The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1908-06-20
CHAPTER XII.

and outraged Dy the uHAounueu SuuI b
that had been made against him. Why,
he argued, should Mr.. Drummond so read
ily decide that he had cheated him out OF
five dollars? He felt that he could not,
with any self-respect, remain any longer
under the same roof with a man who had
such a poor opinion of him.
He was not sorry that his engagement
was at an end He had obtained some
knowledge of the dry goods business, and
he knew that his services were worth
more than his board. Then, again,
though he was not particular about liv-
ing luxuriously, the fare at Mr.. Drum
mond's was SO uncommonly poor that he
did sometimes long for one of the album
dant and well-cooked meals which he used
to have spread before him at home, or
even at his boarding house while a pupil
of the Essex Classical Institute. He was
packing his trunk, when step was heard
on the stairs, and his door was opened by
Mr.. Drummond, considerably to Walters
surprise.
The fact is that Mr.. Drummond, on
realizing what mistake he had made,
and that Joshua was the real culprit, felt
that he had gone altogether too far, and
he realized that he would be severely CEN
sured by Walters friends in Willough-
by. Besides, it was just possible that
Walter might, after all, recover a few
thousand dollars from his fathers estate,
and therefore it was better to be on good
terms with him. Mr.. Drummond deter
mined, therefore, to conciliate Walter, and
induce him, if possible, to remain in his
house and employ.
what are you doing, Conrad?" he ask
ed, on entering Walters chamber. Sure
ly you are not going to leave u.s."
II think it BEST" said Walter, quiet
ly.
"You won't-ahem bear malice on ac-
count of the little mistake I have made.
I'VE are all liable to mistakes"
ut was something more than a mis-
take, Mr.. Drummond. What had you
seen in me to justify you in such sud-
den charge of dishonesty?'
SWELL, Conrad, l was mistaken. shall
be glad to have you come back to the
store as before"
"Thank you. Mr.. Drummond, but l
have decided to 60 back to Willoughby
for short time. l want to consult Mr..
Shaw about the future. 1t is time
formed some plant, as I shall probably
have to earn my living"
IF you have made up your mind, all
I have to say is that my humble dwelling
will be ever open to receive you in the
future. Perhaps, after a short visit at
your old home you may feel inclined to
return to my employment. l will give you
dollar week, besides board"
Mr.. Drummond looked as if he felt
that this was a magnificent offer, for
which Walter ought to feel grateful. But
our hero knew very we'll that he could
command better pay elsewhere, and was
not particularly impressed. Still, he wish
ed to be polite
Thank you for your offer, Mr.. Drum
mond," he said; "but am not prepared
to say, as yet, what will do"
II hope said Mr. Drummond, rather
little difference to your friends in Will
loughby."
mo, sir; not if you wish me not to do
So"
By this time the trunk was packed,
and Walter, locking it, rose from his
knees.
IF it won't be too much trouble, Mr..
Drummond," he said, Il will send for
my trunk tomorrow"
Certainly. Why don't you wait till
tomorrow yourself?"
AS am ready, may as well take
the afternoon train. 1 will go, down and
bid good-by to Mrs. Drummond."
Mrs. Drummond had just come from
the kitchen. She looked with surprise at
Walter and her husband, whose presence
In the house at that hour was unusual.
What is the matter?" she, asked.
Conrad is going home short time
on business" explained Mr.. Drummond.
Il have offered him increased pay if
he will return to the store. hope he
may decide to do SO. Our humble roof
will ever be ready to shelter him."
just at that moment Joshua, uncon-
scious of the damaging discovery that had
been made relative to himself, entered
the room.
Hello! what's up?" he asked.
1t was the first time his father had seen
him since the discovery of his dishon-
esty. and his anger was kindled.
"You ought to be ashamed to show your
face here, you young reprobate I" he ex-
claimed.
Joshua stared in amusement. and Mrs.
Drummond exclaimed. what makes you
talk SO, Mr.. Drummond? What has he
done?"
what has he doneT' CALCULATED Mr..
Drummond, adding, rather ungramatical-
ly, Hes thief-that's what he's done.
1t would serve him right IL should fios
him within an inch of his life."
If you try it," said Joshua, sullenlv.
I'll have you arrested for assault and
battery"
take care, boy. or you may find your
self in custody for theft"
What do all these dreadful word,
mean?" asked Mrs. Drummond, distress
ed. Tell me, Walter, if you know"
Il would rather Mr.. Drummond In
formed you," said Walter.
"Ill tell you. Mrs. Drummond. said
her husband. THAT boy sold a shawl q
fortnight ago. when alone in the store
and spocketed the money
who said I did?" asked Josbue ho,d.