The Winslow mail., 1917-04-13

out small store. Later he had learned
that it had been sold to him by a 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 cheerfulIy 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, a 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 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, un-
easily.
81 lost something here last night"
spoke Lester.
"Yes, I have just found it." replied
Martin instantly, and with not much
cordiality, for his suspicious had be-
come aroused. "Here it is"
Lester looked embarrassed as he took
1t. He drew out his watch and glanced
at 1t. Martin was amazed. This pen
sioner, this mendicant had displayed
fine gold tfmepiece scarcely comport-
Ing with his alleged poverty.
"Wait a minute" directed Martin.
II glanced over your memorandum
book. Naturally I am rather curious
as to its rather complete history of
myself since l came to the CITY,"
"Yes," nodded Lester, and rather
confusedly, Martin fancied. and his
head inclined toward the hallway as
though expecting somebody.
"Why?" projected Martin bluntly.
"Well, to tell you the truth" spoke
Lester after slight pause, 81 was
hired to gather up the information"
'Then you confess to being a spy?"
challenged Martin.
Don't put it that way to 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 whereforeP
pressed Martin with insistency.
1-you shall known in time. All,
you shall know now!" added Lester in
tone Of relief, and as the door again
opened he stood aside to reveal a new
comer-the father of Elsa WardelI.
The old man was genial, eager,
friendly. He advanced and grasped
the hand Of Martin with warmth.
Didn't expect me?" he cried. "Weil,
Elsa made me come and I was glad to.
My boy, put you through tough or
deal to try you out, didn't I? We'll
you've been true blue all through it
fortune easy that spells success. It's
the spirit of dauntlessness that laughs
at bad luck and brings out the real
gold that is in a man. You're coming
back home with me, Martin
what for?'' inquired Martin.
''To become my son-in-law and to
start in business, where Elsa wants
you, and ], too. I've been watching
you, young man." with meaning
glance at Lester. "I'm not afraid Of
the future Of man like you. Don't
you understandY
II thank you," responded Martin in
a voice almost unsteady with intense
emotion. And realized that the path
way he was to tread-and not alone
would be illumined with the full radi-
ance Of perfect love.