Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 December 1886 — SOWED AND REAPED. [ARTICLE]

SOWED AND REAPED.

BY W. F. JOHNSON.

Lawrence Dickman hail begun to realize the fact that he wa* an impeennion* lawyer, and the pros; nets were favorable to hi* so remaining. That was not an agreeable outlook by any mean*, for he was up ambitions young man and had faith enough in himself to believe he conld make a success in life; I >ut here he hud been in Libertyville for a whole year, and hi* income from the law had not in that lime been fifty dollars. Beside* using what little surplus money he had when he came, and w hich had been yarned by teaching country Mhools, he had contracted some debts and they needed to lie paid. So far he had lived reasonably well because he believed he could the quicker get into a paying practice if be looked piosperous. How he envied other and more successful lawyers —possibly more unscrupulous ones, too—for some of them had Acted as counsel in eases which paid a handsome fee, but which as an hone*', mnn and a gentleman he could not accept. He was not one who believed, though, that a successful lawyer must nvi-essnriiy be a rascal, hrtlhnf,rotihi he keep on, in time he could get a fair share. Something had to be done right away to retrieve hi* fortune*. But two expedients presented themselves: to teach again, or to take nn agency for nn Eastern life insurance company, lie wa* tired of teaching, and chose the latter. _ While ha was in ihcJnat-lm went more. OF less in society, ami that tbc best in the town. He was a presentable man in physical appearance, and though not polished, was fairly educated and in a genteel profession. so the best people did not hesitate to receive him. Libertyville is a town of three or four thousand people, notrnoTP than a thousand miles from Chicago; There wmo not a great many aristocratic families, but there were several that were wealthy, nnd consequently powers in the town, both financially and socially. Among these, even at the head of th” m all, was the family of Air. Augustus Meadows, consisting ot himself, wife, and daughter. Ho was a banker, running a private bank. He wns nn active church mnn, public-spirited, lib: ral, <-sj ecinlly in all things where his liberality was sure to be published to the world. His friends could not say enough in his praise. His enemies averred' that at heart he was a cold-hearted hypocrite. It was conceded by all that he was a proud man and estimated himself quite as high as his best friends did. His daughter nnd wife were I ' me, relined women and the social lemlt rs of the town. Lawrence Dickman had become acquainted with them, and ho always felt that Julia Meadows was rather partial to him. He was such a poor dig, though, that he bnd net the courage to make advances; but from the th st acquaintance his heart went out to her and he loved her. M any air-cast les Lail he built of the time when he would be well established and could speak his mind to her. Then he was aunoved by the attentions of a rival attorney, Herbert Foster, a handsome, successful lawyer, in partnership with the ablest lawyer in that county; and- while Herbert had not much property. he had a good income already, and his people, who lived also in Libertyville, were in very good cißCumstances. He rather looked down on Lawrence, and had taken the pains to snub him more than once. He was evidently very much in earnest in his attentions to Julia, and she gave him some encouragement. Lawrence evidently had reason for alarm. So when he decided to eater Tt.eTtfe Hhturnucr-fa' felt most keenly that his chances of winning Julia were very much lessened, and that Herbert Fester would be able to destroy any influence he had over her. He entered on his work. It was not long before the “society” began to beat him less cordially, not entirely because of the business he was nowin, but because he had made a failure, was in debt, and unable to dress as well ns previously. Julia appeared to change the least of any in her manner, yet he could see she was less cordial. He felt a'l this keenly, aud in a few months had dropped out ot society altogether. He, only w orked the harder, and was meeting with success, too. This was a business which he could push nnd urge on people. In the law he could only wait for i«?rsons to come to’him. One day he was in Mr. Meadow’s bank, getting a draft to send his company, when Mr. Meadows asked him about the plans of his coihrany. Lawrence explained thorn and the banker seemed favorably impressed. -After some days’ consideration he took a policy of $1(1.000. That made him $40,000, divided equally in four companies.

Herbert Foster sail waited on Julia, s: ending many of his evenings in her splendidly-furnished home. Mr. Meadows loved good living, and had a beautiful | house and grounds, while the furniture was i very costly. Lawrence would occasionally i stroll past the mansion of an evening, and ; bitter thoughts of his inability to try to win Julia would arise. Sometimes he would see Foster either entering the ; gate or just taking his departure. Often he would see him and Julia driving or walking. Everybody said they were eu- . gaged. He was well nigh hopeless.Matters went along all winter. One thing everybody noticed, that was that Mr. i Meadows, for some unaccountable reasonbe Lan to look worried and had an uneasy mat-ner. ’then there were bints that his : financial affairs were in bad shape. Then Her. ert Foster sohnbcw did not drop, around to the Meadows mansion so often, i ah i be and Julia w. re seen together Tess J frequently. All this did not escape Law- ; tt nee’s watchful eyes, and hope began tobrighten again. • • • Along in March, when winter was break- j tog up. Mr. Meadows liad a Lustoess tnp to make te a large town situated on the banks of a considerable river. He stopped at -.he hotel, and in the afternoon took a ' stroll ont around, town. While walking ■ along be was accosted by a tramp, begging Ito was an ill-dressed, vicious-lot.kiug in- • divitliial, and very impudent in his de- ■ m itrix. Mr. Meadows bluffed him, though, ; and the fellow went awny muttering curses. ' lie LaJ not jjjm many steps when Mr.; Meadows called him back, saying: “Hire,; yon. will a quarter tio you any good?” j 'Lhe trump evidently surprised, but; not too much so to accept tho i&oney. - “Now, my man.” continued Mr. Meadows, “I am going to give you a chance to .

make «ome money.* The tramp slowly winked one eye. ’ | “How would yon like to trade clothe* with me—by getting a little fioot, J ou know?” naked Mr. Mcndowa. “I'll trade if you’ll give me enough," Mid the tramp; “but you k ain’t expect to git a •oot of clothe* like mine without payin’ pretty hansome,” nnd he ca«t a disgusting leer upon Mr. Meadows. name your price,” said Mr. Meadows. “1 don’t think nothin' les* 'n a half a hundred'd be any temptation sot me to part from these clothes. They is old triend*, you see. It fiaint their intrinsic value, mind, that makes mo price ’em so high, but on account of ole associations. Tell you what, stranger, me’n this soot has seen some interestin’ times together, np' it’d wring my heart to part from 'em for less 'n what I said.” “Where can we find a quiet place to mnko.a change without being seen?” asked the banker. “I kin take yon to the boss place for that," said the tramp, confidently. “i'll take you to my house. I've got a bull house of my own that I sleep in, down toward the river. Tobe shore, it's old and rickety, but ifs good’enough lor us." “Tell me just where it is, then you go nnd get a shave aud hair-cut, ami by that time 1 will be nt yonr place; and keep your moulh shut!” “You kin depend on me, stranger,” said the tramp. “I know when I’ve got a good thing,” Then Mr. Meadows handed him a silver dollar and walked off. As he went away the tramp stood in nn uncertain attitude and Holiliquized thus: /‘Shell 1 let good enough alone? A dollar an' n quarter 'll buy lots of j.o< d old bndge, but fifty 'll buy lots more. Nothin s lost by waitin’. That fine-feathered genl is in trouble, an’ I Reckon it's my dootv to help him out." I. An hour later Mr. Meadow* entered the dilapidated old warehouse to which the tramp bad directed him. Ho found the trump cleanly shaven and hair nicely trimmed, and presenting n much better appearance. In a few mmutes the exebnnge was effected, even including all underclothing, shoes, hut, cuff-buttons, everything. —The two in< n were near the same size nnd build, so the tramp looked much like a gentleman. Mr. Meadows certainly presented a very sorry appearance, nnd under this guise bis features looked almost ns malignant tis the tramp's hncl. The money was paid over; then before taking his departure Mr. Membma said, r'Now I've got anot her little, job for you; no danger and big pay in it; and I want you to meet me between sundown and dark on-the wagon bridge. We cun stand there apparently watching the water nnd make our deal." “I'll be there,” said the tramp. Then they separated. In about an hour the time for meeting on the bridge came. At that time a most uncouth tramp was leaning over the low railing watching the river. The ice had lately broken and was going down the swollen stream in great masses and at a high rate of speed. Presently a well-dressed gentleman came along and stopped near the tramp. The latter individual looked up and said. “I done just as you directed, Mr. Meadows, and 1 hope jou'te satisfied. 7 ’ ■ by, John, I ’didn't’notice you,” said the gentletvnn, cvming clover. “1 am glad you got it oft in t'i'me. 'TomF aroimd to life hotel and I will gbe you another errand." “Thank you. Sir; I need something to do,” said the tramp- - They were iiow standing quite dose together. A number of persons stood but a dozen paces off and could not help but hear the conversation, which was continued for several minutes. The gentleman waslenning slightly over tire rail. Everybody was watching an extraordinary rush of ice, when suddenly the form of Mi. Meadows was seen to topple over the railing, and with a blood-curdling cry his form.plunged into the fioe below and disappeared from view. The tramp screamed with terror, and appeared to be trying to catch and hold, the man as he fell. Many people rushed' to the place where the tramp stood. He could only say that tlie gentleman was leaning over the railing nnd his feet slipped, plunging him headlong into the riv er. He neglected to~state that, some way or other, his own foot had slipped, knocking ..those of (the gentleman fiom under him. and that in trying to save him lie-had really pushed forward instead of pulled him back. The man's form did not reappear. Attempt at rescue was useless. The crowd .went to the hotel where Mr. Meadows stopped nnd told the tragic tale. And as Mr. Meadows did not return that -rdjdrt, -u->>F lba wit ilny it was certain it was none other but him. His people were telegraphed of the sad affair. Friends came down and talked of searching for the body, but the high water made it seem fruitless, and it was abandoned. His valises were taken home to the stricken family. The wife and daughter were both prostrated by the shock. Among the many friends to comfort them, none did more than Herbert Foster. His kindness and help in this their hour of affliction endeared him to them, and on the strength of it he and J'ulia drifted back into the old friendly companionship; and before very long it became generally Jknovvn that they were engaged.

Then steps were taken toward the settlement of the < state. ..it soon became i apparent that it was very seriously involved, and would probably net more than pay up the debts. During this time, Lawrence had suffered much seeing Julia in trouble and he unable to render -assistance. He did muster up courage to call and express his sympathy; but that not seem to be lunch consolation to the stricken family’ nor indeed to himself. - M hen the engagement became known, he felt helpless indeed. Now nothing short of a miracle would to all appearances help him toward winning Julia for himself. Six weeks after Mr. Meadow's death the body was found far down the river. It was not recognizable exempt by the clothes, and some coins in his pockets, one being a mashed coin he was known- to have possessed, The insurance companies-up to this time had made tio settlements, but when this, conclusjvJ proof was found they came forward and made honorable settlements, and Mis. Meaulows was the possessor of forty thousand dollars. When Mr. Meadows' remains were received at home, they were buried m the beautiful cemetery near the town. A great crowd attended the funeral, and every one Lad a kind word for him. Soon a majestic m num-i.t m irked his last resting place. By that time it , w *s ascertained that his estate won d not pay cut by nearly ten thousand dollars. Then Mrs? Meadows proposed to use enough of her insurance money to pay. Herbert Foster, as her attorney, strongly objected to any such Yietibi, but' she aas firm hnd.Uid'asshe' wished. Lawrence Dickman worked hard that summer and was quite successful. He was 1 eginning to think that if Jnlia were only free he would make »n attempt to win fieri but to do so under the circumstances wns impossible. Ono evening along in September he was taking a wait, as was customary with him, -and being in an abstracted mood he went on the strict that nn alongside the cemetery. Mr. Meadows’ monument stood not far from the street, and as he neared that his attei-tic n was attracted to some one standing by it, while rust ahead of him stood a horse and buggy fastened to the fence. The form of the

m* near the monument looked familiar.' He climlted over the fence guietly, and keeping in the . shadows of trees end shrubbery, got within a few steps of the man. The face, too, was [familiar. Soon it began to dawn h D his hmiud that Mr. Meadows wns standing there reacting the inscription on his own mcnnmint, Presently the corpse turned and walked slowly away, getting into the buggy and driving off. —p - ‘ I . There could be nd doubt of the identity of the man. Immediately Lawrence became convinced . that u great fraud had Leeii 1 eipetrated. He wept to his lodgings in a jerturlxd state of mind. He wondered if Julia and her toother were in the plot. He could not believe they were. He puzzled over it the moat of the night. During the following forenoon he received a note from Mrs. Meadows, asking him to call on her nt once. He did so, iifld found her and Julia in a alate of excitement bordering on hysteric*. Without a word she placed a lettei' in his hands. It was addiesscd to her, and was from her dead husband. He confessed that he was alive and had never been dead. I bat his motive was the insurance money. That he had realized that he must soon break up financially, and feared poverty and probably hard labor to support his family, t hen he suggested that they quietly dispose of everything and join him in California wheie they could live quietly nnd safely. “Can it be true, do you think, or is-it a horrible hoax?” moaned Mrs. Meadows. “I think it is true,” said Lawrence. '1 hen he told of what he had seen the evening before. It was difficult to tell which sentiment prevailed, joy, sorrow, or shame. 'The wife and daughter loved the recreant man, but they revolted against his ghastly crime. Lawrence suggested that Herbert Foster be consulted, but the matter kept.quieta while. Herbert was greatly astonished. He scarcely knew what to advise, but by evening pro] osed that Mr. Meadows be sent word to leave the country, or he would be arrested. He would undoubtedly leave them and they could ,co on as usual; but by this time Mrs. and Julia had decided on a course of action. That was to return the money yet in their possession totbe insurance companies, and make the father safe from prosecution. Then to send the guilty man away. “I can never live With him again,” moaned Mrs. Meadows, “but I cannot bear to see him punished, nor can I bear the exposure.” Then she would go away and bear her trouble with what resignation she could. 1j.,1 Ixxxvi i z\at x.r* z.l * > ... *1 < l i.i tl.z,ir* frivrnxi 111* Iwl X V A tvl OUj v V it* till. 11 up the money. “What is the use?” he asked. “The companies don’t miss it any more thau if he had really died. You will be left in poverty, and that will lead to exposure.”

They appealed to Lawrence. Ho fold., them Hint they should pay the companies back. They finally decided to do so, and instructed him aud Herbert to attend to it. Herbert waxed violent and declared he would have nothing to do with it. “Then wo can never be married,” Cried' Julia. “I will not marry a dishonest man." “Nor I a penniless woman,” exclaimed Herbert; “And here and now,” he continued, “I wash my hands of the lot of you. If you value the adviceof that thing there,” pointing to Lawrence, “more than mine, lam done.” By this time Lawrence was In a great state of indignation and proposed to punish' H< rbeft7'anit That gentleman reliied just in time to avoid a personal encounter that, without much doubt, .would have been disastrous to him. Lawrence made his settlements with the companies satisfactorily and without publicity: As a reward his company offered him a vacant state agency for California. He accepted it at a good salary; returned home and made known his plan’s to Mrs. Meadows and Julia. They expressed much regret nt his contemplated move. “We have learned to lean on you for help,” said Mrs. Meadows, • “and it will be losing our last and best friend to part from you.” “You need not part from me then,” cried Lawrence, and forthwith told them of the love he had long had for Julia. That young lady was much confused, but admitted that she had long ago guessed his secret. While she could not at once consent she would not discourage, him, and w hen three months later he started for San Francisco he was accompanied by Julia as his bride and the mother was not left behind. They are happy and prosperous in their far western home, and the memory of the sad time in the past has in a great measure lost its sting. One day a battered old tramp begs victuals at the kitchemdoor. Mrs. Meadows supplies him. At sight of her he turns faint and nmuly falls, then recovers himself, takes the food, and slowly, with uncertain step, walks away. “Phat is the mather wid the auld haythin?” said Bridget, the cook. “Toor man, he seems ill,” said Mrs. Meadows. I ought to have had him come in. I feel sorrow for all such.” Of all tramps this one needed her special sympathy, for his life was literally a hell on earth. Sleeping or waking he was tantalized by the memory of happy days for the loss of which he bad-only himselLto blame; while ever before him was the sight of a man plunging Jmadlong from a un’icy flood ben ath; and that man's despairing cry wasp. always sounding in his ears, and was re-echoed tiy the despair of his own heart. Had it not been for the mortal fear of meeting a just -judgment, he would long ago have ended 'his miserable existence; but he could only tramp on, trying to drown his wretchedness in dissipation aud petty crime, and all the outgrowth of the original evil within him, which be had not the manhood and honesty to control: