The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1911-02-23

~, the blush in her fresh
young cheeks equaling the
pink Of the roses in her hat
She thanked him for awaiting her, re,
turn, and she and her father seated
themselves on the sofa, the ex-convict
standing before them.
. It was Mr.. Lane who began to lead
the conversation to serious point.
"Mr. Randall-my daughter tells me
that is the name you gave her,"
THAT Is my name, sir"
"Well. Mr.. Randall, I am not going
to ask questions. | presume no one
wishes to forget the past more than
you. l am going to explain situa.
ton to you and offer you employ,
ment."
while thank you l could not &C,
cept any position at your hands or
your daughters" answered Valentine
ut is better that started without as
distance and procured employment
with total strangers"
""But, Mr.. Randall" began the girl.
The father continued:
~ think you are wrong, Mr.. Ran.
dali. l understand perfectly the spiri
which prompts you to take this stand
Still, think you are wrong. Won't
you let me explain fully?"
"With pleasure, SIR
"First we know or think we know
the one thing against you. We be
ueve, while knowing this, that you
are trustworthy. l am the president
Of the Fourth National bank of Spring
field"
"Springfeld, Massachusetts" eX.
claimed Valentine excitedly and turn
ing away his face to hide the signs of
the shock the name gave him.
"No; Illinois," responded the banker
A relieved expression came over Val.
entine's face.
Il own 80 per cent of the stock, my
daughter 49," resumed the banker. III
Is her wish. to which l assent, that
take you into the bank as an en-
ployee." .. ~5 r...-.."w...
Valentine could hardly believe that
he was hearing Alright. That bank.
.r should offer newly released con-
Wet a position in his establishment
was astounding.
But. Mr.. Lane he began protest
1hgly. But Mr. Lane again spoke.
zone moment, please. You will get
q rather small salary to begin with,
but as you learn the business-I un.
lerstand you are an Accountant"
Twas for 2 tims-yes, str" esq
'"That will make. your Advancement
rapid, presuming, Of. course"- The
banker raised his eyes significantly.
II understand, sir" ~
Rose leaned forward eagerly.
"And, don't you see, in year OF
two she began, but her father III.
terrupted.
"And this also ! wish you to con.
S1der, Mr. Randall: In this position
your past cannot affect you. | mean
BY that, since we know all, only your
future concerns u.s.
"You are very generous, but
Rose again addressed Valentine.
wont you in some way allow us
the chance to repay the kindness you
once did me? l want you to come.
You accept?"
The other considered for a moment.
Finally he made UP his mind.
with the deepest thanks" he re-.
piled feelingly.
I'VE are leaving now. shall ex-
pect you to report when?' asked the
father
within week"
THAT is entirely satisfactory"
Rose arose with her father and
stepped close to Valentine, extending
q dainty gloved hand.
Il shall look forward to seeing you
she said in a low voice
The ex-prisoner gazed steadily into
her eyes.
Il can only thank you" he muir,
INJURED.
"Goodby, sir until next week.
spoke the, banker.
II shall try my best to make you
glad Of this" responded Valentine, his
manner evidencing the gratefulness
that welled within him as well as the
earnestness Of his desire to build anew
the life that he had so nearly wrecked.