Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1912-05-13

with no possibility Of anything being
saved. The Widow Allen alone might
suspect him. but she would have no
proofs
The merchant debated the idea with
himself for two weeks before he adopt
ed it. In the store he gave no sign
that he was troubled, but the book
keeper was not deceived. She knew
what the profits were, and she knew
who had clutch on him. She even
interpreted the chances he cast around
the store. and when she saw him add
ing to the litter in the closet she could
have told him his purpose.
one windy, rainy night when there
was excuse for shutting up early ann
when only thirty days remained he
tween French and business ruin. he
made preicXt to be the last one out.
ana the candle WIS placed ana lighted
The young merchant went 10 his hoarG
had to do was wait
The wind rose and the rain fell Eio,t
heavily, ANA he WAS rpioiccd ut the
thought that none of the Villagers
would be on the street in such Storm
Between midnight and O'Clock tic
flames would start iWhcn the alarm
was given people could only turn on,
ana took on with folded arms French
went to bed ut the usual hour. He Jeff
nothing to chance. He lay there hour
after hour thinking, scheming ana
planning. 1t WAS close upon midii-nt
when his other self came to the rescue
The two personalities debated and ar
lucd and fought The one self CON
tended and The other protested
After quarter Of an hour the MGR
chant arose and hurriedly began to
dress. He was pale faced and Irem
bling and frightened He felt himself 70
criminal and branded before the world
Bankruptcy might come. he might he
forced to most mcniul cinp,uymrnt. the
widow Allen miAht triumph and he
might lose the one hp had learned tc
love. but he Wuuil save the store
The wind was h'oWm@ gale and the
rain coming if sheets when hp stepped
from the door ana ran through thp mu5
and storm to the store Not even q dog
WAS in sight As he ran he prayed
that he might not he too late. With
shaking hands he inserted the key in
the door and pushed it open There
was no smell of smoke Striking Il
match, lie made his way to the closet
The candle had been blown out hours
ago 1t had not burned half an inch
Win new fear at his heart the man
turned away and lighted lamp and
leaned on the counter to think I!r
heard the rustic Of garments and ligh.
Footsteps. Hud Mss WHflel came cut
If the dJri'nrSS and stood before him
and s"il-
"Nr Irpnca. hirW the candle ont
p iana. lou@ fimr a"o"
"Nou--you found aAd blew it out" h"
sasp"d
res SUI nave ueHN NdilIG i"'
You to come
II was gong TO bUrn tAe store Tor
the insurance. he SAID alter loN-
silence
YES.
10 pay the notes cue mat woman
IN thirty days ana save myselT from
oahkrup'cy
Il Know.
bht con'dh 90 IT, thon%ht /
could meant to-put | came mere 10
blow out the candle and save the store
! am ruined man. but | am not Il
criminal except III intent
i knew you would come sald the
girl. with tears in her voice 1T Is
hard to face rum but 1t Is harder to
face conscience Yesterday lawyer
came to see mother lie told her she
was one of the heirs to large estate.
He brought papers for her to sign. and
within month she will have 0000."
"Well:' queried French as he wiped
Observation-Disclosures
4Uu nu..5 ~ h.,v