Norwich bulletin., 1912-05-11
Walter Latham'S Temptation

when he expressed his scruples to Herbert. the answer was not what he desired to hear.
 What if 1t should turn out a fraud" argued Herbert, you and l will be out of it by that time, and our money secured. What do we care for the others? Let them look out for them selves It is none of our affair"
 A great temptation, it was true, the enterprise had proven, but his stern integrity came to the front when the time for decision arrived. Nc" he thought, I've always been able so far to look every one in the face with clear conscience, and l will continue to do so. Better be content with a small income honestly earned than to be unable to defend myself if accused of over reaching others in my desire to benefit myself"
 So he refused outright to take any part in the enterprise. Herbert Wood worth ridiculed him for his scruples and told him he would never be any thing better than a mere counter jumper, but he could have his choice, though he would have been glad to help him if he would accept the offer.
 When Walter told his wife of his decision, she agreed with him and averred she would even prefer poverty to any help from Herbert Woodwork. "I cannot help distrusting the man, she said, land am sure he can not be relied upon in any way.
 Not many days after Walter ce- cision, Herbert Woodwork left tke city, and soon afterwards su,nmons came to Walter from the heal of the firm in whose employ he was, to come to the office at the close of the day. Waiter wondered what might be iI; store for him, but anSyFered the sIm- mons promptly. He soon learned that only good news awaited him tho C. "N e have watched your career for some time,'' said uis employer" cnd are pleased with the faithful service you have given us. Also we have noted the conclusion of the affair be- tween you and Woodwork. We feel sure you are wise to decide as you did, for we know something of Wood worth's schemes and how they have turned out. The manager of your de- | partment is about to leave, and you may take his place if you wish. You know perhaps, that 1t will double your salary, but we feel that in youl case, the advance is fully merited, and l we are to be congratulated in youl | taking the appointment on those terms | Let us know your decision tomorrow ! Your duties will begin immediately or | your acceptance.
 Expressing his thanks in a few words, Walter hastened home to con. f1de in Bessie as his surest adviser and both felt that the reward of we'll doing was finally achieved. Needless tt say he accepted the position and st gained the confidence of the firm tha he continued to rise till at last he be came junior partner in the firm itself Meantime, what became of Herber | Woodwork? For a time he apparent I ly succeeded, but then rumors came O over-reaching, and men began to dis
 trust him more and more, and at las came a crash which brought him t ruin in both purse and reputation '' am glad 1 decided to be honest.
 Walter said to his wife, in telling he
 the news concerning Herbert
 Shakespeare told us years ago anl
 the truth still holds, ITO thine own
 self be true, and it will follow as nigh
 follows day, thou canst not then b
 false to any man."
 AN IDLER,