Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-03-19
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CHAPTER XII


under the same roof with man who had
such 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 liy-
ing luxuriously, the fare at Mr.. Drum
monds was so uncommonly poor that he
did sometimes long for one of the album
dant and well-cooked meals which be 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 a 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 WiIlough-
by. Besides, it was just possible that
Walter might, after all, recover few
thousand dollars from his fathers estate,
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."
Il think it BEST" said Walter, quiet
ly.
You won't-ahem bear malice on &C
count of the little mistake | have made.
We are all liable to mistakes"
1T 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?''
We'll, Conrad, l was mistaken. l shall
be glad to have you come back to the
store as before"
Thank you, Mr.. Drummond but
have decided to go back to Willoughby
for short time. l want to consult Mr..
Shaw about the future. 1t is time
formed some plant, as shall probably
have to earn my living"
If you have made up your mind, all
have to say is that my humble dwelling
will be ever open to receive you in the
your old home, you may feel inclined to
return to my employment. 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 i am not prepared
TO say, as yet, what | will do"
Il hope" said Mr. Drummond, rather
embarrassed, you won't speak of our
little difference to your friends in Will
loughby."
No, 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. II will send for
my trunk tomorrow"
Certainly. Why don't you wait till
tomorrow yourself?"
AS | am ready, | may as well take
bid good-by to Mrs. Drummond."
Mrs. Drummond had just come from
the kitchen. She looked with surprise al
Walter and her husband, whose presence
in the house at that hour was unusual
What is the matter?" she asked.
Conrad is going home a short time
on business explained Mr. Drummond
Il have offered him increased pay il
he will return TO the store. | hope he
may decide to do SO. Our humble root
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 kindied.
you ought to be ashamed to show vour
face here, you young reprobate :" he ex.
claimed.
Joshua stared in amazement. and Mrs
Drummond exclaimed. What makes Won
talk SO, Mr.. Drummond? What has he
done?"
What has he done?' calculated Mr.
Drummond, adding. rather ungramaticaI
Is. Hes thief-that's what he's done
1t would serve him right if | should 40.
him within an inch of his life"
''If you try it," said Joshua. sullenIv
I'm 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 words
ed. Tell nue., Walter if you know"
Il would rather Mr.. Drummond in
formed you," said Walter.
an tell you. Mrs. Drummond." said
her husband. THAT boy sold shawl 8
fortnight ago, when alone in the store
and pocketed the money"
who said l did?" asked Joshua. bold
", though he looked q little pale.
THE woman who bought it of you was
IN the store to-day"
Did she know my name?"
NO: but she described YOU"
II remember now
What made you keep the money!"
Il didn't. l waited till Conrad came
Into the store, and gave the money "a
him. What be did with it. don't know
Perhaps he forgot to put it in the draw
err"
That's lie, Joshua Drummond :" saii
Walter, quietly ''and you know it is.
think your father knows it is also
DO you mean to say l lie?' blustere!
Joshua.
Il wouldn't if wasn't obliged to but
in my own defense l am compelled TO de
So"
What could l want of the money 2
demanded Joshua.
Il think you wanted the money to bu,
lottery tickets with" said Walter. calmly
TO buy lottery tickets with y
What does this mean, Joshua?" de
msnded his father. sternly.
Its lie,'' said Joshua, unblushingly
Can you prove this charge which yo,
have made against my SOM asked Mr.
0rummoud, turning to Walter.
Il can. but l am sorry to be obliged Il
do so. l picked up this letter a day o.
two since. and intended to give it back I,
Joshua, but it escaped my mind. l would
NOT have nxpnSaJ hin, ba bod NOT III