Fred's story was a surprising revelation to Nellie Dutton, who now, for
the first time, saw Matthew De Vere's conduct in its true light.
"How could he be so mean?" she exclaimed.
"It was his revenge," replied Fred.
"Why did you not speak of his treachery?"
"I thought it best not to till I could get proof of it, for if I had he
would have denied it."
"He ought to have been punished."
"He will be in time, I think."
"I hope so; but that will not make up for all you have suffered. So he
was the means of your losing your position in the store?"
"Yes."
"I will never speak to him again!" said Nellie indignantly. "He is too
mean."
"I felt sure the time would come when you would say so," replied Fred.
The color came to Nellie's face.
"Yes?" she answered, after a pause.
Fred saw that she was slightly embarrassed, and knew she was thinking of
the somewhat sarcastic letter he had sent her.
"Nellie, I hope you will forget my letter," he said.
"I should be glad to, if I could."
"I am sorry I sent it."
"I am sorry you had cause to send it."
"I was hasty; but it is past now. I hope you will not let it trouble
you."
"If I will forget the letter, will you forget what caused you to send
it?"
"I shall be only too glad to do so."
"Truly?"
"Here is my hand on it."
"Shall we now be as good friends as ever?" asked Nellie, as she withdrew
her hand.
"I sincerely hope so, and--even better," he added hesitatingly.
Nellie's eyes dropped, and a sweet blush stole over her face.
"We were very good friends before, I thought," she answered.
"So we were, but--but--well, I shall prize your friendship more highly
since learning how much I missed it."
Nellie now brought her fan into requisition.
"And you will never write me any more sarcastic letters?"
"No."
Here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Dr. Dutton.
"Ah! good evening, Fred. I am sorry to have kept you waiting so long,
but I hope Nellie has entertained you well."
Fred arose, blushed, and took the doctor's hand. Why he blushed he
didn't know, but he could feel his cheeks burn.
"Oh, yes, I have been well entertained, thank you, but I didn't realize
that I was waiting for you."
"Why, didn't Nellie tell you?"
"No, sir."
"I forgot to say you wanted to see him, we were so busy talking," put in
Nellie.
"Oh, that's it; well, all right. But, Fred, I have been hearing good
reports of you," the doctor continued.
"I am glad to know that, and I hope I merit them," replied Fred
modestly.
"I think there is no doubt of it."
"It is refreshing to hear you say so after knowing all the bad reports
that have been circulated against me during the last few weeks."
"Never mind, my boy; you have stood the fire nobly, and are surely
winning the fight."
Fred's heart leaped with joy at these reassuring words from the doctor.
"Do you think so?" he said, at length.
"There is very little doubt of it, and I think I have a surprise for
you," taking from his pocket the paper Nellie had found and placing it
in Fred's hands.
Our young hero quickly ran his eye over it, and was amazed at its
contents. It read thus:
MAPLETON, November 17th, 187--.
Matthew De Vere and me was waitin' near the old Booker barn
to club Fred Worthington. Matthew hired me to help him. We
both had a club. 'Twas 'bout twelve o'clock in the night I
gess. Matthew sed he was goin' to get square with Fred.
Matthew told me to strike him on the leg, and he sed he would
do the efecktive work and fix him so he wouldn't interfear
with him any more. When you come along we darted on you
thinking you was Fred. I hit you a hard clip on the leg.
Matthew was reddy to strike you on the head, but saw his
mistake and stopped jest in time and ran away.
(Signed) TIM SHORT.
The above statement is true.