The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1916-07-22

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Father McDevitt. rose from his chair,
switched loft the: electric lights and
went down stairs.
When he entered the. reception room
a tall, welldressed young man rose to
his feet and greeted him with a smile.
You wanted to see me-" said the
priest, giving his visitor. a quick
glance.
YES" the other replied, eff you can
spare me few moments should like
to speak. to you on an important mat
ter -.-s... ...s.
"a book agent" thought Father Nc
Dewitt, hurried1y. appraising the new
conner in his own mind. So he asked
tentatively, DO you wish. to sell me
anything?" HI
The young man shook his head.
ooh, no, Father. the latter replied
with smile, my business is of quite
a different nature altogether" Then
suddenly the expression on his face
changed and he became very grave
Il want to speak to you on a matter OF
restitution, ne said.
every WE'LL said Father McDevitt
pointing to a chair that stood beside
the table, please sit down." Then
closing the door behind him, he drew
over a chair to the opposite side of the
table. and sat down himself.
Now, what. is your trouble?" asked
Father .McDevitt as soon as they were
both seated, He looked his visitor
squarely in the face.
The latter, however, seemed in no
hurry. to explain. For moment he
hesitated seemingly as If to collect his
thoughts Then casting furtive
glance around the room he suddenly
began: 100 81
Some time ago stole diamond
ring" he said. Don't ask me, Father,
how or where stole it. The fact is
stole it much to my sorrow now" He
paused and looked at the priest. The
latter nodded.
Shortly afterwards the young
man continued, Il lost the ring. That
I'll explain later. Three weeks ago
l came to you to confession. When
told you the story of the transaction
you refused me absolution unless
made restitution. l couldn't give back
the ring, but promised you as soon
as was financially able, to make good
its loss to the owner. On this condi.
ton you gave me dissolution. And
now l am here tonight to fulfill my
promise" He paused, leaned back in
his chair and waited for the priest to
speak.
Father McDevitt glanced approving.
ly across the table.
I'm very glad to know you're going
to keep the promise made in comics.
sion," he said. That shows you have
not only a. sense Of justice, but con.
science as WE'LL.
That's just it, Father" said the
other, earnestly, my conscience has
troubled me these last few weeks, that
cannot rest content till | get this
thing off my mind once and for all
So I came here tonight to ask you to
help me in the matter"
Father McDeyitt studied his visitor
for moment. In what way do you
wish me to help your" he asked.
by paying this money for me-" his
visitor replied. You see, Father" the
latter FASTENED to explain, Il cannot
pay this meney myself without reveal.
ing my identity. If | send a check 1t
must bear my signature, and | cannot
send it by registered mail without my
name and address on the envelope. So
the only alternative is to get someone
else to. do it for me. And |. feel" he
added, you're the only one could
trust in the matter"
In other words" said the priest,
you're willing to make restitution,
but you. want me to act for you
His visitor nodded. YES" he re-
Piled Father McDevitt considered a
moment. He was not quite sure If he
should interfere in a matter of this
kind and yet, he reflected, possibly If
he didn't this restitution might never
be made. He made no reply, however,
but after pause inquired: What
was the value of the ring?"
"A thousand dollars" was the quick
response.
You said it was lost. Is there any
chance Of its being recoEered?v asked
Father McDeYitt.