Troy weekly news. (Troy, Idaho) 1897-1933, 1908-11-13
CHAPTER XII

Walter went up to his room, and hast
ffy packed his trunk He felt wronged
and outraged by the unfounded charge
that had been made against him Why,
he argued, should Mr.. Drummond so read
Ny decide that he had cheated him out of
Ave dollars? He felt that he could not,
with any self-respect, remain any longer
under the same roof with a 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 liv-
hog luxuriously. the fare at Mr.. Drum
nsond's was so uncommonly poor that he
did sometimes long for one of the abun-
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 a step was heard
ON the stairs, and his door was opened by
Mr.. Drummoad. considerably to Walters
ssrprise.
The fact Is that Mr.. Drumnond, on
reslisisG what q mistake he had made,
and that Joshua was the real culprit, felt
that hs had gone altogether too far, and
ne realized that he would be severely cen
sured b. Walters friends In willeugh-
~. Besides, it was just possible that
wsltor might, after all, recover few
thousand dollars from his fathers estate,
and therefore 1t was better to be on good
terns with him. Mr.. Drummond deter
nained. therefore. to conciliate Walter, and
induce him, If possible, to remain in his
house and employ.
What are you doing, Conrad7" he ask
ed. on catering Walters chamber. Sure
" yos arc not going to leave u.s.
II think it best" said Walter, quiet
".
You won't--ahem bear malice on &C
count of the little mistake have made.
We 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 a sud-
den charge of dishonesty"
We'll, Conrad l was mistaken. / shall
be glad to have you come back to the
store az 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 l 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
future. Perhaps, after a short visit at
your old home, you may feel inclined to
return to my employment. will give you
q dollar week, besides board"
. Mr.. Drummond looked as If he felt
that this was magnificent offer, for
which Walter ought to feel grateful. But
our hero knew very well 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 l am not prepared
to say, as yet, what I will do"
II hope" said Mr.. Drummond, rather
embarrassed, you won't speak of our
little difference to your friends In Will
ioughby."
mo, sir; not IL you wish nae not to do
So"
By this time the trunk was packed,
and Walter, locking 1t, rose from his
knees.
'If it won't be too much trouble, Mr..
Drummond," he said, 81 will send for
my trunk tomorrow"
Certainly. why don't you walt till
tomorrow yourself?"
"As am ready, 1 may as we'll take
the afternoon train. l will 60 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
N the house at that hour was unusual.
what is the matter?" she asked.
Conrad is going home short time
on business" explained Mr.. Drummond.
81 have offered him increased pay If
he will return to the store. l 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 bad
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-
ssty, and his anger was kindled.
"You ought to be ashamed to show your
face here, you young reprobate r. he ex-
claimed.
Joshua stared In amazement, and Mrs.
Drummond exclaimed, what makes you
talk 50. Mr.. Drummond? What has he
donef-
what has he done7' calculated Mr..
Drummond, adding, rather ungramatical-
- - Il. 4.