud. You see how he
adds falsehood to dishonesty. But that
is not uncommon. 1t is only what | ex-
pected. Do you mean to say, Walter Con
rad that you didn't sell such a shawl
for five dollars-only half price-and, in
ctn IF ho
into your own pocket?"
Il do deny it most emphatically, Mr..
Drummond," said Walter impetuously,
land l challenge you to prove it"
Il shall soon be able to prove it," said
| Mr.. Drummond. The lady who bought
the shawl came into the store half an
hour since. and asked for another When
| told her that it would cost ten dollars,
she said she only paid five for the one
she had on. She then told us that she
bought it of you fortnight since"
There is some mistake about this. Mr.
Drummond. She has made a mistake
She must have bought it somewhere else
she would not be likely to make such
a mistake as this. Besides. the shawl is
like others | have. How do you account
for that?" queried Mr.. Drummond, tri-
umphantly.
Il don't pretend to account for it. and
don't feel called upon to do so. All
have got to say is that | did not sell the
shawl, nor pocket the none"
Mr.. Drummond. the ladies have re-
turned" said Nichols
AHA :" said his employer. with exul-
tation. Now we will be able to prove
your guilt, you young rascal. Here is
the lady who bought the shawl of YOU"
Mrs. Blake and her friend, Mrs. Spicer,
here entered the store. Mr.. Drummond
went forward to meet them. His face
flushed, but he tried to look composed.
Il am glad to see you back, ladies'" he
said. You told me that you bought your
shawl of boy?" turning to Mrs. Blake.
YES, sir"
Come forward, Conrad" said Mr..
Drummond, a malignant smile overspread-
ing his face. Perhaps you will deny
now, to this lady's face fithat you sold
her the shawl she has on
Il certainly do" said Walter. Il new
er. to my knowledge, saw the lady before.
and | know that l did not sell her the
shawl
What do you think of that, Mr.. Mich
ols?" said Mr.. Drummond. Did you ever
witness such unblushing falsehood?"
But here she'll was thrown into Mr.
Drummonds camp by Mrs. Blake her
self.
The boy is perfectly right" she said.
II did not buy the shawl of him.
Didn't you say you bought the shawl
of the boy?" asked Mr.. Drummond, with
a sickly hue of disappointment over
spreading his face.
Yes; but it was not that boy. Come
to think of it. / believe it was your son,
said Mrs. Blake. Isn't he a little older
than this boy?'
My son-Joshua ~ exclaimed Mr..
Drummond.
ives, | think it must be he. Hes got
rather an old-looking face, with freckles
and reddish hair; isn't so good-looking as
this boy
Joshua :" repeated Mr.. Drummond, be-
wildered. lie doesn't tend in the store.
1T was about dinner time" said Mrs.