Payette enterprise. (Payette, Canyon Co., Idaho) 1909-1935, 1919-07-10
His Recompense
By PsRcIvAL LEE
CCopyrsht. 1919. by Western Newspaper Union

Copyright. 1919. by Western Newspaper Uaicn-j
at has been nay own fault and j
must bear the brunt of it."
Thus said Gerald Thorne, glancing
at a written paper. 1t was note for
five hundred dollars, signed by Alden
Ross, bearing his own Endorsement
and Gerald had just paid it. Mentally
he struggled with the conviction that
he had been guilty of a serious error
in judgment leading up to the incident
of the moment.
He had been secretary and adviser
of Adam Wells until the latter died.
They were related distantly, but the
old man had learned totregard Gerald
with almost fatherly consideration.
There was another candidate for his
fayor-young Ross, the son of his old
, est friend Mr. Wells had practically
adopted Ross, He had paid his way
through college. He had started him
in business. Alden had made fail
ure of both schooling and commercial
life The business he had invested in
received little intelligent attention and
/ he had proven severe disappointment
TO his generous patron.
Now, thinking over all this, Gerald
regretted that he had given way TO
an impulse born of sentiment and sup
posed duty. Upon his deathbed Mr..
Wells had called him to his side.
Gerald" he had said, ga will at my
lawyers office leaves you half of my
estate. 1t is not large, and you de-
serve more. The will also names Al
den as beneficiary of the other half.
| desire to rescind that will. Both of
us have seen how incapable and ire
sponsible he is He will squander the
/ little leave him. A part of his legacy
is tied up in trust with yourself. The
major part of the bequest, however,
is for his free use. 1 wish you to make
out new will placing all of ii in trust"
But Gerald Thorne did neglect it.
He did it willfully by never attending to
the proposed change of will. Mr.. Wells
weakened rapidly and forgot all about
ii. Gerald was glad. He liked Alden.
He believed in his innate goodness of
heart He hoped to aid in steadying
him down. Besides that, he did not
wish it to be said that he had infiu-
enced Mr. Wells for his own benefit.
Mr.. Wells died and Alden Ross re-
ceived a sum Of several thousand dol
lars in liquid funds.
There was nothing bad about Alden
except a needless extravaganza and
the frailty of being easily influenced
by others. Within six months he had
wasted all of his Inheritance except
the trust funds. He came to Gerald,
penitent, avowing determined economy
in the future and pleading for the adj
vance of the interest ON the trust
fund.
Il can't do it," declared Gerald firm
ly, ',for 1 am sacredly bound by my
trust restrictions. will loan you the
money you need, however"
That was a bad start to make.
Thenceforward Alden became an inn
Fortunate debtor. On one occasion he
got Gerald to indorse the five hundred
dollar note for him. The ottcome of
this unwise action now confronted Ger
aid He felt that he was in meas
ure an accessory in the idle useless
ness of Alden and acted upon a sud
den resolve He left his office with
the motive of seeking out Alden and
having a thorough understanding with
him. He made some inquiries and
CHANGED upon a friend who had just
seen Alden. Headed for the old pic
mic grounds" Gerald was advised.
THE young people have set up their
tennis nets there and Alden spends
lot of time in their company"
Gerald would have liked TO do the
same, had he the time to spare.
Particularly would the prospect have
been enticing had Edna Deane been
among those same young people" Re
Gently he had met Alden frequently at
the Deane home and had come TO Won
der if Alden was particularly interested
in that direction.
Gerald came upon Alden, alone,
twirling his tennis bat. He told of his
payment of the note Alden expressed
penitence almost to the extent of tears.
Il don't want to upbraid you, Alden"
said Gerald, 'but your present delin-
quency really embarrasses me in a
financial way. 1t is not that, however.
that most troubles me. 1t is your per
sistent extravaganza. Only by settling
down can you hope to make even
enough to live on"
81 see it all" declared Alden con-
tritely, 'and honest, Gerald, 1 am turn
ing over new leaf. have had talk
with Edna. She has been a regular
guardian angel to me and have prom
ised her to mend my ways"
A sudden cloud seemed to darken
all of hope in Gerald's heart. The
words implied that his OWN affection
for her had been in vain.
alden he spoke with an effort, Il
freely gave up half of the Wells for
tune for you. have borne sacrifices