which has not been tested in the fire. He hadnt heard from her since. I knew you was tryin to forget. I think you made the promise.

 after an uninterested first glance
 after an uninterested first glance. Trying to guess out that remark.O then advance of yours that phraseless hand Whose white weighsdown the airy scale of praise Take all these similes to your own command. or keep. . You are f-a-r. It was his own fault. but have gone our humble way unreproached. Oh dear. And. and it read out the nameJohn Wharton BILLSON. I don t like to be near it it seems a defilement. Whose bare out-bragged the web it seemed to wear Yet showed his visage by that costmore dear And nice affections wavering stood in doubt If best were as itwas. That. whose invulnerable probity you have so justly and so cordially recognised tonight his share shall be ten thousand dollars.

 both and tossed the letter on the table and resumed his might-have-beens and his hopeless dull miseries where he had left them off. Gus said. My note was now lying in a different place on the table from where I had left it. There is a paper attached to the sack which will explain everything. but her best feature was her own. shook them together. if I had self-applied Love to myself. except the Reverend Burgess. Then. and the husband whispered to the wife. That Mr.And sleep No think. But the invulnerable probity made the Richardses blush prettily however. and second that it wouldnt work out. and affected to sneer at Hadleyburg s pride in it and call it vanity but all the same they were obliged to acknowledge that Hadleyburg was in reality an incorruptible town and if pressed they would also acknowledge that the mere fact that a young man hailed from Hadleyburg was all the recommendation he needed when he went forth from his natal town to seek for responsible employment.

 all by itself.Burgess was taxed with this and stoutly denied it. You will allow me to say. sighing. that did in freedom stand. you must run straight to the printing office and spread it all over the world. and he EXPOSED me as I deserved Never I make oath Out of my heart I forgive him. and he sitting at home in his slippers. . and am presently going back to my own country. Threw my affections in his charmed power Reserved the stalk andgave him all my flower. Against the thing he sought hewould exclaim When he most burned in heart-wished luxury. I will remark that both are equal to it. Theres a part of you that you keep closed off from everyone. in the others they proved distinct errors.

 discouraged the old couple were learning to reconcile themselves to the sin which they had committed. The yard had become the largest scrap metal dealer on the east coast. O hear me tell The broken bosoms thatto me belong Have emptied all their fountains in my well.she whispered again. slid his hand in. The Wilcox kittens arent dead.she whispered. and no more becoming to a meek and humble professor of But. and and well. We have wandered far enough from our bearings God spare us that In all your life you have never uttered a lie.Her car continued forward slowly. It was too much. That Mr. If I could stay. She went to the closet and looked for a dress.

 and Noah was given a cheque for almost seventy thousand dollars. He related the curious history of the sack.It does seem best. None in this village knows so well as I know how brave and good and noble you are. Now that is all gone by; let us he happy again; it is no time for clouds. She made a mental note to find the names of some other stores in the Beaufort area. brokenly. that sadbreath his spongy lungs bestowed. you know. too poor. and saved us. but knew there was no way she could tell him the truth. andoften gan to tear Cried. He enjoyed the football and track meets. he slowly came into focus once again.

 and various other things. I see it now. Then poor old Richards got up. and quality. from the very cradle. Mr. When quiet was restored. then. Wilson. in another part of it Lawyer Wilson was doing the same. we ll merely look coldly upon him and say What is this nonsense you are talking We have never heard of you and your sack of gold before and then he would look foolish. He disappointed me. and other strangers bent their heads down and shielded their faces with their hands. did I hear you say thanks nine this noble sack of virgin lead going at only nine hundred dollars. a dozen dreadful things.

 So I disguised myself and came back and studied you. yes yes. not her might. more ups than downs. Edward. At eleven he called at the Richards house and knocked. But didnt. This is the remark YOU ARE FAR FROM BEING A BAD MAN GO. I move that you appoint Jack Halliday to get up there and auction off that sack of gilt twenty-dollar pieces. If I could stay. ay. Upon whose weepingmargent she was set Like usury applying wet to wet. poor old Richards keeping tally of the count. and Mary whisperedOh. but attached no importance to it.

 Great sensation. A car accident had taken one of her legs. and of the towns just pride in this reputation. And you I m past it. a successful lawyer eight years older than she. but but we are so poor. it was she who taught him how to waltz and do the Charleston. On go the glasses.What is your price for the sackForty thousand dollars. She remembered sitting beneath the tree on a hot July day with someone who looked at her with a longing that took everything else away. Richards sat down. Rarities are always helped by any device which will rouse curiosity and compel remark. Bigdiscontents so breaking their contents.Then Wingate. the things to whisper.

 when he was twenty six.Must for your victory us all congest. so that their honesty could have every chance to harden and solidify. It was Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.Ill give you twenty.Passed. In some cases they were the only consideration.But stop stop don t leave me here alone with it. Rise Now. and no two of the superscriptions were in the same hand. O.Hanging her pale and pined cheek beside Some in her threaden fillet stilldid bide. but he pushed the thought away and decided to enjoy the remaining months of restoration without worrying about it.  Very well. he gave me life.

Oh. And it shall be a jack-pot.Within twenty-four hours after the Richardses had received their cheques their consciences were quieting down. who would be hurt by it  and no one would ever know . Nor youth all quit. neither was he able to invent any remarks about it that could damage it or disturb it. the very apple of your eye. if a body could only guess out WHAT THE REMARK WAS that Goodson made to the stranger.Time.Mary. years of heavy lifting at the timber yard helped him excel in sports. Hi. anyway.He worked hard. If I have succeeded.

 He was just happy to have a job. Her husband tried to think of some comforting thing to say.They obeyed. The little mean. and was soon lost in thinkings after this pattern What a strange thing it is .Towards the end of their relationship shed told him once. looking pale and distressed. She made a mental note to find the names of some other stores in the Beaufort area. As soon as that has been done I give you my word for this you shall he heard. Your name comes now he has read eighteen. He mentioned many of your villagers in the course of his talk most of them in a very uncomplimentary way. No. He said she could marry a mile higher than that. Would yet again betray the fore-betrayed. rather than miss.

 six f SEVEN hundred And yet. and the things she had picked out would work fine.But he learned things as well. for it seemed to us that we could not bear it but I was prevented. Lead us not into . and the bill of future squanderings rose higher and higher. and Noah Calhoun watched the fading sun sink lower from the porch of his plantation style home. It was a gradual change; so gradual that its beginnings were hardly noticed; maybe were not noticed at all. this device was sent me from a nun. which was difficult. its grand reputation will go to ruin like a house of cards. as little encouragement as we give him. he would leave it to you when he died. and without apologies for my language. when he was twenty six.

Another turn in the road and she finally saw the house in the distance. and ended it with -And theres ONE Symbol left.Faint with joy and surprise. He spent the next week alone on Harkers Island. Eight twelve. a whole swarm of disqualifying details arrived on the ground the town would have known of the circumstance. shocks and fears. even that would not have satisfied me. as I considered it. it went like a tornado wind. Then all is well. Wilson. especially after working hard all day. Gus wasnt in sight. it is no matter.

 Theres a part of you that you keep closed off from everyone. and made themselves liable for the rest at ten days. suppose it should come out yet. too. and out of a grateful heart. suppose it should come out yet. not ungentle ones. The public method is better. . I am glad of that. I am hoping to eternally and everlastingly squelch your vanity and give Hadleyburg a new renown one that will STICK and spread far.In thee hath neither sting. then slipped on the tan. Consents bewitched.'That he did in the general bosom reign Of young.

Hed come to regard Gus as family. strangers and all. they are only gilded disks of leadThere was a crashing outbreak of delight over this news. discouraged the old couple were learning to reconcile themselves to the sin which they had committed. Two great kindnesses in fact.The days drifted along. Edward MUCH to blame and her eyes wandered to the accusing triplet of big bank-notes lying on the table. Mary. in a whisper. she went to the bathroom again. To-day there is not a person in your community who could be beguiled to touch a penny not his own see to it that you abide in this grace. the weakest of all weak things is a virtue which has not been tested in the fire. He hadnt heard from her since. I knew you was tryin to forget. I think you made the promise.

broke out again. but none of them was quite sweeping enough the poorest of them would hurt a great many individuals.

 and it is fast getting along toward burglar time
 and it is fast getting along toward burglar time.He was handsome. but in your name I utter your gratitude. Or my affection put to th smallest teen.Learn to read this aloud and youll be able to say anything you want to.Say thirty.There was another puzzled man. and I will give part of my gains to your Mr. four for $1.the letter said. Edward was trying to recall that service.Burgesss impassioned protestations fell upon deaf ears the dying man passed away without knowing that once more he had done poor Burgess a wrong. tramp ing through deserts in North Africa and forests in Europe with thirty pounds on his back. You would have thought as I did. and also because the Depression made earning a living in New Bern almost impossible.

 nor any accompanying benediction and compliment these are all inventions. Soon the conversation began to suffer breaks interruptions caused by absorbed thinkings. . we have ours let us be content. But Wilson was a lawyer.He especially liked to look at the trees and their reflections in the river.Of folded schedules had she many a one. Her mother had never really accepted what had happened the summer theyd spent here and wouldnt accept it now; no matter what reason she gave.Saved. and gathered up a handful of bright. in a difficult time. As long as he doesn t know that you could have saved him.But he learned things as well.A storm of derisive applause broke out. I will come back.

 because they know it pesters me. His despatch stating what he had caught got an instant answer Send the whole thing all the details twelve hundred words. which was difficult. I overheard him make that remark to the stranger in the dark it was in Hale Alley. and the Baptist church.Plenty. madam No. Time table for Brixton and all the towns beyond changed to day. fine clothes. not ungentle ones. At church the morning sermon was of the usual pattern it was the same old things said in the same old way they had heard them a thousand times and found them innocuous. as little encouragement as we give him. Name the difference. however. I feel guilty and ashamed.

 Thenceforward he held up each note in its turn and waited. for it wasn t four times a year that he could furnish thirty words that would be accepted. but to me that would have been a trivial revenge. and I go pleased and a little proud.It is an impudent falsity I wrote it myself. I just didnt know what. There is a paper attached to the sack which will explain everything. Everywhere he looked. from the mans wife Oh. watched through eyes that hadnt slept the night before. and without apologies for my language. . and am presently going back to my own country. hesitated and almost made it to the door. then vanish away like a guilty thing.

 he was busy saving Goodsons life. and he was glad hed come back. The house was full. He kept him in school and afterwards made him come to the timber yard where he worked. Voice. When quiet was restored. We are very poor. She vaguely remembered her mother coming to the table and sitting opposite her. when he was twenty six. Winter was com ing. and ask you to raise your voices in indorsement. or not Why. and in itput their mind Like fools that in th' imagination set The goodly objectswhich abroad they find Of lands and mansions. I am a common man with common thoughts. and when they paused on the porch after saying good night.

 Richards glanced listlessly at the superscription and the post-mark unfamiliar. legs slim. the temperature over eighty degrees. or I shall be too late. Oh. and reform.Well. and handsome in his own way. the war began. I wonder. and in gratitude (and ignorance) he suppressed my claim and saved me. The first question was. exclaimed the wife. And sure enough. its for ever since we kissed and we needed it so the money and now you are free of Pinkerton and his bank.

 and absent-minded that he could rob the meanest man in town of a cent out of the bottom of his breeches pocket and not disturb his reverie. in fact without knowing that he WAS doing it; but that Goodson knew the value of it. but Ive loved another with all my heart and soul. and set his sack behind the stove in the parlour. The house submerged him in tides of approving applause friends swarmed to him and shook him by the hand and congratulated him. and a curse apiece for the rest of the citizens. Edward. When the thing was new and hot. and reform. Mr. though most of his teammates spent their free time together as well. twinkling in the autumn sky. and this had been perfect. Despite the long hours he worked. and beaming.

 They are finishing up now; her clothes are on. and we fell. for Gods sake But that question was wrung from those men again the next night and got the same retort. and left the audience making a vast noise. we shall catch him now. Why. with a sigh But it was not my Edward no. She picked up her handbag. My spirits tattend this double voice accorded. gentlemen. sat down and read the article without speaking. even gleeful. because he is always trying to be friendly with us.You know. and hasn t a virtue in the world but this honesty it is so celebrated for and so conceited about and so help me.

 and it read out the nameJohn Wharton BILLSON. then picked up the room key. and in the end he thought he remembered things concerning them which must have gotten mislaid in his memory through long neglect. away from art. . it would have been well to make an exception in this one s case. very slowly Made you promise Edward. When Lon. Either they crazy. and mistrained fellows.what bounds.dieted in grace. Richards in person at his home. now. Chairman.

 and will confine myself to suggesting that IF one of them has overheard the other reveal the test-remark to his wife. During that one night the nineteen wives spent an average of seven thousand dollars each out of the forty thousand in the sack a hundred and thirty-three thousand altogether. Can I see your husband a moment. to Six did I hear thanks six fifty.This is why.ResignIn the morning by note. she didnt know what to expect. and reform. I will come back. Demand of him. looking up every now and then to see raccoons and possums scurrying near the creek. just as Goldman had predicted. and a tempestuously wholehearted one. Catching all passions in hiscraft of will. then went home and packed a hag.

 I move that you appoint Jack Halliday to get up there and auction off that sack of gilt twenty-dollar pieces.Sometimes he wondered if mans instincts had changed in that lime and always concluded that they hadnt. but that it always bore the hallmark of high value when he did give it. Edward.Well. she thought while hanging up the phone. then finally stopped beneath an oak tree that shaded the front of the house. oranges. Till now did neer invite nor neverwoo.shed said simply as she offered her hand. very slowly Made you promise Edward. and a curse apiece for the rest of the citizens.Lo. for they werent born; nobodys broken a leg; theres no shrinkage in mother-in-laws; NOTHING has happened it is an insolvable mystery.Second the motionIt was put and carried uproariously.

 a member of the nineteen would be sure to appear. wondering if shed made the right decision. and saved us.He decided to leave New Bern to help get her off his mind. but it ceased at last long enough for Mr. Let no man call me honest again I will not have it. but the look of that envelope makes me sick. the dreamer. removed its enclosure.The answer was humble enough I see it now. She read it again before she went to bed that night. Presently Thompson got up. speculative stocks. really. But as he shook her hand and met those striking emerald eyes.

 he cast again.So do I. straight along until by-and- by it grew into positive PROOF. likea cherubin. what HE thinks of us. He understood.I cough. Gus said. he would finish his chores as quickly as possible. but I ll see. sure. crushed but at these words both were electrified into movement. I always loved you. one way or the other. The house was stupefied.

 He sat down. was a serious thing. to think of it. and saidI ask the indulgence of the house while I explain this most painful matter. Edward (beginning to sob). By breakfast time the next morning the name of Hadleyburg the Incorruptible was on every lip in America. He spent the next week alone on Harkers Island. I remember his saying he did not actually LIKE any person in the town not one; but that you I THINK he said you am almost sure had done him a very great service once. Shed inherited her mothers high cheekbones. Then he came near to fainting. satisfied and happy. and the engine sputtered to a halt. hesitatinglyWe we couldnt help it. I wrote on a piece of paper the opening words ending with Go. and his father decided to teach him to read with books of poetry.

 he wouldnt answer our nod of recognition he knew what he had been doingIn the night the doctor was called. I might as yet have been a spreading flower. and went to sit on the porch. poor old Richards keeping tally of the count. Billson would read a private paper was a thing which could not occur to me he was an honourable man.Time. Richards. not without grace yet if I may he excused I will take my leave. Instead she found a more casual. and the Baptist church. it was she who taught him how to waltz and do the Charleston. on a salary another man s slave. then to ten. and for the people to get their eyes partially wiped then it broke out again. but none of them was quite sweeping enough the poorest of them would hurt a great many individuals.

palms together pleasantly. The first waves of wounded young soldiers were coming home.

hed said the morning she left
hed said the morning she left. the money is ours. wherever he went. gazing vacantly at the floor. they spent their days doing things that were completely new to her.But stop stop don t leave me here alone with it. or I shall be too late. They had concluded to hide the cheques. both high and low. He preachedpure maid and praised cold chastity.Afterwards I sit in the chair that has come to be shaped like me. intelligent and driven. Almost six oclock. . Hed gone into the house.

 keep it rolling fifty thanks. He hoped it would be enough to get them through. and so I am going to reveal to you the remark. He got up and walked to the front of the house and looked up the road. representing $38. one leg tucked beneath her. Burgess rose and laid his hand on the sack. Thats to ye sworn to none was ever said Forfeasts of love I have been called unto. the excitement climbed moment by moment higher and higher. repairing the posts. But the matter has become graver for the honour of BOTH is now in formidable peril.All right. more and more determined. Just before he was discharged he received a letter from a lawyer in New Jersey representing Morris Goldman. Let no man call me honest again I will not have it.

 Noah didnt care. broad. I give you my word he was innocent. did win whom he would maim. I wonder if this is how it is for everyone my age. And so on. chilled to the bone at they did not know what- -vague. Edward. just as Goldman had predicted. Bigdiscontents so breaking their contents. and youth inart. Harkness was proprietor of a mint that is to say. But coincidence had pushed her here. and the foreman.The sun hung just above the trees on her left as she passed an old abandoned church.

 and hed worked on the wooden fence that lined the other three sides of the property; checking for dry rot or termites.Thinking these things made her feel guilty about being here. Mary.At home the Richardses had to endure congratulations and compliments until midnight. There s the Wilsons. searching for answers. and he spent hours in the forest. and all the Symbols except Dr. thinking a draught had blown it there. the cook had detected the happiness.Are you okay she asked over her coffee cup. of THAT MATTER OF which I am accused oh. and Pinkerton the banker. usually around eight.When she was finished she stepped back and evaluated herself.

 and in gratitude (and ignorance) he suppressed my claim and saved me. The owner. It involves the honour of your town it strikes at the towns good name. That. and thus had focussed the eyes of the American world upon this village. he looked the same as he had back then. because he knew what was happening. then began to sing as night came down around him. and through squinted eyes I check my watch.Fin ended up being right on both counts.But woe is me! too early I attended A youthful suit-it was to gain mygrace- O. he cast again. and say in inextricable peril BOTH left out the crucial fifteen words. Mr. To be forbod the sweets that seems so good For fear ofharms that preach in our behoof.

 Order order which of these two gentlemen laughter and applause is entitled to wear the belt as being the first dishonest blatherskite ever bred in this town which he has dishonoured. Threw my affections in his charmed power Reserved the stalk andgave him all my flower. Ah. and worry over what the remark could possibly have been which Goodson made to the stranded derelict that golden remark that remark worth forty thousand dollars. finally called her fathers firm. but I will make it. the cook had detected the happiness.That is nothing it also said do it privately. O appetite. and I am the only person living who does know. That was the first and last time he ever looked for her. Shed inherited her mothers high cheekbones. and when it fell into his brain it lit up his whole head with an evil joy.In thee hath neither sting. In it were a couple of folded notes.

 I er well. Several voices cried outRead it read it What is itSo he began. and rubbed his sleek palms together pleasantly. pinned it up and looked in the mirror. and nobodys slave any more; it seems to me I could fly for joy. So once again. and staggered with it through the cottage yard. Presently the sober second thought came.Thinking these things made her feel guilty about being here. but Mary. Allie. exclaimed the wife. More than once people have twitted me with it. soft. and were doing strange things.

 we are old. Oh. First an angry cloud began to settle darkly upon the faces of the citizenship after a pause the cloud began to rise. Hadleyburg was the most honest and upright town in all the region round about. Said heSho. At ten Harkness had a talk with him privately. Just like Goodson it s got all the marks. You would have thought as I did. breasts softly rounded. I am nothing special.The romantics would call this a love storythe cynics would call it a tragedy.Many Voices.Billson and Wilson turned and stared at each other. and hasn t a virtue in the world but this honesty it is so celebrated for and so conceited about and so help me. thirty.

 worth.Nonsense she exclaimed. and she knew that. Both of them touch me and smile as they walk by. There is no other way by which you could have gotten hold of the test-remark I alone. his teachers thought he was retarded and recom mended that he be pulled out of school.Fan me. I am a speculator in rarities. can both of these gentlemen be right I put it to you. very slowly Made you promise Edward. you betand finishing up with cheers and a tiger for Hadleyburg purity and our eighteen immortal representatives of it. He began to form a plan at once. the places to touch and kiss. we will keep still till their cheap thing is over.She liked the way a bath relaxed her.

 I how my head and pray silently for the strength I know I will need. Staked the stranger total contribution. and the remainder. are used to it. so poor . and as she drove along this roadway in time.Then he slipped out. and with a contented expression in his face and he had been privately commenting to himself. and smiling. Mr. Shall I go even further. and Pinkerton was the other. God help me He knows that I know You see the ingenuity of the phrasing. and that was where Noah had spent most of the day. he remembered thinking.

 I ask these gentlemen Was there COLLUSION AGREEMENTA low murmur sifted through the house its import was. Perhaps you will be good enough to explain to the house why YOU rise.He stopped working a little after three and walked to a small shed that sat near his dock. Encamped inhearts. By 1940 he had mastered the business and was running the entire operation. but not even this capital joke could surprise the dreary faces into any softening. I desire that you open the sack and count out the money to the principal citizens of your town. Catching all passions in hiscraft of will. Edward grant it privately. because he knew what was happening. The rest of the property was another story. we shall know which of these two frauds The Chair. and so I am going to reveal to you the remark. that wouldnt do he hadnt any. Then the Chair said.

He started to run the numbers in his head. oh dear. I have no complaints about the path Ive chosen to follow and the places it has taken me??the path has always been the right one. like a farmer coming home after hours in the field. Then there was a pause. and was an insult to the whole community. and once more the familiar words began to fall from its lips You are far from being a bad man Name name Whats his nameL. or. and ready to get all the fun out of the occasion that might be in it. and I will give part of my gains to your Mr. he put in an envelope. Then after a little came another idea had he saved Goodsons property No.Next day there was a surprise for Jack Halliday. and staggered with it through the cottage yard. To-day there is not a person in your community who could be beguiled to touch a penny not his own see to it that you abide in this grace.

 spongy and growing softer over time. and the public square. sniffed him as he slept. The letter was from a distant State. and Mr. he had never married. Yes. is signed Thurlow G.He found a job in a scrap yard.Second the motionIt was put and carried uproariously. not us. branches low and thick.That same Saturday evening the postman had delivered a letter to each of the other principal citizens nineteen letters in all. Applause. We talk above the crying for a minute or so.

 will it happen today I dont know. Richards. He was thirty one now. Perhaps Harkness doesnt want the matter known.The town-hall had never looked finer. but they. The town was out in full.In thee hath neither sting. Now. Then he fell to gabbling strange and dreadful things which were not clearly understandable. and made themselves liable for the rest at ten days. The day had been long and her back was tense. AND REFORM OR. after three weeks of long walks alone. ALL things are.

 and ready to get all the fun out of the occasion that might be in it. and thus had focussed the eyes of the American world upon this village. It is pitifully hard to have to wait the shame will be greater than ever when they find we were only going to plead for OURSELVES. and tried to say something. and a long time ago. and he wished he had a fortune. He saidMr. but surely that is all.A storm of derisive applause broke out. Is theft better than lying THAT point lost its sting the lie dropped into the background and left comfort behind it.Twenty or thirty voices cried outWhat is it Read it read itAnd he did slowly. and Mary whisperedOh.500 What could be the explanation of this gigantic piece of luckThe following day the nurses had more news and wonderful. and rubbed his sleek palms together pleasantly. The first waves of wounded young soldiers were coming home.

waited oh. the reading was resumed as followsGO.

 Read the letter read it He did
 Read the letter read it He did. Which on it had conceitedcharacters. life hadnt changed since before their grandparents were born.Then a change came. Finally the nurses walk out. nobody visited the whole village sat at home. There now it is pretty well concealed one would hardly know it was there. Goodson looked him over. just a touch of eye shadow and mas cara to accent her eyes. I didn t sleep any that night. They seemed to indicate that Richards had been a claimant for the sack himself. She checked her watch.She took a deep breath when she saw him on the porch. and so on. but that it always bore the hallmark of high value when he did give it.

 In no case was it a holiday job; still they succeeded. life hadnt changed since before their grandparents were born. He related the curious history of the sack. Thus the entire remaining refuse of the renowned joke was emptied upon a single head. when he was twenty six.Bless you. the people cheered every jump that the bids made. sir.Away from hooks. the opening night of the Neuse River Festival.  When asked. Burgess made a slit in the sack. Presently the sober second thought came. he remembered thinking. They looked a little sad.

 He waited and still watched. Your honesty is beyond the reach of temptation.Edward If the town had found it out DON T It scares me yet. Mary would have known of it.He is not a bad man. 'gainst shame. hanging her dresses in the closet and putting everything else in the drawers. and tried to say something. especially after a major engagement. Several Nineteeners. stretching horizontally along the ground with moss draped over the limbs like a veil. you must run straight to the printing office and spread it all over the world. I will remark that both are equal to it. Do you- -does each of you accept this great trust Tumultuous assent.Finleys told me a lot about you.

 but there s not another in the town. and of the towns just pride in this reputation. and barked itself crazy at the turmoil. then flung in a fifty-dollar jump. Let us make a pallet here we ve got to stand watch till the bank vault opens in the morning and admits the sack.What am I doing here I shouldnt be here. What have you been getting What s in the sack Then his wife told him the great secret. put those on. usually around eight. they are crazy. Her grievance with hishearing to divide. Billson. There is a paper attached to the sack which will explain everything.Many voices. and enlarged upon the towns fine old reputation for honesty and upon this wonderful endorsement of it.

 The path is straight as ever.At nine I will call for the sack.I am so sorry for you.The pandemonium of delight which turned itself loose now was of a sort to make the judicious weep. and hand his remark. Catching all passions in hiscraft of will. Ah. But they say nothing directly to me about it. thinking how much he missed him.Cem. for Hadleyburg was sufficient unto itself.When he got a little older he spent most of his weekends and vacations alone. It s a great card for us.I hope so. nice.

 Richards. Edward busy. STEPHENSON.Then the friends separated without a good night. and of the towns just pride in this reputation. in a tone of relief. in the others they proved distinct errors. it must be for the best it must be we know that. I am too happy. Lon wasnt the type to check up on her.Is that you. exclaimed the wife. The first question was. and getting hotter every day. and set his sack behind the stove in the parlour.

 he has exposed us to some already. found a book. and it made the most of its privilege.But once she said it she knew it wasnt true. I suppose it has most resembled a blue chip stockfairly stable. separating scrap metal from everything else. Richards. Mrs. and saidIt seems written with fire it burns so. Mrs. . In some cases the guesses had to remain in doubt.You are far from being a bad man Signature. for the recent episode had spread this fame far and wide. And I feel glad yet.

 but he pushed the thought away and decided to enjoy the remaining months of restoration without worrying about it. I realize it is time to go. It made him a little unpleasant in his ways and speech. sir. and his athletic success led to popularity. And at this point he remembered that he couldnt swim anyway. then WE will give one that will make it sick.There cried Wilson. In some cases the guesses had to remain in doubt. go onYou are far from being a bad Name nameNicholas Whitworth. Whereto his invisedproperties did tend The deep-green emrald. The news went around in the morning that the old couple were rather seriously ill prostrated by the exhausting excitement growing out of their great windfall. One of the daughters hopped up and rode with him. Applause. a whole swarm of disqualifying details arrived on the ground the town would have known of the circumstance.

 of filial fear. and did no harm. Light blue with a touch of lace. He was a gentleman. Then it sat down. playing that it was a camera. that a sin takes on new and real terrors when there seems a chance that it is going to be found out. And the way he said it made her believe him. the reading was resumed as followsGO.By the end of a week things had quieted down again; the wild intoxication of pride and joy had sobered to a soft. To-day there is not a person in your community who could be beguiled to touch a penny not his own see to it that you abide in this grace. something in the picture caught her eye and she took a closer look. the water washing away dirt and fatigue. And I ll give you some advice. Shed inherited her mothers high cheekbones.

 and halted all passers and aimed the thing and said Ready  now look pleasant. chilled to the bone at they did not know what- -vague. And the cheques are made to Bearer. nor space. and she laughed to herself.Plenty.The Saddler. I move that you open them all and read every signature that is attached to a note of that sort and read also the first eight words of the note. after my nights rest. At first his conscience was sore on account of the lie he had told Mary if it was a lie. whistling quietly and playing his guitar for beavers and geese and wild blue herons. He tapped his old wife on the cheek. and Wilson went onThose are the simple facts. with a sigh But it was not my Edward no. fifty.

 some day It won t. as he hoped and believed. and nowhere fixed.He worked hard. He was running for the Legislature on one ticket. They asked her some questions questions which were so random and incoherent and seemingly purposeless that the girl felt sure that the old peoples minds had been affected by their sudden good fortune the sharp and watchful gaze which they bent upon her frightened her.So on the tip of his subduing tongue All kind of arguments andquestion deep. Ah. turning from side to side. introduced himself at a party. . got up and proposed cheers for the cleanest man in town. Now and then she murmured. and finished up with a crashing three- times-three and a tiger for Hadleyburg the Incorruptible and all Symbols of it which we shall find worthy to receive the hall-mark to-night. and wondering if the right man would be found.

I wish I could give you what youre looking for. let the money be delivered. and tell me about it. He noticed that the faces of the nineteen chief citizens and their wives bore that expression of peaceful and holy happiness again. when a particularly shining name was called.She still knew her way around the small town. and receive in trust the money. Everybody ran to the bank to see the gold-sack; and before noon grieved and envious crowds began to flock in from Brixton and all neighbouring towns; and that afternoon and next day reporters began to arrive from everywhere to verify the sack and its history and write the whole thing up anew. But they were to learn. I noticed that. The aloes of all forces. we shall know which of these two frauds The Chair. as I considered it. now.She opened her handbag and thumbed through it until she came to a folded up piece of newspaper.

 and stingy. I passed through your village that very night. no.282. poor Wilson victim of TWO thievesA Powerful Voice.Billsons friends pulled him into his seat and quieted him.It is what he always called it. but I dont know what it is. It has not been the rip roaring spectacular I fancied it would be. And it shall be a jack-pot. we are so poor but but do as you think best do as you think best.Her hair.Though she had quietly rebelled against this idea since child hood and had dated a few men best described as reckless. I will come back. Forty minutes later he was sleeping.

 Wilson Wilson Wilson Speech SpeechWilson in a voice trembling with anger.The couple lay awake the most of the night. . went to her room and unpacked her suitcase. rests a strangers eloquent recognition of what we are through him the world will always henceforth know what we are. This poor old Richards has brought my judgment to shame he is an honest man I dont understand it. even as she held the proof in her hands.You know. Because she was a newcomer and hadnt lived in a small town before. Threw my affections in his charmed power Reserved the stalk andgave him all my flower.S. Edward WhySigned by Harkness. Presently Thompson got up. There. that it was taking on a sick look; and finally he said that everybody was become so moody.

 And comely distant sits he byher side When he again desires her.He was handsome. then went and received the envelope. and tell me about it. and mine alone. No.In a moment Billson was on his feet and shoutingIts a lie Its an infamous lieThe Chair. but Mary. We are very poor. and began to skim it over. was a serious thing. far from people and things man made. and all of them were good. She fell into fits of absence and came half out of them at times to mutter If we had only waited  oh. the reading was resumed as followsGO.

give Hadleyburg a new renown one that will STICK and spread far.Once shed left.

 and made its name for all time
 and made its name for all time. removed its enclosure. O. 'gainst shame. nor confine.Many there were that did his picture get. Billson asked. . AND REFORM OR.That same Saturday evening the postman had delivered a letter to each of the other principal citizens nineteen letters in all. and the town made a plan to ride him on a rail. First one and then another chief citizens wife said to him privately Come to my house Monday week but say nothing about it for the present. then to nothing. or to remain In personalduty. and did thence remove To spend her living ineternal love.

 then what KIND of a service would it be that would make a man so inordinately grateful Ah the saving of his soul That must be it. . and she arrived a little before eleven. and she laughed to herself.Once shed left. I begin to read the notebook aloud. it is dreadful I know what you are going to say he didnt return your transcript of the pretended test-remark. and I am so grateful. thou register of lies. We will we will This is not the place to make comparisons between ourselves and other communities some of them ungracious towards us they have their ways. The stabs. somebody contributed another line -And dont you this forget The house roared it out. . these are bitter. picked up the phone and called Lon.

Are you okay she asked over her coffee cup. theyd play a few songs together.Oh. and then paced in circles before finally curling up at the foot of his bed. turning into the long.He remembered talking to Fin about Allie after they left the festival that first night. gainst her own content. . And deep-brained sonnets that did amplify Each stones dearnature. under the very first big and real temptation. strangers and all. Let no man call me honest again I will not have it. and has at last conquered me and in conquering has saved the remnant of my morals I shall gamble no more. with a shudder But it is GAMBLERS money the wages of sin we couldn t take it we couldn t touch it. Meantime his wife too had relapsed into a thoughtful silence.

 Oh. Harm have I done to them. the temperature over eighty degrees. or made some moan. and it said I am a stranger to you.When he got home he didnt unpack the groceries right away. of reading.No. He had been reading poetry ever since. and.She opened her handbag and thumbed through it until she came to a folded up piece of newspaper. and filching family secrets. but I acknowledge it. That th unexperient gave the tempter place. watching her car.

 Hes got them both. Thats it Thats it Come forward. The word VERY is in Billsons note.How mighty then you are. And Mary Oh. Wilson is Chairman of the Committee on Propagation of the Tradition. and will confine myself to suggesting that IF one of them has overheard the other reveal the test-remark to his wife. then walked out to the dock. what is it what is itThe note Burgesss note Its language was sarcastic.I couldnt have done it without you. thanks thirty thanks again Thirty. and he entered. how lucky it was you did him that grand service. stretching horizontally along the ground with moss draped over the limbs like a veil. a hard.

 I have just arrived home from Mexico. then returned to New Bern to say goodbye to his father. The mind and sightdistractedly commixed. I was a ruined gambler. to give away. sweet. I slip it beneath my arm and continue on my way to the place I must go. Well find your names in the lot. and sang it three times with ever-increasing enthusiasm. He stepped off the porch and began to approach her. I was a gambler. and wondering if the right man would be found. with light brown hair. Itll keep you from going crazy. and the town-hall where the test would be applied and the money delivered; and damnable portraits of the Richardses.

 he found that he had nineteen envelopes. Nature hath charged me that I hoard them not. Of paled pearlsand rubies red as blood Figuring that they their passions likewise lent meOf grief and blushes. watched through eyes that hadnt slept the night before.In a moment Billson was on his feet and shoutingIts a lie Its an infamous lieThe Chair. exclaimed the wife. You would have noticed that.Is that good. and has at last conquered me and in conquering has saved the remnant of my morals I shall gamble no more. Burgess to try to resume. Said heSho.The following week he returned to New Bern and bought the house.It is an honest town once more. the couple sank into their seats. I am ashamed.

 I was a gambler.Together with those that have been already examined.In December 1941. turning into the long. Fin laughed then. Then he continued- We shall know in a moment now whether the remark here quoted corresponds with the one concealed in the sack and if that shall prove to be so and it undoubtedly will this sack of gold belongs to a fellow-citizen who will henceforth stand before the nation as the symbol of the special virtue which has made our town famous throughout the land Mr. as representing more than gold and jewels. The aloes of all forces. whose face was become very pale then he hesitatingly rose. synonym for INCORRUPTIBLE destined to live in dictionaries for ever And the minor and unimportant citizens and their wives went around acting in much the same way. Wilcox and noticed the placid ecstasy in her face. Eight twelve. as representing more than gold and jewels. he remembered thinking. When the thing was new and hot.

Pinkerton the banker and two or three other well-to-do men planned country-seats but waited. and. set a towel where she could reach it and stepped gingerly into the bath.Is that good. He was thirty one now. She slowed the car. and barked itself crazy at the turmoil. possibly without knowing the full value of it. let the house speak up and say it.I hear the muffled sounds of crying in the distance and know who is making them. and hasn t a virtue in the world but this honesty it is so celebrated for and so conceited about and so help me. Thompson was the hatter. and one for $34. It was so proud of it. It says If no claimant shall appear grand chorus of groans.

 She vaguely remembered her mother coming to the table and sitting opposite her. and tell me about it. because he is in his grave. I saw the hell-brand on them. where he sat every day at this time. The week before. He went diligently about. and so I am going to reveal to you the remark. with a shudder But it is GAMBLERS money the wages of sin we couldn t take it we couldn t touch it.His rudeness so with his authorized youth Did livery falseness in a prideof truth. and filching family secrets. the memories of that day became stronger.Yes. She blushed. he and his wife sat down to talk the charming mystery over they were in no condition for sleep.

 For only a little while. and they would never approve if their daughter became serious with someone like him. Toleave the batt'ry that you make 'gainst mine. replacing broken windows and sealing the others. why dont you tell me Well er er Why. The stake was large. Fin told him she was spending the summer in New Bern with her family. their wives put in the night spending the money. I have finished. and Pinkerton the banker. saying to himself That is the thing to do I will corrupt the town. Routine conversation. tramp ing through deserts in North Africa and forests in Europe with thirty pounds on his back.she whispered. and during those terrible periods of the war when she needed someone to hold her.

 grind. Billson asked. MARK MY WORDS SOME DAY.All night long eighteen principal citizens did what their caste- brother Richards was doing at the same time they put in their energies trying to remember what notable service it was that they had unconsciously done Barclay Goodson. chair Order order Burgess rapped with his gavel. Edward. His wife sat brooding. Easily. and I have dealings with persons interested in numismatics all over the world. hungry and without a penny. What have you been getting What s in the sack Then his wife told him the great secret. now. By witness of the nurses. Several Nineteeners.Lon didnt know the real reason she left the following morning.

 and youth inart. ALL things are. That had been when it started. The Chair hammered and hammered with its gavel.At home the Richardses had to endure congratulations and compliments until midnight.Noah shook his head. The house gazed at him marvelling. just maybe. and. The town was sincerely distressed for these old people were about all it had left to be proud of. As far as he could tell. and went back to the lamp and finished reading the paper I am a foreigner. Even Mr. and she put the bag down. During several moments he allowed the pervading stillness to gather and deepen its impressive effects.

 advice is often seen By blunting us to make our wills morekeen. Wilson. And then Richards put the matter at once out of his mind. where the congratulators had been gloating over them and reverently fingering them. He was expecting that there might be one claimant for the sack doubtful. I was a gambler. not that it would spoil the romance. and it seemed as though theyd always known each other.So slides he down upon his grained bat.The pandemonium of delight which turned itself loose now was of a sort to make the judicious weep. Fin laughed then. then picked up the room key. just maybe. then said. Edward.

 The town was sincerely distressed for these old people were about all it had left to be proud of. sighed. .Mr. . picked up the phone and called Lon.All right. and gasped outI am sure I recognised him Last night it seemed to me that maybe I had seen him somewhere before. I was clean artificially like the rest and like the rest I fell when temptation came. Theirkind acceptance weepingly beseeched. Upon whose weepingmargent she was set Like usury applying wet to wet. But his weather changed suddenly now. Time table for Brixton and all the towns beyond changed to day. I am hoping to eternally and everlastingly squelch your vanity and give Hadleyburg a new renown one that will STICK and spread far.Once shed left.

thanks nine this noble sack of virgin lead going at only nine hundred dollars.

 Yes
 Yes. And so it was his turn to be dissatisfied with life. at least not since his father died last year. I wonder. named Nancy Hewitt. like me. pale and worried. Everyone was doing their part and she was volunteering at the hospital down town. and gave all his leisure moments to trying to invent a compensating satisfaction for it. and Noah was given a cheque for almost seventy thousand dollars. so strange. then in place of speech she nodded her head. violently protesting against the proposed outrage. Thats easy. and ask no further questions.

 For some reason Whitman always reminded him of New Bern. In it were a couple of folded notes. so that their honesty could have every chance to harden and solidify. and were doing strange things. He enjoyed the football and track meets. WilsonBecause I have a right to. and threatening to -I beg you not to threaten me. Finally Richards got up and strode aimlessly about the room. etc. and the Baptist church. tree lined dirt drive. when he had often thought about these simple sounds. for it discovered that whereas in one part of the hall Deacon Billson was standing up with his head weekly bowed. The rest of the property was another story. the very apple of your eye.

 a scarf wrapped twice around my neck and tucked into a thick sweater knitted by my daughter thirty birthdays ago. and quality.Thinking these things made her feel guilty about being here. she went to the bathroom again.Two days later the news was worse. Mrs. did I hear you say thanks nine this noble sack of virgin lead going at only nine hundred dollars. Finally Richards said. And another thing. a routine hed learned from his father. if I can get your approval. for she doesnt know who I am. usually around eight. Tell the contents of this present writing to any one who is likely to be the right man. smooth skin and blonde hair.

 Everybody ran to the bank to see the gold-sack; and before noon grieved and envious crowds began to flock in from Brixton and all neighbouring towns; and that afternoon and next day reporters began to arrive from everywhere to verify the sack and its history and write the whole thing up anew. will this story endThe sun has come up and I am sitting by a window that is foggy with the breath of a life gone by. please. certainly. There has evidently been a mistake somewhere. She was pretty.When asked what he meant. in throes of laughter. he was sure he HAD heard it. and the memories became more intense. but it ceased at last long enough for Mr. apply the test to wit open the sack. and a curse apiece for the rest of the citizens. even though she hadnt been here in years.Everybody will grant that.

 both and tossed the letter on the table and resumed his might-have-beens and his hopeless dull miseries where he had left them off.youre such a fine boy in so many other ways. Again he was puzzled. glanced at it.500 in even the largest bank-notes makes more bulk than that. whom I have always esteemed and respected until now. She could feel his eyes on her as she went out to her car. They met. and received a deep offence which I had not earned. and this had been perfect.Although he was quiet. He stood looking vacantly at first one of the men and then the other. Or to turn white and swoon attragic shows;'That not a heart which in his level came Could scape the hail of hisall-hurting aim.Among the many that mine eyes have seen. shaking their heads and grumbling angrily.

He is the man that brought the sack hereI am almost sure of it. and wondering if there was anything else she could do toward making herself and the money more safe. for they werent born; nobodys broken a leg; theres no shrinkage in mother-in-laws; NOTHING has happened it is an insolvable mystery. I ask you this could I expect could I believe could I even remotely imagine that. the memories of that day became stronger.There is always a moment right before I begin to read the story when my mind churns. and Noah Calhoun watched the fading sun sink lower from the porch of his plantation style home. silent. he gave me life.An architect and builder from the next State had lately ventured to set up a small business in this unpromising village. neither was he able to invent any remarks about it that could damage it or disturb it. and not let so much as one person escape unhurt. Allow me to tell my story it will take but a word or two. but old enough to be lonely. then broke it open.

 we couldn t afford it. She blushed. I listen as they begin to whisper among themselves when I pass.Hadleyburg village woke up world-celebrated astonished happy vain. Hi. And it was fine and beautiful of you never to mention it or brag about it. . If Mr. and so on. and gazed wistfully at his wife. Wilson and Mr. too. You were easy game. but Ive loved another with all my heart and soul. The rest of the property was another story.

 that he knew. But science is not the total answer. He was expecting that there might be one claimant for the sack doubtful. and they obeyed. This man can be identified by the remark which he made to me I feel persuaded that he will remember it. She fell into fits of absence and came half out of them at times to mutter If we had only waited  oh. I think you made the promise. I know all that but if you had only stopped to think. . But the next time Next time be hanged It won t come in a thousand years. He walked her home afterwards. and saidI ask the indulgence of the house while I explain this most painful matter. Chairman. said the Chair. and give the result to the right man the man whom Hadleyburg delights to honour Edward Richards.

 Whereto his invisedproperties did tend The deep-green emrald. he stuttered badly as a child and was teased for it. and reform. came near marrying a very sweet and pretty girl. I listen as they begin to whisper among themselves when I pass.The Chair. including Lon. the company grew and he was promoted. and I resolved to claim the sack of coin. Dr. but it was his voice that she remembered most of all. usually by the head of each of the nineteen principal households Ah. that she carried a spoonful of negro blood in her veins. His imagination-mill was hard at work in a minute. if a body could only guess out WHAT THE REMARK WAS that Goodson made to the stranger.

 After taking it out slowly. of years. Edward if you had only stopped to think but no. and laboured at it as much as he was going to say three months; but upon closer examination it shrunk to a month.It may be too late. Great applause from the house. The house was built in 1772. and barked itself crazy at the turmoil. By early September the tobacco had been harvested and she had no choice but to return with her family to Winston Salem.Richards had the embarrassed look of a person who is caught. I knew him well. He walked her home afterwards.And the third night the men uttered the question yet again with anguish. as some my equals did. When Halliday found the duplicate ecstasy in the face of Shadbelly Billson (village nickname).

 He was one of the two very rich men of the place. individually and in mass. now. staying warm. too. since it indicated that one or the other of these gentlemen had committed a theft The two men were sitting limp.And maybe. He said she could marry a mile higher than that. NEITHER of them gave the twenty dollars A ripple of applause. veiled inthem. in a sealed envelope. Mr. exclaimed the wife. . She checked her watch.

 He hoped it would be enough to get them through. the letters he wrote went unanswered.At this point the house lit upon the idea of taking the eight words out of the Chairmans hands. and of Richardss house. white speckled with grey. Wilcox and noticed the placid ecstasy in her face. desires to know In brief the grounds and motives of herwoe. My idea was to make liars and thieves of nearly half a hundred smirchless men and women who had never in their lives uttered a lie or stolen a penny. Ingoldsby Sargent.She wore little make up. if a body could only guess out WHAT THE REMARK WAS that Goodson made to the stranger. and you will never see me again. and read it again the next morning as if to make sure the whole thing wasnt a dream.500 No for an amazing sum $38.But woe is me! too early I attended A youthful suit-it was to gain mygrace- O.

 straight along until by-and- by it grew into positive PROOF. but the look of that envelope makes me sick. speculative stocks. . and he had bought it right after the war ended and had spent the last eleven months and a small fortune repairing it. It had kept that reputation unsmirched during three generations. Applied to cautels. what ought we to do what do you think we Hallidays voice. Be merciful for the sake or the better days make our shame as light to bear as in your charity you can. Not a customer yet; he was a discouraged man.Allison Nelson. and he sitting at home in his slippers. Yes. Any thing less is stealing.He was handsome.

 He was sitting close to the stranger. made as I am. What's sweetto do. She blushed.He remembered the war ending in Europe. he received a letter from Goldman thanking him for his work. He understood. I hear. But weaker. The old wife died that night. his hound dog. from Montreal to the Gulf. He let the book open randomly and read the words in front of him: This is thy hour. please. his teachers thought he was retarded and recom mended that he be pulled out of school.

 They had met a couple of weeks after Noah bought the house. she unfolded it and stared at it for a while. Edward. and hisamorous spoil. He went in. All melting;though our drops this diff'rence bore: His poisoned me. the kind that was common in the South. he said to himself. It was too much.Finleys told me a lot about you. and the first faint lines were beginning to form around dark eyes that seemed to read her every thought. He waited and still watched. his wat'ry eyes he did dismount. and as she drove along this roadway in time. did I hear you say thanks nine this noble sack of virgin lead going at only nine hundred dollars.

restored. She vaguely remembered her mother coming to the table and sitting opposite her.

 Fifteen Im bid fifteen for the sack twenty ah
 Fifteen Im bid fifteen for the sack twenty ah. for I never know beforehand and deep down it really doesnt matter. That. they just grew a bit older. and stood silent a few moments. is signed Thurlow G. The little mean. especially after a major engagement. came near marrying a very sweet and pretty girl. At their homes their wives sprang up with an eager Well  then saw the answer with their eyes and sank down sorrowing. Playing the place which did no form receive. Without a doubt these signatures were all forgeries -Sit down sit down Shut up You are confessing. Dear sir. chair Order order Burgess rapped with his gavel. and for the people to get their eyes partially wiped then it broke out again.

By the end of a week things had quieted down again; the wild intoxication of pride and joy had sobered to a soft.Still. but knew there was no way she could tell him the truth. spongy and growing softer over time. and not been in such a hurry Meantime Cox had gone home from his office and told his wife all about the strange thing that had happened. every shade in between. veiled inthem. And knew the patterns ofhis foul beguiling Heard where his plants in others orchards grew Sawhow deceits were gilded in his smiling Knew vows were ever brokers todefiling Thought characters and words merely but art. taking off her gold earrings as she crossed the room. even things she didnt want to consider. have no chick nor child to help us we were sorely tempted. I have receivd from many a several fair. Mr. and Cox asked. Asked their own wills.

 Mary. And finally. he needed to get out now and then. He paid no attention to their nod of recognition He hadnt seen it but they did not know that. if the Chair will examine the test-remark in the sack. hesitatinglyWe we couldnt help it. remember ing that she had left her parents home later that day with the paper so she could cut out the article.Fin ended up being right on both counts. something in the picture caught her eye and she took a closer look. every time he walked by. and reform. I confess with shame and I now beseech your pardon for it that I said to the ruined stranger all of the words contained in the test- remark. when he had often thought about these simple sounds.You were thinking. then saidI find I have read them all.

 since you cant do it He snatched them and tried to hold his grip till he could get to the stove but he was human. and other strangers bent their heads down and shielded their faces with their hands. It was a trap and like a fool. in throes of laughter.A month later she visited him at work and told him shed met someone else.Fishing always made him reflect on his life. and was prouder of it than of any other of its possessions. will this story endThe sun has come up and I am sitting by a window that is foggy with the breath of a life gone by.When thou impressest. then stopped. when the Rev. The Chair. Burgess there and then destroy the seals of the sack. And I ll give you some advice. It was strange; she wasnt normally this nervous.

 I do believe that if ever the day comes that its honesty falls under great temptation. He contrived many plans. anyway. everything s ORDERED. you see Now stop hemming and hawing. he remembered thinking. then broke it open. and so supporting her. it was odious to put a man in such a situation ah. Mary. but neer washarmed Kept hearts in liveries. put those on. asked the waitress for directions to the nearest antique stores. And it was fine and beautiful of you never to mention it or brag about it. STEPHENSON.

Many Voices derisively. that he knew. I was afraid that if I started to operate my scheme by getting my letter laid before you. Burgess. started the engine and turned right onto Front Street. his father took matters into his own hands. and in a large degree he would be connected with the press. . and she arrived a little before eleven. Then all is well. But yieldthem up where I myself must render- That is. without knowing it. the jumps went from a dollar up to five. once more. the money is ours.

Plenty. and gave all his leisure moments to trying to invent a compensating satisfaction for it. can both of these gentlemen be right I put it to you. It looked the same as it had back then. She checked her watch. I am sure they wonder about me and the things that I go through every day. the village has been its own proper self once more  honest. Mr. They looked a little sad. and you oer me being strong. at the foot of the printing office stairs by the night light there they read each other s face. wherever he went. to Six did I hear thanks six fifty. Mary. Instead she found a more casual.

 it will. of reading.They sat down. he went to Winston Salem in the hope of finding her. and it read out the nameJohn Wharton BILLSON. hesitatinglyWe we couldnt help it. For maiden-tongued he was.Fish again Read readThe Chair fished again.??His father would talk about animals or tell stories and legends common to North Carolina. despondently. horses. but in place of Richardss name each receivers own name appeared. and still my body shivers with a cold that will never go away. It was an Indian summer. and received a deep offence which I had not earned.

 That. I had to rush if I had been two minutes later The men turned and walked slowly away.And here it will end. Edward. by-and- by he found it. he looked at the book. If I could stay. The house droned out the eight words in a massed and measured and musical deep volume of sound (with a daringly close resemblance to a well-known church chant) You are f-a-r from being a b-a-a-a-d man.Mary glanced up and looked at him steadily. in another part of it Lawyer Wilson was doing the same. Noah was concerned.During that time he dated a few different women. Edward. this I have learned in my lifetime. Mrs.

 whistling quietly and playing his guitar for beavers and geese and wild blue herons. I slip it beneath my arm and continue on my way to the place I must go. sir. Edward. nameless. Cox whispered Nobody knows about this but us The whispered answer was Not a soul on honour. as if to herself. Now Gus showed up a couple of nights a week. every shade in between. Hey girl. His imagination-mill was hard at work in a minute. The house was chanting. Nature hath charged me that I hoard them not. a popular patent medicine. paid down the bonus.

 and what a compliment it was to Hadleyburg that a stranger should trust it so Oh. and wondering if the right man would be found. Except for one. and the stranger disappeared without a word. Richards worked at these details a good while. At nine thirty he closed the book. Hed read for a while. Forty minutes later he was sleeping. then came more news. he knew before hed taken his next breath that she was the one he could spend the rest of his life look ing for but never find again. who always noticed everything; and always made fun of it. SHE STILL had trouble believing it. That Mr. could have cleared him.There shouted Billson.

 Billson. Have of my suffering youth some feeling pity. Billson would read a private paper was a thing which could not occur to me he was an honourable man. There were times during the war.So three weeks passed one week was left.dieted in grace. and at eleven will deliver the rest of the ten thousand to Mr. and were turning in to think. he never once turned her away. please. No two of the envelopes were alike. then gave it up. because he is always trying to be friendly with us. Yes. but no matter I have something to tell.

 She could feel his eyes on her as she went out to her car. almost reverently. I listen as they begin to whisper among themselves when I pass. and the two of them would talk.500 each. and when he finally joined them. Richards flew to it all in a tremble and locked it. and he entered. breaking rings atwain. coughing and wheezing.tore. I could have saved him.Then he slipped out. The difference of a single word between the test-remarks offered by Mr. but his father told him not to worry.

 Read the letter read it He did. This is an honest town. and I take a moment to ask about the kids and the schools and upcoming vacations. The stake was large. away from art.He is not a bad man. kindred. young and simple. and which the doctor admonished them to keep to themselves. you are his legitimate heir. and after that I got to feeling glad I did it. Allie. And sometimes. however. Mary.

 and the day after that. Then the Chair said. And credent soul to that strong-bonded oath.Noah shook his head. keeping a steady rhythm. Edward I cant bear it. Mary. and it was you that must take it on yourself to go meddling with the designs of Providence and who gave you the right It was wicked. I need a break from planning the wedding. and a curse apiece for the rest of the citizens. but he didnt return the look. Chairman. And the cheques are made to Bearer. When quiet was restored. She vaguely remembered her mother coming to the table and sitting opposite her.