The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1917-03-10

out small store. Later he had learned
that it had been sold to him by sci
of sharpers, acting as agents for poor
widow lady who never got the money
Honest, whole-hearted Martin promptly
put the woman in possession of the
store, pocketed his loss and without a
grumble at fate went cheerfully on his
way, doing the best he could.
An item told of his dividing his lit
tie stock with the poor and distressed,
OF his care for the weak and unfor-
tunate, of his pure. true life, man
among men In his moral and humane
standards. ~
The memoranda cited his trials and
misfortunes. There were many details
Of instances where he had not DIS
dained the hardest labor to keep his
head. above water. and all the time
never departing from the courage, en-
ergy and sterling moral principles Of
a man strictly devoted to his duty.
There came a knock at the door just
as Martin had completed traversing
the queer chronicle.
"Come in," directed Martin, and
Lester entered the room. He eyed
Lester critically, and, in a way, I'M
easily.
81 lost something here last night"
spoke Lester.
"Yes, have just found It," replied
Martin instantly, and with not much
cordially, for his suspicious had be-
come aroused. "Here it is"
Lester looked embarrassed as he took
it. He drew out his watch and glanced
at 1t. Martin was amazed. This PEN
sioneY, this mendicant had displayed a
fine gold timepiece scarcely comport-
ing with his alleged poverty.
"Wait minute" directed Martin.
II glanced over your memorandum
book. Naturally I am rather curious
as to its rather complete history Of
myself since came to the city"
"Yes," nodded Lester, and rather
confusedly, Martin fancied, and his
head inclined toward the hallway as
though expecting somebody.
"WhyT projected Martin bluntly.
swell, to tell You the truth" spoke
Lester after slight pause, IT was
hired to gather up the information"
"Then you confess to being a spy?"
challenged Martin.
Don't put it that way to a person
who has been interested, more than
that, benefited by contact with one
Of the best men he ever met, and that
is yourself"
''Who hired you, and wherefore ?"
pressed Martin with insistency.
T-you shall known in time. All, |
you shall know now!" added Lester in |
a tone Of relief, and as the door again
opened he stood aside to reveal a new
father Of Elsa Wardell.
The old man was genial, eager,
friendly. He advanced and grasped
he hand Of Martin with warmth.
didn't expect me" he cried. "Well,
Elsa made me come and I was glad,to.
Ny boy. I put you through a tough or
1eal to try you out, didn't I? Well,
you've been true blue all through it
md never flunked. It isn't making
ortune easy that spells success. It's
he spirit of dauntlessness that laughs
It bad luck and brings out the real
,old that is in man. You're coming
Jack home with me, Martini
"What fort" inquired Martin.
ITO become my son-in-law and to
tart in business, where Elsa wants
'ou, and I, too. I've been watching
ou, young man." with a meaning
lance at Lester. "Pm not afraid Of
he future Of a man like you. Don't
GU understand"
II thank you" responded Martin in
voice almost unsteady with intense
motion. And realized that the path
Tay he was to tread-and not alone
'ould be tllumined with the full radi-
nee Of perfect love.
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