Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1908-08-07
CHAPTER MI.


and outraged by the unfounded charge
that had been made against him. Why,
he argued, should Mr.. Drummond so read
lily 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 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 wel-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.. 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 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
ed, on entering Walters chamber. Sure
ly you are not going to leave us"
Il think it best" said Walter, quiet
ly.
you won't--ahem bear malice on ac-
count OF the little mistake | have made.
We are all liable to mistakes"
1T was something more than mis-
take, Mr.. Drummond. What had you
seen in me to justify you in such a sud
den charge of disbonesty?n
well, Conrad. | was mistaken. shall
be glad to have you come back to the
store as before
THANK you. Mr.. Drummond but
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 | 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 short visit at
oll 60 tn
return to my employment. | will give you
a dollar a 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 | 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 dc
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, l may as well take
the afternoon train. l will go down ant
bid good-by to Mrs. Drummond."
Mrs. Drummond had just come from
the kitchen She looked with surprise al
Walter and her husband, whose presenc,
in the house at that hour was unusual.
'What is the matter?' she asked.
"Conrad is going home short tim'
on business" explained Mr.. Drummond
~ have offered him increased pay i
he will return to the store. l hope h,
may decide to do so. Our humble roo
will ever be ready to shelter him."
Just at that moment Joshua, uncon
scious of the damaging discovery that hat
been made relative to himself, entered
the room.
Hello what's up?" he asked
1t was the first time his father had seel
him since the discovery of his dishon
esty, and his anger was kindled.
you ought to be ashamed to show you
face here, you young reprobate" he ex
claimed.
Joshua stared in amazement, and Mrs
Drummond exclaimed, what makes yo
talk so, Mr.. Drummond? What has h
done?"
"What has he done" calculated MI
Drummond, adding, rather ungramatical
ly, "He's thief-that's what he's done
1t would serve him right If 1 should flo
him within an inch of his life"
IF you try it," said Joshua, sullenly
am have you arrested for assault an
battery"
'Take care, boy, or you may find youl
self in custody for theft"
"What do all these dreadful word