Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1908-09-24

a. the last stroke the door or Jas
pers sickroon opened. and the conya-
lescent slowly entered the hall and
confronted his host.
The last week had wrought wonders
IN the man. He had rapidly recovered
flesh and vigor after his wounds were
healed.
As he entered, and his eyes met
those of Mr., Jordan, the latter felt
that messenger from Ezekiel Babb
stood before him, and that his money
was not forthcoming.
Well, sir? he said.
l am Jasper, the eldest son of Eze-
KEEL Babb, of Owlacombe in Buchfast-
leigh he said. My father borrowed
money Of you this day seventeen years
/, ago, and soIemnly swore on this day
to repay it.
'WeII?'
1t is not well. have not got the
money
A moan Of disappointment broke
from the heart of Ignatius Jordan,
then a spasm Of rage, such as might
seize on a mailman, transformed his
face; his eye blazed, and he sprang to
his feet and ran towards Jasper. The
latter keeping his eye on him, saiu
firmly, Listen to me, Mr.. Jordan.
Pray sit down again, and I will explain
to you why my father has not sent the
money.
Mr.. Jordan hesitated. His face Quiv-
cred. With his raised hand he would
have struck Jasper, but the compos-
ure Of the latter awed him. The par
OXysm passed and he sank into his
chair, and gave way to depression.
Ny father is q man of honor. He
gave you his word, and he intended to
keep it. He borrowed Of you a large
sum. and he laid it out in the purchase
of some land He has been fairly
prosperous. He saved money enough
to repay the debt, and perhaps more.
AS the time drew nigh for repayment
he took the sum required from the
bank notes, and locked them in his
bureau. Others knew of this. My
about the repayment, he resented hav-
ing to make it, complained that ne
would be reduced to great straits with
out it
The money was not his, but mine
I know that said Jasper, sorrow
fully. But my father has always
been what is termed a close man, has
thought much of money, and cannot
bear to part with it. I do not say that
this justffes, but it explains, his dis
satisfaction. He is an old man, and
becoming feeble, and clings through
force of habit to his money
Go on; nothing can justify him
"Others knew Of his money. One
fair. He did not return till the follow
ing day. During his absence his
bureau was broken open, and the
money stolen.
Was the thief not caught? Was
the money not recovered? asked Mr..
Jordan, trembling with excitement.
'"The money was IN part recovered
Where is tt?'
Listen to what follows. You asked
if the-the person who took the money
was caught. He was
rs he in prfson?'
The person who took the money
was caught. tried, and sent to jail.
When taken, some of the money was
found about him; he had not spent
it all What remained I was bringing
you
Give it me-
Z have not got it,
You have not got tt?'
NO, I have lost it.
Again did Mr.. Jordan start up in a
fit Of rage. He ground his teeth, and
the sweat broke out in drops on his
brow.
7 had the money with me when the
happened, and I was thrown
from my horse, and became uncon-
scious. It was lost or taken then
Who was your companion? He
must have robbea you
T charge no one. I alone am to
blame. The money was entrusted 20
by keeping
tn he nOntinupd