Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1915-04-02
FOR HER SWEET SAKE
BY FRANK EVANS.

allied that something was wrong with
Van Loeuw's methods. On the SEQ
ond day he was sure of it.
Van Loeuw and he had entered the
bank within a week of each other.
Van Loeuw was a college graduate,
while Tom was only the son of coun.
try storekeeper. That ought not to
make any difference worth noticing in
America, but everyone knows 1t does,
especially in large country towns like
Roxbury.
1t made this difference in particu.
lar: Van Loeuw was privileged to
call on Mildred Lesson, the presidents
daughter, to dine at her house and
take her driving In the automobile he
owned. Whereas, Tom Graves, who
had, in his boyhood, often served Miss
Mildred behind the counter of his ia
Tiers store, could scarcely gather up
his courage to look like an ordinary
man when she bowed to him in the
street; and then, seeing his confusion,
Mildred would smile again, in a kind
ly way, which Tom usuallyomissed, be-
cause his eyes were on the ground.
Everybody said that Tom was of
the kind that are born to be drudges
and to work for men like Van Loeuw.
Van Loeuw never doubted that he
was destined to marry Mildred and
step into her fathers shoes. He told
Tom about it.
when I'm president of the bank I'll
take care of you, Tom," he said. .'Ill
see that you get a better job"
Tom would swallow his feelings
then and turn to his books.
Now, it was a fact that something
was seriously wrong. Tom soon dis
covered that it was not a mistake, to
be picked up and rectified with few
hours of extra work. After two weeks
of night work he traced back the error
to something that had begun two
years before. In short, there was a
defalcation of $4,000, and the man
who was responsible for 1t had hidden
his trail beneath the cleverest and
most intricate system that any thief
had ever devised.
Two years ago! That was when
Van Loeuw bought his automobile!
But Tom did not think of that He
resolved to tell Van Loeuw of his dis
covery- and ask his advice. He did
so, and when he saw the CHASTITY pal
lor upon the mans face the hideous
suspicion came home to him.
Tom, I'll see you at your place to-
night" said Van Loeuw. Il want
to speak to you"
Van Loeuw came into Toms room
at eight o'clock and flung himself down
in a chair.
What did you want to NEEDLE with
the books for?" he began angrily.
IT'S no confounded business Of
yours"
Perhaps not" admitted Tom. But
I know it now, and I've got to go to
Lesson"
Il tell you l can pay it back, !"
snarled Van Loeuw.
"No," answered Tom. I'll have to
go to Leeson-unless you do"
Van Loeuw rose up, ashen white.
my God" he cried, what will be-
come of Mildred? Don't you know
she thinks the world of me?"
Tom sank down again, whittier than
the other man. Yes, he knew she did.
When at last he spoke there was an
air Of unusual decision about him.
ivan Loeuw," he said, IF take the
blame for this, will you swear always
to run straight in future? It doesn't
matter to me, you know. For Miss
Lessons sake"
You'll say you stole the money!"
cried Van Loeuw, incredulously.
tom always knew you were as true
as steel And I'll make it worth your
while"
Good night" said Tom, coldly.
He went into Mr.. Lessons office the
following morning. Van Loeuw had
not appeared at the bank, and he was
forced to close the cage when he went
out. Fortunately, depositors were few
in the first hours of morning.
"Ah, Graves, was going to send
for you" said the bank president, ris-
ing. I'VE have made an unfortunate
discovery"
Yes answered Tom. 81 wish to
inform you, sir, that l have embez
zled $4,000 of the banks funds"
The door opened and woman
came in. Tom started as he saw NIL
dred. This made 1t doubly hard. But
he was prepared to play his part to
the end now
Mildred, will you come here a mo
ment?" asked Mr. Lesson, to Toms
amazement. please sit down. Mr.
Graves has just been informing me
that a serious embezzlement of bank
funds Is to be placed to his discredit
Papa" began the girl, and Ton
saw that her face was drawn and
white, and her eyes red.
you are sure of your statements
Graves?" inquired Mr.. Lesson, turn
Ing to Tom.
Il should hardly have come here Il
! were not" answered Tom angrily.
"It 10 Varv ctrauuap caid thu