Camas Prairie chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1901-1917, 1908-11-20
CHAPTER XII.

be arg 80 uid Mr.. Drummond 80 read
lily deci, 1t 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 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
nonds was so uncommonly poor that he
did sometimes long for one Of the abun-
dant and well-cooked meals which he used
70 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
Bured by Walters friends in Willough-
by. Besides, it was just possible that
Walter might, after all, recover 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
cd, on entering Walters chamber. Sure
" you are not going to leave u.s."
II think it best" said Walter, quiet
h.
"You won't-ahem bear malice on &C
count of the little mistake l have made.
We are all liable to mistakes"
ut was something more than mis-
take, Mr.. Drummond. What had you
seen in me to justify you in such sud
den charge Of dishonestyr
"Well, Conrad, | was mistaken. / shall
be glad to have you come back to the
store as before"
THANK you, MIR. Drummond, but l
have decided to go back to Willoughby
tor a 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"
III you have made up your mind, all
I have to say is that my humbls dwelling
will be ever open to receive you in the
future, Perhaps, after short visit al
-FOUR old home you may feel inclined tc
Feturn to my employment, will give yop
/ dollar a week, besides board
Mr., prummond looked as If be fell
that this was magnificent offer, fol
which Walter ought to feel grateful. Blu
cur hero knew very well that he coulC
command better pay elsewhere, and wal
not particularly impressed. Still, he wish
cd to be polite,
Thank you for your offer, Mr.. Drum
nond," he said "but l am not prepares
10 say as yet, what l will do"
II hope,' said Mr.. Drummond, rathe
embarrassed, you won't speak of on
little difference to your friends in Wi
loughby."
mo, sir; not If you wish me not to d
Co."
BY this time the trunk was packed
and Walter, locking 1t, rose from hi
knees.
sdf 1t won't be too much trouble, NJ
Drummond," he said, II will send fc
my trunk tomorrow"
"Certainly. Why don't you wait ii
tomorrow yourself"
"As l am ready, l may as well tai
the afternoon train. ! will go down an
bid good-by to Mrs Drummond."
Mrs Drummond had just come fro
the kitchen She looked with surprise
Walter and her husband, whose presen
In the house at that hour was unusual.
"What is the matter2' she asked.
"Conrad is going home a short tin
On business" explained Mr.. Drummon
VI have offered him increased pay
he will return to the store. l hope
may decide to do Sc. Our humble 70
viii ever be ready to shelter him."
Just at that moment Joshua, unco
Wcious of the damaging discovery that h
been made relative to himself, enter
the room.
"Hello! what's up?" he asked.
It was the FIRST time his father had sc
him aimee the discovery Of his dishC
ssty, and his anger was kindled.
"You ought to be ashamed to show 20
face here. you young reprobate" he
claimed.
Joshua stared In amusement, and N
Drummond exclaimed, "WhAt makes }
talk so, Mr.. DrummOndf What has
aoneT
"What has he doner calculated
Drummond, adding, rather ungramatiC
II, "Hes a thief-that's what he's dc
1t would serve him right If should
hirn within ON inch of his life"
"If you try It," said Joshua, sullel
~I'n have you arrested for assault
battery"
'Take care, boy. or you may ind "
salt in custody for theft"
"What do all these dreadful We
mean?" asked Mrs. Drummond, distr
ed. Tell me, Walter, If you know"
al would rather Mr.. Drummond
formed you," said Walter.
all tell you. Mrs. Drummond,"
her husband ''That boy sold a shaw
fortnight ago, when alone in the ST
and pocketed the money"
"Who said did," asked Joshua,
n, though he looked q little pale.
'-The woman who bought 1t Of you
b the store to-day"
"Did she know my manner
SNo. buf she described Won.