The Pulaskian., 1917-02-16

out small store. Later he had learned that it had been sold to him by set | of sharpers, acting as agents for a poor widow lady who never got the money. Honest, Nhole-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.
 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 q 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 way, un- easily.
 q lost something here last night" spoke Lester.
 'sYes, have just found it." replied Martin instantly, and with not much eordiality, 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 it. Martin was amazed. This pen sioner, this mendicant had displayed fine gold timepiece scarcely comport- ing with his alleged poverty.
 "Wait minute" directed Martin. "T glanced over your memorandum book. Naturally am rather curious as to its rather complete history of myself since I 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 a slight pause, q 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"
 s.Who hired you. and wherefore?' pressed Martin with insistency.
 sI-you shall known in time. Ah. you shall know now :" added Lester in a 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 sWell, Elsa made me come and was glad to. My boy,.I I put you through tough or deal to try you out, didn't I? Well, you've been true blue all through it and never flunked. It isn't making a 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.
 ITO become my son-in-law and to start in business, where Elsa wants you, and I, too I've been watching you, young man." with a meaning glance at Lester. "rm not afraid of the future of a man like you. Don't you understand"
 T 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.