The Butler Weekly Times Newspaper, February 1, 1882, Page 7

} FCWENTY POUNDS STERLING. There never was sucha man to et as Staining. He was always so ure he was right. Our mutual riend Marxwell ought to have sailed or Brazil, but I felt confident I had zen him in the street, but Staining ud it was nonsense, and he bet me ‘20 to Is I was wrong. He had ardly tinished speaking when Marx- vell came in. Staining pulled out £ his pocket a £z0 note and hand- d it to me. ‘-There you are, old fellow. ‘A 201 and his money,’ etc. Another illustration of that wise adage.’’ ‘‘Not exactly; for you don’t ex- dect I shall take your money ?’’ **Yes I do; and shall be extremely annoyed if you refuse.”’ [ protested, but presently he said, in considerable irritation: ‘*Then be my almoner, and give the moncy away incharity.’’ He left presently, and as there are objections to standing in the public highways with a bank note in your hand and a puzzled expression in your face, the note was transferred to my pocket, and I went my way wondering, when I was met full tilt by a clergyman whom I knew. **Hulloa!’’ hecried. ‘*Mr. Smith, you and I seem to have our minds so much occupied that we cannot take care ofour bonies.’’ ‘‘No graye matter of mine,’’ I said; ‘“‘but you look sad. Nothing wrong with you and yours ?’’ “No, thank you; but I have just left a depressing scene. A young couple married in haste, have come to grief. The wife and child are ill. Relatives and friends have re- ceded into the remote background. And worse than all, the husband—’”’ ‘*Has become intemperate or has gone mad.’’ ‘‘Neither one nor the other.’’ “Something worse ?’’ ‘Yes; for to be dishonest is worse than going mad. And it is sucha mere trifle that is needed, apparent- ly, to put all straight, that I: groan at my inability to find it.’’ **What’s wanted?’ “Well, it’s only £20.” **There’s the money you require. Haste away, and do all tne good you can with 1t.’’ My friend looked astonished. even hesitated a moment. “Itis very kind of you,’’ he said, nerviously, ‘but really—’” “IT have the power to give this away. Good by.’? And I hurried off. Then I hastened back to jim. “May EL request that you will on} ho account mention my name ?’” **As you wish it, I won’t; but you should know the objects of your bounty.’? And he told me. Then we parted. 1 had only gone a dozen yards when there passed me a young man with a flushed face and a fright ened, anxious look in his eyes. He caught up to my friend and spoke to him. ‘That is the man,’’ I said to my- self, ‘‘whose proceedings have been dubious, and who will, I trust, be rescued by Staining’s £20. Well, if the wheel should turn, and this poor man_ should ever be in a posit- ion to deliver a fellow-creature trom such trouble as he himself is now in, by the surrender of £20, [wonder whether he’ll do it??? Smith, you surely know human nature well enough to answer your: own foolish question. Not he—not a bit of it.”” This incident was soon swept from my mind by a sudden call to go abruad, even to the place where Marxwell did not go—Brazill. Noth- ing hampered me then; I wasa young bachelor, and could start for the antipodes at two days* notice. When I take my wite and children —I forgot the number—for our an- tumnal trip, in these latter years of my life, I require weeks’ prepara- tion. Away. then, to Brazil; away to new life, new com ions, new hopes and fears; away to fortune and the yellow fever! ere occurs in my tale an interval of twenty years (my story deals in twenties). I doubt whegher I should have come back had not a young English lady one night sung in my hearing an old home ballad, so well remembered in connection with some loved ones who in this world will sing no more, that a craying for my native land mas- tered me at once, and in avery short time I was on my return home. On the wayIhad one nighta frghtful dream. I fancied a terrible enemy had me down andclutched my throat. Tighter grew his grasp and fainter my breath. My staring eves scanned every feature of my murder- er. Slowly and painfully did I call to mind the face above me. It was} Staining—but he was reckless, des- perate. I gasped an entreatv for mercy. **Give it to me; I want it; I must have it instantly—instantly!"’ was the hoarse reply. **What—what can he mean?’’ **What!’’ he shrieked, in maniac- } al trenzy. **My £20!”’ IT had quite forgotten about the bet ; said, hoarsely ; ‘‘they knew that; Go He | land—that his money had wasted that he had fallen in position an into poverty. **Poor fellow!’’ 1 thought, ‘there | may be something in that dream. If | his pride will accept it he shali have that money back, and very gladi shall be to restore it.’” ge Baci. in England, settled down in the old country. Main matters posed of, I began to think of minor ones, and among the latter the dis- covery of S g dis- He was not in the former and 1 failed so long to find hi at | was begin- ning to despair, v met him in the street. The brilliant liht of the ball-room may increase the luster of a woman’s eyes, out if you want to see a_brok- en-down man in his worst aspect, survey him standing disconsolately under a street lamp, a drizzling rain descending upon him, and he with folded arms presenting a picture ot n one night I mute despair. So did I behold Staining. I put my hand upon his shoulder. He sprang from me as though I were a wild beast. *‘I did not want to run away.’’ he on; [’ll walk quietly enough. -—what—can it be—’’ “Yes, it is Smith, your old com- panion. Come out of this and con- fide in me. Ifyou are in trouble and money can help you, you shall not wani.’? And I took his arm and we went together. And then I heard poor Staining’s | confession, and it amounted to this: When he had wasted his money. he obtained a situation in a merchant’s office. The pay was sufficient to keep him; but even now nothing could restrain him from betting on horse-racing. As a consequence he was soon penniless, and worse—dis- honest. He had paid a betting debt out of a £20 note which had been entrusted to him. Discovery had ensue:i, and though the luckless man had explained that it was only through a tailure of another member of the virtuous fraternity he could not re- place the money at once, he had | been discharged, and had reason to suppose he would be prosecuted. ‘sMany, y thanks,’’ replied the poor fellow to my offer. **You can see the firm in the morning doubt whether they will take the money. I believe they are bent on revir.”” Why and, having stated my errand, I prot- ently, and said: an appreciate your kindness to this poor man, and I myself would pass the matter over at once, but my partner takes a different view, and 1 cannot interfere.’’ “Can Isee Mr. Blendon?’’ **Yes, if you will call again in two hours.’” In the cab I kept muttering to my- self: ‘*Blendon, and Robert Blen- don, ton? Iam sure of it. Stall, if it be so, it isvery strange We shall see who will be master.’’ Back to Messrs. Blendon, Baydon & Co.’s office, and then in the pres- ence of Mr. Blendon. All my anxi- ety for my poor triend faded away. I was master of the situation. I sta- ted my desire to pay the amount of Staining’s defalcation, and my hope that under the extenuating circum- stances no publicity would be given to the miserable wrong-doing. Mr. Blendon heard me with some H compl: impatience, and befére replying drew | a check to ‘self or bearer’’ for £100. Having given this to the clerk, he said to me: *“*You will excuse my answering somewhat shortly. It cannot be. It is not the money we care about, but we must vindicate the law’’ I declared I was pleased at the grandiose style of his speech. How beautifully he was walking into my net! I .uggested that ma case like | this there was no imperative call to such a course, and that forbearance might be shown. ‘I do not see it,”” answered Mr. Blendon. ‘‘You do not appear, sir, to observe the immense importance of punishing a delinquency of this kind. Icannot take your money. If I were to let this man off, I would be ashamed of myself. I have just overcome some foolish hesitation ot my partner. Iam always firm my- | self.’” (Not always, Mr. Blendon— } not when I first saw you. But wait! abit. A little further into my net, | please.) ‘‘And, therefore, hgwever sorry I may be, sir, I must say ‘no. If I were myself to commit an act of this kind, and—’’ Why did he stop? ly, and rising said: ‘*You are quite right, Mr. Blendon for dishonesty isa terrible thing, and while not for a moment pressing my request, I know you will forgive my calling to remembrance a curious case knownto myself. Some twenty ears ago a poor young couple, not oe sani, had fallen’ into a LT bowed quiet- and the £20; but the dreant set me |Fhe wife and infant were ill; the | thinking of what rumors I had heard husband was distracted ; he must get ! respecting Staining since I lett Eng- | money. Whenhis young wife and} : = i | was obtained—Mr. ; but 1] ! : | y next morning Iwas ut the office of Baydon, Blendon & Co,, | | fered my £20. ! Mr. Baydon was a sieek old gen- tleman. There v an air o: wealih and ease all over: Fim. He bowed | ' in our Line of Business. infant child were almost starving what was to be done?) The money Blendon, you know how. But in what way was it repaid before mischief came, and how was the husband saved from ruin and degradation—saved to be- come a rich and respected merchant? Whose money saved him? That you do not knew, but I will tell you. The £20 note which rescued tae husband rested only ten minutes be- fore in the pocket of this very Stain- ing whom you are about to prosecute. Then Staining wasas rich as you are now; but be was a kind, Chris- tian man. Mr Blendon, I have a right to ask you to what character do you lay claim ?’” Lhave often thought since what admirable advanlages are aclear head and calmtemper. I’d worked my- self up toa white heat. It was only when he firstsaw my drift that my listner manifested any strong emo- tion. Then he ross from his chair with flushed face, Jbut he resumed his seat, and by the time I had fin- | ished he was almost as calm as when | Ientered. There was a slight pause } and then he said: **You have acquired some knowl- edge ot an incident in my life which Iam not called upon to discuss. Is this knowledge confined to yovrself ?’’ “I believe it to be confined to mys self and my informant, and I have no desire it should be otherwise.” Mr. Blendon bowed. “I will not conceal that I shall be glad if this goes no further, and on that footing I will say that your friend shall be freely absolved, and I will even aid him if I can. You must excuse my taking your £20. I am obliged to you tor coming. Good- morning.’’ I felt as I left him that the enemy had well covered his retreat, and had not left me a morsel] ot triumph more than he could help. But my object was accomplished, and I hastened to meet Staining. He was not at the | appointed place, so I went to his | lodgings. The landlady told me he | had come in early and gone to his | room—not well, she thought. She , and I went up together and knocked | more than once. Then Iwent in. ! Poor Staining lay upon the bed— dead. His enfeebled frame had not been able to endure the recent wear and tear, and he was now beyond the | reach of his follies and his trouples | ' Living Witnesses, hearty and health j and qildren, that c trom beds of pain, sick- ness and well nigh death by Parker’s Gin- ger Tonic are the best evidences in the world ot its sterling merit and worth You will findsuch in almost every com- munity no6-1m | s ot ay Money! Money | At6and7 percent., according to amount and security, on improved, productive farms, quickly and at reduced rates. See or address Hovston & BoTHwELL, | n33-6m Sedalia, Mo. i} Archie is the place to buy Furniture, or get walnut coffins on short notice, also brackets sawed for porticos at W. bk. t *£ Leonard’ A Lost Lady is the one who tries to buy a nice hat for less money than is kept by Mrs. Leonard at the Furniture Store at Archie, she also keeps a large stock of Sewing Ma- chines for sale. 5rtt Livery Feed ' — AND — | | a ee Colyer & Phelps. i Having purchased the Stables formerly controled by H. Trimble Co., we are prepared to furnish the BEST ACCOMMODATIONS Our ve- hicles are of the Best quality and our Prices are Reasonable. Farmer’s teams fed and cared for at low rates. se@z-Call on us, One block East of the Square, on the North side of Dakotah St. JOHN DUFF PRACTICAL Watchmaker & Engraver, BUTLER, MISSOURI. SETH THOMAS’ CLOCKS) SALE SVABE..sanantuescce* ~ "= FOR Yarns, Flannels, Jeans, Half hose, W osien Hose, Call on McClintock & Burns B.A. ATEISON, DEALER IN GROCERIES and COUNTRY PRODUCE THE BOOM WRHAICH HAS STRUCK BUTLER Has alao struck the Grocery business. and on its tide “Bubp” will cor tinne to, float, WITH ONE OF TH LARGST AND BST SELECTD STOCK OF Groceries in the City. ‘ Store Room Southeast Corner Square, Butler Mo. V2-n I Have Removed = EO aie — N:W BU Es OLE IN On Voxota Street. all my old cu-s tomers. COUNT Six doors eas} of Southeast corne nof- SV. 3 ~-RIADOW SSA A TEES Ae a8 SISA 2m THE LICHT RUM <IRo ‘DOMESTIC. THE THE MODEL ; Family Machine ef OR THE THE DAY. Manufacto ry OILS AND NEEDLES FOR SALE BY EX¥aro Sigmund, AGENT, BUTLER MISSOURI. E. E. HANNAH Muzzle and Breech-Loadin; Shot Guns, ~LANKETS, | ek VAKE Howe, Singer and Victor | Sewing Machines. ~Keep none but First-lass workmen. K Gun Locks and Sewing Machines neatly epaired. Shop on North Main Street, Butler, Mo. sr BOOKS AND StATIONERY. | NUTS, CANDIES, TOYS ETC... IN) LARGE VARITIES. | Daily Papers and Periodicals always on hand. 1 take pleasure tn announctnz to the public that I have h«sted in Butler to make it my future heme, and haye the largest and be=t a=- sorted stock of clocks, watches and jewelry and spectacles ever brought to this market, whic’ i cheap forcash. Havin years experience in the on ture of watches and clock< in E rope, lam now prepared ty repair watches and clocks. no m: how complicated nor how bacly they have been abused. By bringing htem to me, you can have the 2» pz uitgood running order and guaran tees satistaction "ELER. Ff. BERNHARDT North side square, Butler, Mo. The Horns‘ Grocery House OF C. DENNEY At their well known and popular stand on the Kast side of the square, are leading the GROCERY TRADE IN tar BUTLER. .ca Their stock 1s composed of Feed Flour and the best qualiy of Staple and hbancy Groceries, Glass, Queensware and (rtiery. THES ARB AT LESS EXPENSE Than 2: one r, and therefors do nor fesr eor tition. They pur Uberal priees tor Produce. They solicit sc ntinnaeesr of the pat- ronage of their wane customers. and will gladly attend te their wishes at any and all times et iw Goods delivered! in the city lim promptly. Chas. Den>. HUGO SIGMUND MERCHANT TAILOR. Wk ALSO KEEPS FOR SALE Sewing Machines, NEEDLES AND OIL DRUG HOUSE DR. E. PYLE Call tor anything in the line ot Drugs, Medicines Paints, Oils, Dyes, and all PATENT MEDICINES Books and stationary Also a new farge, and well selected stock of WALL PAPER "AND Curtain Hanging: Wm. RILY, KEEP A FIRST-CLASS LIVERYAND FEED STABLE! One Door West Of The Olive House THEY HAVE Fine Teamsand Fxcellent Bugg nd are adding new ones to the tock. ‘Iliy ste very eccomnmd- McFarland Bro’s —DEALERS IN—— HARNESS, SADDLES, BRIDLES, WHIPS Etc. South Side of the Square BUTLER MO. We respectfully invite the public to call and see our stock which is The Most Complete in the City, Many yeais of practical experi- ence has given usa knowledge of our calling, by which we are en- abled to ly every demand the rapid growth and developement of the times require. We employ none but skilled workman, and guarantee our goods and work. No 19-tf. RKespecttully, McFarland Bro’s