The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1913-12-10

cate with her. She gave him her
name, Alice Deane. and her address.
When Hampton was reached Mr.. Meri-
weather handed Miss Deane or the
train, and they parted The next day
the former received from the latter the
amount he had expended for her ticket.
Within week Mr.. Meriweather
wrote Miss Deane that he had seen the
man who sat beside her In the sta
ton, had Swallowed hAl and learned
where he lived Should he have the
fellow arrested? Miss Deane replied
that II Mr.. Meriweather could induce
the thief to return sample of ribbon
there was In the pocketbook he was
welcome to the rest of the contents.
The next day Mr.. Meriweather rang
the doorbell Of Miss Deane's home
and sent up his card. She came down
to receive him becomingly dressed, and
as she entered the room he held out
the missing sample. She received 1t
with some surprise.
80 the man who stole my portemon-
naie." she said. was he who sat be-
side me in the stationT'
"He was"
And he was quite willing. suppose,
to give up the sample on condition that
he might keep the other things"
"Yes."
THAT was very nice Of him."
'Was there anything else in the
portemonnaie that you especially de-
SIRE"
mo; there were only the money.
few addresses and the samples. The
addresses l know. and the other sam
pies don't care for"
THE fellow seems quite willing to
return everything except the money.
He seems to have admired you"
"And yet lie stole my portemonnaiew
"You are wrong In permitting him to
go free: you are encouraging vice"
"Do you really think so?"
IL do. indeed. / consider it my duty.
being cognizant of his criminal act, to
inform the police of it."
"And would he have to go to jail?
She raised her eyes to Meriweather's
pityingiy. He would have liked to
take her in his arms and confess that
he was chatting her. but that time had
not yet come.
Eyes: he would have to go to jail.
and that would surely make a criminal
of him for life"
Don't do it,"
How would it do for him to come to
you, confess his crime, restore the
other articles and throw himself ON
your mercy? You could tell him how
wicked he had been and picture to him
his end If he continued in crime. Then
you could forgive him, and he might
hereafter live blameless life"
II think that would do very nicely.
1t would be infinitely preferable to
sending him to Jail"
Mr.. Meriweather left after a two
hours visit, promising to propose the
plan he had suggested to the thief and
ask II he would consent to make resti-
tuition and ask forgiveness. Miss
Deane would be advised Of the result.
A few days later Mr.. Meriweather
called and handed Miss Deane the
money that had been lost with her
portemonnaie. saying that the heart of
the thief was slowly softening and he
thought that If he could be taken I'M
der her influence he might yet make
man of himself. There was another
two hours chat. after which Mr.. Meri-
weather departed. intimating that he
expected the next time he came to
bring the penitent with him.
Nevertheless it required several
more calls. each lasting from two to
three hours. before the gentleman as
sured the lady that the criminal was
ready to confess his fault and ask for
giveness.
Meanwhile, rs may be supposed. 9th
er matters than this proposed reforma-
ton engaged Mr.. Meriweather and
Miss Deane. In fact one evening aft
er a visit that was prolonged till mid
night Miss Deane consented that Mr..
Meriweather should go to her father to
ask for her hand The sutton. being
an estimable gentleman. and good
catch. received the required consent.
and the couple became duly engaged.
A short time after the betrothal Mr..
announced to his fiancee
that the next evening the penitent thief |
would call upon her to restore the pe-
mainder of the stolen property. listen
to a lecture on his dishonesty and re-
ceive her forgiveness. When the ap- |
pointed time came round there was a
ring at the doorbell. and man In an
ulster. wearing heavy beard and
glasses. was admitted to the Deane res
idence. Miss Deane came down. and
the stranger in broken voice said:
Pardon me for miserable sinner"
He bowed his head and waited.
II have been told that this is your |
first criminal act" said the girl. land
! sincerely hope that 1t will prove
your last. You may have u sweet
heart. and think how glad you will
make her by your reformation. You
are forgiven"