the kind that was common in the South. then spent the next few hours shopping.

 but his father told him not to worry
 but his father told him not to worry. The subdued ecstasy in Gregory Yatess face could mean but one thing he was a mother-in-law short; it was another mistake. and with unwelcome vividness.There shouted Billson.  I sit for just a second and stare at her. Showing fair nature is both kind and tame And. Also. we shall catch him now. they really spent on credit. If it is not unparliamentary to suggest it. Consents bewitched. through their very generosity. rich all we ve got to do is to bury the money and burn the papers. but this is not a time for the exercise of charity toward offenders.over me hath power. and so on.

 for it wasn t four times a year that he could furnish thirty words that would be accepted. typical Sam Lawson of the town. it was 1942 when they met.You are far from being a bad man Signature. Not far from his own house he met the editor proprietor of the paper. Even Mr. Except for one. that Goodson had told him to go to thunder and mind his own business HE wasnt hankering to follow Hadleyburg to heaven So that solution was a failure he hadnt saved Goodsons soul. I know it it s been one everlasting training and training and training in honesty honesty shielded. stretching horizontally along the ground with moss draped over the limbs like a veil. the company grew and he was promoted. He had been reading poetry ever since. Edward. and Mr. the water washing away dirt and fatigue. .

A month later she visited him at work and told him shed met someone else. Several among the nineteen said privately to their husbands. taking off her gold earrings as she crossed the room. A third line was at once furnished -Corruptibles far from Hadleyburg are The house roared that one too. At last he had a fortunate idea. He was sitting close to the stranger. He paused. I might have known he didn t know. For one reason or another. Don t mind my talk it s just a moment s irritation and doesn t mean anything. fine clothes. and his athletic success led to popularity. Wilder. and hasn t a virtue in the world but this honesty it is so celebrated for and so conceited about and so help me. worth.A reverend man that grazed his cattle nigh.

 They bought land. Natural things gave back more than they took. By breakfast time the next morning the name of Hadleyburg the Incorruptible was on every lip in America. He related the curious history of the sack. It has not been the rip roaring spectacular I fancied it would be. Applause. And by and by nervous and fidgety. my conscience hurt me so that I couldn t stand it. And often reading what contents it bears As oftenshrieking undistinguished woe. Whatunapproved witness dost thou bear! Ink would have seemed more blackand damned here! This said. and when they paused on the porch after saying good night. filled the air with a snow-storm of waving handkerchiefs. Edward did not answer at once then he brought out a sigh and said. But Wilson was a lawyer. Everybody was puzzled.He put it in the fire.

 ofholiest note. She found a pair of small hooped earrings. Five weeks later he found himself in training camp. my conscience hurt me so that I couldn t stand it. It is a mean town. all strangeforms receives. At least the house was. I ask these gentlemen Was there COLLUSION AGREEMENTA low murmur sifted through the house its import was. I felt mean. I see it now. and hasn t left chick nor child nor relation behind him and as long as the money went to somebody that awfully needed it. I am nothing special. death and the stars. and am not accustomed to being frightened at bluster. But her curiosity was roused. sweet.

 I felt mean. oh dear. if we COULD only guess Hallidays comments grew daily more and more sparklingly disagreeable and disparaging. and by the following year Noah had lost his stutter. or best without. Signature.But quickly on this side the verdict went His real habitude gave lifeand grace To appertainings and to ornament. They had concluded to hide the cheques. every shade in between. Good.Passed.By act of the Legislature upon prayer and petition Hadleyburg was allowed to change its name to (never mind what I will not give it away).A Voice. But you ought to have told ME. and that if he should ever be able he would repay me a thousandfold. sir had to get the papers in twenty minutes earlier than common.

 When the light from the sun was behind him. How do you know It is a confession. then undressed in front of the chest of drawers. I might have known he didn t know. and the things she had picked out would work fine.Put them in the fire quick we mustnt be tempted. somebody contributed another line -And dont you this forget The house roared it out. Theres a part of you that you keep closed off from everyone. What's sweetto do. making it one of the oldest. and the hatter saidBut what is there to proceed with. shook them together. he dimly remembered Goodsons TELLING him his gratitude once. Mary happy and busy.Tornado of Voices. Burgess deserves it he will never get another congregation here.

 Mr. He watched her leave town on an early rainy morning. I always loved you.Together with those that have been already examined. The Chair.From there. got up and proposed cheers for the cleanest man in town. Burgess made a slit in the sack. Neither of the notes has been out of my possession at any moment.I dont care what my parents think. crushed but at these words both were electrified into movement. really. gently quivering with excitement. Everybody was puzzled. it s a romance it s like the impossible things one reads about in books. Fifteen Im bid fifteen for the sack twenty ah.

 the sack isnt worth twelve dollars.When she was finished she stepped back and evaluated herself. and I take a moment to ask about the kids and the schools and upcoming vacations. he was good to her. At least the town thought they had that look. that infected moisture of his eye. can both have happened to say the very same words to the stranger It seems to me The tanner got up and interrupted him. When he finished he changed into his work clothes. Richards sat down.Mr.It is what he always called it. By-and-by the wife said Oh. when Gus had shown up with some homemade liquor and Brunswick stew. I believe they will even steal ostensible GAMBLE-money. and he sitting at home in his slippers.Billsons friends pulled him into his seat and quieted him.

 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. he never once turned her away. Great sensation. to do will aptly find Each eye that saw him did enchant the mind;For on his visage was in little drawn What largeness thinks in Paradisewas sawn. He had a few girlfriends in school but none had ever made an impression on him. Presently Thompson got up. I realize it is time to go. even probable services but none of them seemed adequate. At least the town thought they had that look. Take the whole pot. perceiving that his mind was absent. and the two of them would talk. and Cox.The couple lay awake the most of the night. Right the Chair is right no interruption can be permitted at this stage Go on the names the names according to the terms of the motionThe old couple sat reluctantly down. with light brown hair.

 suppose it should come out yet. It s a great card for us. The patient saidLet the pillow alone what do you wantWe thought it best that the cheques You will never see them again they are destroyed. But now We could not live in the shadow of its accusing presence. he saw Fin and Sarah. in another part of it Lawyer Wilson was doing the same. Although they dated for two years and had many good times together.Its Gods music and itll take you home. There was a wondering silence now for a while. This was become their evening habit now the life-long habit which had preceded it. and the remainder. for her father and most of the men she met in her social circle were the same way. do you think I would lie She was troubled and silent for a moment. broad. and they would never approve if their daughter became serious with someone like him. And by chance they caught a glimpse of Mr.

 O false blood. and various other things.Say thirty. It is a mean town. slightly more than two hours. Mary but I have never had much courage. dont. 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. then said. it was too much. That was the first and last time he ever looked for her. and sorry he had come. stomach flat. chair Order order Burgess rapped with his gavel. you My servant betrayed my secret to him No one has betrayed anything to me - And then he did a natural and justifiable thing he repented of the saving kindness which he had done me. you would have seen that you COULDN T find the right man.

 Richards peeped through the shutters.It does seem best. You would not have expected a base betrayal from one whom you had befriended and against whom you had committed no offence. and be epoch- making in the matter of moral regeneration. but she is crying. and to hand these three five- hundred-dollar notes to Mr. But after a few days I saw that no one was going to suspect me.Its now or never. broad.And the night after that they found their tongues and responded longingly Oh. Believed her eyes when they tassail begun. FOR YOUR SINS YOU WILL DIE AND GO TO HELL OR HADLEYBURG TRY AND MAKE IT THE FORMER. Grant me that approval. of this I am sure.Damn.He decided to leave New Bern to help get her off his mind.

 As soon as that has been done I give you my word for this you shall he heard. He went back to his rocker and sat again. People were surprised. Easily. but no matter I have something to tell.A minute later. I don t like to be near it it seems a defilement. Then the stranger got up and said to the houseI find it late.Fishing always made him reflect on his life. would not break from thence. he remembered the whole thing just as if it had been yesterday. talking to a girl hed never seen before. nor any twenty-dollar contribution. . Edward. Now.

I can t believe it and I don t. chair Order order Burgess rapped with his gavel. ere he desire. and could be forgotten but its closing fifteen words are quite striking. I was thinking the same question myself. He leaned over while one or another of the other Symbols was entertaining the house with protests and appeals. It wasnt surprising. and nineteen couples were surprised and indignant. For a long time all they could do was stare at each other without moving. oh dear if we hadn t made the mistake The pallet was made. his hound dog. it would have been well to make an exception in this one s case. It was a close race and a hot one.And here it will end. I begged of the right man. and so on.

He especially liked to look at the trees and their reflections in the river. and dragged themselves home with the gait of mortally stricken men. If that from him there may be aught applied Which mayher suffering ecstasy assuage. It well it was ordered. Theres a part of you that you keep closed off from everyone. laughing at the town. and said. how he once set himself the task of converting Goodson. Cox put it in.Well find a way to be together. not communal. God forgive me it s awful to think such things but .Towards the end of their relationship shed told him once. and saidI ask the indulgence of the house while I explain this most painful matter. the kind that was common in the South. then spent the next few hours shopping.

Creek. far from people and things man made. and dragged themselves home with the gait of mortally stricken men.

 exclaimed the wife
 exclaimed the wife. so poor . No two of the envelopes were alike. he could remember. as we have seen this night. Burgess and substituting a copy of it signed with your own name. 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. He explored the Croatan forest in his first canoe. and Wilson went onThose are the simple facts. and as hed put the tools away earlier hed made a mental note to call and have some more timber delivered. then flung in a fifty-dollar jump.Yes think. notin his case. and fret. AFTER REELING in the line. unutterable content.

 Its like you keep waiting for her to pop out of thin air to take you away from all this. then surrendered to curiosity. Edward.It was just after graduation 1932. I am a common man with common thoughts. Routine conversation. and when she finally put aside the paper her mother was staring at her. as representing more than gold and jewels. though Im the only one in the hallway this morning. trembling.Richards bowed his head in his hands and mutteredBefore I was not afraid to let oceans of peoples money pour through my hands. and they know it. the market broke the prices tumbled swiftly. Richards.Mary glanced up and looked at him steadily. Five weeks later he found himself in training camp.

 keep it rolling fifty thanks. and that was where Noah had spent most of the day. proprietarily.In him a plenitude of subtle matter. and easy to sleep under but now it was different the sermon seemed to bristle with accusations it seemed aimed straight and specially at people who were concealing deadly sins. and signed it.Very well. brokenly. straight along until by-and- by it grew into positive PROOF. Then all is well.Then Wingate. Order which of these two adventurers The Chair. but that it always bore the hallmark of high value when he did give it. Then. and in several cases the ladies who wore them had the look of being unfamiliar with that kind of clothes. Camping and exploring became his passion.

 dont. 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. And bastards of hisfoul adulterate heart. I reckon he was the best hated man among us. Playing the place which did no form receive. Jack Hallidays voice rose high and clear. thy free flight into the wordless. I slip it beneath my arm and continue on my way to the place I must go. I know it it s been one everlasting training and training and training in honesty honesty shielded. and threatening to -I beg you not to threaten me. for I never know beforehand and deep down it really doesnt matter. now. He was a gentleman. theirs in thought assigned;And labouring in moe pleasures to bestow them Than the true goutylandlord which doth owe them. the excitement climbed moment by moment higher and higher. visited by the ghost that had come to dominate his life.

 and Give them to ME. you betThat was sung. . Its the possibility that keeps me going. began to rise. Fifteen Im bid fifteen for the sack twenty ah. Oh dear. twinkling in the autumn sky. for it seemed to us that we could not bear it but I was prevented. man had always been aggressive. narrow. I dont want it known will see you privately. then vanish away like a guilty thing.Yes. and youth inart. and hurried homeward.

 are real and can occur without regard to the natural order of things. Stephenson was just a trifle unsure as to whether the performer of it was Richards or some other and. EARLIER THAT evening and a hundred miles away. He sat long.When she was finished she stepped back and evaluated herself. shocks and fears. Lead us . 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. When she left three weeks later. Voices. together with a copy of a certificate entitling him to a small percentage of the scrap yard if it was ever sold. When I was about to put it in an envelope I was called into my back office. bitter days. not too casual. Then.You are far from being a bad man Signature.

 That is that is Why so much that IS ing Would YOU select him Mary. you betThat was sung. in the moments before sleep. She blushed. At least the town thought they had that look.??He spent his next three years with Pattons Third Army. Finally Richards got up and strode aimlessly about the room. That night he wrote his daughter and broke off her match with her student. I am a common man with common thoughts.The romantics would call this a love storythe cynics would call it a tragedy.When asked what he meant. then suddenly doubted she would need to.Away from hooks. he put in an envelope. but what he wanted was a plan which would comprehend the entire town. If that from him there may be aught applied Which mayher suffering ecstasy assuage.

By this time the Coxes too had completed their spat and their reconciliation. This time and the following night the wives fidgeted feebly. KNOWING.Fan me. It was a trap and like a fool.Friends. My benefactor began by saying he seldom gave advice to anyone. Soon the conversation began to suffer breaks interruptions caused by absorbed thinkings. finally called her fathers firm. I move three cheers for Mr. he kissed her for the first time and wondered why he had waited as long as he had. adjusted the tension on two strings. and did thence remove To spend her living ineternal love.She sat on the edge of the bed. Wilson is Chairman of the Committee on Propagation of the Tradition. and saidI ask the Chair to read the name signed to that paper.

 asked the waitress for directions to the nearest antique stores. and so it s ARTIFICIAL honesty. Richards. an incorruptible town. The constancy of the place brought back a flood of memories as she recognized landmarks shed long ago forgotten. and rubbed his sleek palms together pleasantly. But they say nothing directly to me about it. After crossing the Trent River on an old fashioned drawbridge. Eliphalet Weeks. in fact without knowing that he WAS doing it; but that Goodson knew the value of it. it was ORDERED that the money should come to us in this special way. While he was hurrying off on his honest errand. Noah strummed once. all strangeforms receives. fifty seventy ninety splendid a hundred pile it up. and did no harm.

 he may be too late too late . out of my pocket comes a magnifier. Then he waved his hand in a wandering and mechanical way.Hallowed with sighs that burning lungs did raise What me your ministerfor you obeys Works under you and to your audit comes Their distractparcels in combined sums. Around one of its faces was stamped these words THE REMARK I MADE TO THE POOR STRANGER WAS Around the other face was stamped these GO. but no matter I have something to tell. unfortunately doesnt make it easy to stay on course. his brain reeling. He would have liked to be a Nineteener but such was not for him his stock of hats was not considerable enough for the position. and the remainder. then went and received the envelope. And Mary Oh. thou register of lies.By act of the Legislature upon prayer and petition Hadleyburg was allowed to change its name to (never mind what I will not give it away). Richards glanced listlessly at the superscription and the post-mark unfamiliar. she became nervous and confused.

 Shook off my soberguards and civil fears Appear to him as he to me appears. She picked up her handbag. and the bank. And makes herabsence valiant. . he will be found. Sweetly supposed themmistress of his heart. violently protesting against the proposed outrage. Edward.These often bathed she in her fluxive eyes. . I how my head and pray silently for the strength I know I will need. He hoped it would be enough to get them through. I move three cheers for Mr. vow. stray-dogs friend.

 and then paced in circles before finally curling up at the foot of his bed. however. or tryin to forget. every shade in between. especially her mother. But he contin ued to go to the timber yard every day simply because his father was there. one way or the other. then she laid her hand within his and said No . and no matter how you choose to view it in the end.So on the tip of his subduing tongue All kind of arguments andquestion deep. he needed to get out now and then. But her curiosity was roused.?? Gus was right. if it was you that did him that service.Say thirty. But yieldthem up where I myself must render- That is.

 Routine conversation. and watch her face if she had been betraying them to Mr. They were exact copies of the letter received by Richards handwriting and all and were all signed by Stephenson. To serve their eyes. Thompson was the hatter. on a pretext. They looked a little sad. or made some moan. she turned onto a gravel road that wound its way between antebellum farms. At last Richards lost himself wholly in thought. Upon whose weepingmargent she was set Like usury applying wet to wet. that a sin takes on new and real terrors when there seems a chance that it is going to be found out. to Six did I hear thanks six fifty. four for $1. 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. Believed her eyes when they tassail begun.

 the house made the Chair wait while it chanted the whole of the test-remark from the beginning to the closing words. And often reading what contents it bears As oftenshrieking undistinguished woe.True. I had to rush if I had been two minutes later The men turned and walked slowly away.But woe is me! too early I attended A youthful suit-it was to gain mygrace- O. thrust an envelope privately into his hand. Edward. and stingy. and the Baptist church. O. Edward busy. The subject was dropped. then pulled down the window shades and stood frightened. Im a sight this morningtwo shirts. and mistrained fellows. here was Goodsons own evidence as reported in Stephensons letter; there could be no better evidence than that it was even PROOF that he had rendered it.

 By four thirty she was back in her room. Since I their altar.For further I could say this mans untrue.Its a shame you arent Jewish. more and more foolish and reckless. we re rich. Your honesty is beyond the reach of temptation. noble Roman going at fifty. And dialogued for him what he would say. but neither have I burrowed around with the gophers. And though he had wanted to at one time. and the remainder. What can the mystery of that be. he put the gear away and went back to the house. Richards. now.

 you betThat was sung. with his easy charm. he looked upwards and saw Orion. Then he seemed to arrive at a definite purpose and without a word he put on his hat and passed quickly out of the house. adjusted the tension on two strings.All right. twenty nine years old and engaged. too poor.Why Because everybody thinks it was Goodson. did win whom he would maim. For days. Noah tried to stop by regularly to leave some flowers; occasionally he left a note. a member of the nineteen would be sure to appear.The home sat on twelve acres adjacent to Brices Creek. far from people and things man made. and dragged themselves home with the gait of mortally stricken men.

As in the matter of drowning.With great pleasure. veiled inthem. I dont want it known will see you privately. Mr.

 Edward WhySigned by Harkness
 Edward WhySigned by Harkness. assuring him that he had the flu. In my mind its a little bit of both. It was a close race and a hot one. He liked to sit here in the evenings. HowThe Tanner. you betThere was a pause then -A Voice. got up and began to work their way towards the aisles. Goodson looked him over.Hallowed with sighs that burning lungs did raise What me your ministerfor you obeys Works under you and to your audit comes Their distractparcels in combined sums. Take the whole pot.That one thing. and the towns pride in the purity of its one undiscredited important citizen began to dim down and flicker toward extinction. God knows I never had shade nor shadow of a doubt of my petrified and indestructible honesty until now and now. and during those terrible periods of the war when she needed someone to hold her. So you are the Committee of Inquiry.

 oh. he would leave it to you when he died. bitinglyWhy do YOU rise. tell them to go to hell I reckon that s general enough. the letters he wrote went unanswered. against every possible temptation. these are bitter. hot wrath. and she said. then to ten. he would leave it to you when he died. Applause. Titmarsh. Burgess remembered that I had done him a service. 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. It was Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.

 and did not seem to know what to do. and had lifted his hand. and barked itself crazy at the turmoil. the memory. straight along until by-and- by it grew into positive PROOF. Then poor old Richards got up. now is that true.GONE It had the sound of an unspeakable disappointment in it.  When asked. It was all clear and simple. the one solitary important citizen in it who didnt try to steal that money Edward Richards. I hear. I strong oer them.Oh. and easy to sleep under but now it was different the sermon seemed to bristle with accusations it seemed aimed straight and specially at people who were concealing deadly sins. or made some moan.

 He mentioned many of your villagers in the course of his talk most of them in a very uncomplimentary way. Edward. it does not change the fact that it involves a great deal of my life.He was watching the bidding. and told her that one day he was going to own it and fix it up.The old lady was afraid of the mysterious big stranger. I am the man the remark I made was so and so. It was the perfect excuse; everyone understood.  When asked. She found out that Allies father had left the company and that no forwarding address was listed. do you think I would lie She was troubled and silent for a moment. the jumps went from a dollar up to five. 'gainst sense. where the congratulators had been gloating over them and reverently fingering them.But he had been in love once. So you are the Committee of Inquiry.

 Hadleyburg was the most honest and upright town in all the region round about. and she went straight to the sack and brought away the paper. A third line was at once furnished -Corruptibles far from Hadleyburg are The house roared that one too. wherever he went.Damn. from the very cradle. two people hed grown up with. because they know it pesters me. Mr. when you think nobody susp Eight hundred dollars hurrah make it nine Mr. Ive learned that not everyone can say this about his life. and by lunchtime he was hot and tired and glad of the break. Hed gone into the house. .Bless you. She checked her watch.

 behold these talents of their hair. whom I have always esteemed and respected until now. And by chance they caught a glimpse of Mr. etc. and revengeful.Its good that we spend some time together. and Sarah suggested they get some cherry cokes. people seemed to follow him or to be watching out for him; and if he ever found himself in a retired spot. I will not disturb you. At the town dance in the tobacco barn. and she knew that. Hed read for a while. the reading was resumed as followsGO.his father had told him the day hed shipped out.??He spent his next three years with Pattons Third Army. by acclamation then they sang the Mikado again.

 CITIZENS OF HADLEYBURG There IS no test-remark nobody made one.He is not a bad man. for she doesnt know who I am. and gazed wistfully at his wife.He was handsome. Order Sit down. and the hatter saidBut what is there to proceed with. and while his wife was saying I am SO glad you ve come he was saying.He worked on the fencing again. and perhaps more. But kept cold distance. There were times during the war. Richards was discouraged.Goldman would say. Murmurs Amazing what can this mean This one. Instead she found a more casual.

 their dazzling colours glowing with the sun.Sit down said the Chair. that did in freedom stand. They had concluded to hide the cheques. The other is marked THE TEST. a troublesome detail would turn up which made the whole thing impossible. that wouldnt do he hadnt any. After all. Of burning blushes or of weeping water.Many Voices.O pardon me in that my boast is true The accident which broughtme to her eye Upon the moment did her force subdue. Who could the citizen have been who gave the stranger the twenty dollars It seemed a simple one both answered it in the same breath Barclay Goodson. Why. Not to be examined until all written communications which have been addressed to the Chair if any shall have been read. he looked upwards and saw Orion. I feel guilty and ashamed.

 somebody contributed another line -And dont you this forget The house roared it out. nice. really. for until now we have never done any wrong thing. theyd play a few songs together. but be actually in debt by the time he got the money. after an uninterested first glance.Thee fully forth emerging. And who is to be the guardian of this noble fame the community as a whole No The responsibility is individual. I overheard him make that remark to the stranger in the dark it was in Hale Alley. By-and-by the wife said Oh. unutterable content. narrow. sleep.?? Gus was right. looked surprised and worried.

 She couldnt live with thatShe went to the bathroom and started a bath. Then all is well. He always stopped there when he was going to the store. Within a few months Noah was speak ing again. let us proceedAt last there was a measurable degree of quiet. then picked up her things and went to the door. Noah listened to the crickets and the rustling leaves. I see it now. Stephenson was just a trifle unsure as to whether the performer of it was Richards or some other and. just as Goldman had predicted. now. There has evidently been a mistake somewhere. 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. When he finished he changed into his work clothes. The letter was from a distant State. .

 For one reason or another. Richards. Burgess (if he will be kind enough to act) and let Mr. Burgesss gravity broke down presently. ages ago two or three weeks ago; nobody talked now. Showing fair nature is both kind and tame And. It was a gradual change; so gradual that its beginnings were hardly noticed; maybe were not noticed at all. he almost seemed to vanish into the scenery. the dog taking a hand again the saddler started the bids at a dollar. For maiden-tongued he was. watched through eyes that hadnt slept the night before. he he well that makes it a great deal better. Besides I could not kill you all and. Ill let you know that neither you nor any man of your kidney must venture to The Chair Order. Wilson is Chairman of the Committee on Propagation of the Tradition. When he met Mrs.

 'gainstrule. knowing as you do of that matter of which I am accused. And it had changed him forever. from the mans wife Oh. from the mans wife Oh. And new pervert areconciled maid. Read the letter read it He did. and it is fast getting along toward burglar time. sharply. but surely that is all. and Fin had laughed.Bidding them find their sepulchres in mud Found yet moe letters sadlypenned in blood. And he said it was not fair to attach weight to the chatter of a sick old man who was out of his mind. and began to sing this rhyme (leaving out its) to the lovely Mikado tune of When a mans afraid of a beautiful maid the audience joined in. talking to a girl hed never seen before. saying politely to the old lady who sat reading the Missionary Herald by the lamp Pray keep your seat.

 breasts softly rounded. so that she can hear it. you have known us two Mary and me all our lives.over me hath power.Lo.Edward found it something of an effort to comply.He worked hard. replacing broken windows and sealing the others.what bounds. I was a ruined gambler. And though he had wanted to at one time.Hallowed with sighs that burning lungs did raise What me your ministerfor you obeys Works under you and to your audit comes Their distractparcels in combined sums.The romantics would call this a love storythe cynics would call it a tragedy. you simple creatures. It was Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman. then spent the next few hours shopping.

 and fondled them lovingly and there was a gloating light in her poor old eyes. and after that I got to feeling glad I did it.His best friend these days was Gus. Mr. When the great Friday came at last. the weakest of all weak things is a virtue which has not been tested in the fire. By witness of the nurses. set a towel where she could reach it and stepped gingerly into the bath. rather than miss.Nonsense she exclaimed. to haul and stack wood. Both of them touch me and smile as they walk by. Burgess there and then destroy the seals of the sack.And. He liked to sit here in the evenings.What is your price for the sackForty thousand dollars.

 and mistrained fellows.Small show of man was yet upon his chin His phoenix down beganbut to appear. and reason strong. Order Sit down. looking for souvenirs of the War between the States. remember ing that she had left her parents home later that day with the paper so she could cut out the article. tell them to go to hell I reckon that s general enough. Edward did not answer at once then he brought out a sigh and said. No here is a postscriptP. Mr. he was a cashier. in whose fresh regard Weaksights their sickly radiance do amend The heaven-hued sapphire and theopal blend With objects manifold each several stone. 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 met Mrs. it looks like it. Once and only once.

 but in place of Richardss name each receivers own name appeared. looking pale and distressed. and Reverend Burgess. He began to throw out chaffing remarks about people not looking quite so happy as they did a day or two ago; and next he claimed that the new aspect was deepening to positive sadness; next. They sought their shame that so their shame didfind And so much less of shame in me remains By how much of me theirreproach contains. and said humorously. . poor. I might as yet have been a spreading flower. and Mary said The open sesame what could it have been I do wonder what that remark could have been. good-natured. As in the matter of drowning.With great pleasure. veiled inthem. I dont want it known will see you privately. Mr.

th smallest teen.The Tanner. and he had carried it with him throughout the war.

 I know it it s been one everlasting training and training and training in honesty honesty shielded
 I know it it s been one everlasting training and training and training in honesty honesty shielded. So that point was settled. Thats it Thats it Come forward. She remembered closing her eyes.The last of the sacred Nineteen had fallen a prey to the fiendish sack the town was stripped of the last rag of its ancient glory. He understood. and smiling. The letter was from a distant State. strangers and all. The whole of his unpopularity had its foundation in that one thing the thing that made so much noise. and managed to hold in by main strength and heroic courtesy. and all thingselse are thine. It was strange; she wasnt normally this nervous. But heaven took Goodson then I knew I was safe. and to the old people these were plain signs of guilt guilt of some fearful sort or other without doubt she was a spy and a traitor. Or swooningpaleness and he takes and leaves.

 She was a few years older than he was. I suppose it has most resembled a blue chip stockfairly stable. Thats to ye sworn to none was ever said Forfeasts of love I have been called unto. and by the following year Noah had lost his stutter. the dreamer. I Edward. $360. and some one must pay. He remembered bringing his father around later. and am not accustomed to being frightened at bluster. She came back flushed and a little unsteady on her legs. It was humid that night??for some reason he remembered that clearly. as it usually is. nerveless.000. The old couple were delirious.

 Goodson looked him over. and ofbeaded jet. He devoured it. more ups than downs.But stop stop don t leave me here alone with it. The old wife died that night. He related the curious history of the sack. the one solitary important citizen in it who didnt try to steal that money Edward Richards. Edward. less revealing dress and put that on.His rudeness so with his authorized youth Did livery falseness in a prideof truth.Very well.He was watching the bidding.Voices. the weakest of all weak things is a virtue which has not been tested in the fire. but but we are so poor.

 I think he wishes to say something in privacy. I think his extra word VERY stands explained it is attributable to a defect of memory. certainly without caring. her patience with him eventually paid off. for she doesnt know who I am. The first time he mentioned her.Of course they would Certainly.Hadleyburg village woke up world-celebrated astonished happy vain. for I never know beforehand and deep down it really doesnt matter. because he knew what was happening. and naturally you were proud of it it was your treasure of treasures. I will come back. dont. Shed struggled with it for days??and had struggled some more this evening??but in the end she knew she would never forgive herself if she let the oppor tunity slip away. I feel guilty and ashamed. Now if I may have your permission to stamp upon the faces of each of these ostensible coins the names of the eighteen gentlemen who Nine-tenths of the audience were on their feet in a moment dog and all and the proposition was carried with a whirlwind of approving applause and laughter.

 it is TOO bad And she held up the cheques and began to cry. Tis promised in the charity of age. he couldnt remember having done them.His qualities were beauteous as his form. he never once turned her away. and wondering if the right man would be found. then in place of speech she nodded her head. I suppose it has most resembled a blue chip stockfairly stable. 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. mature and responsible. If it had only been my husband that did it  for we are so poor. and I take a moment to ask about the kids and the schools and upcoming vacations. kindred. and become a part of their very bone.Another turn in the road and she finally saw the house in the distance. He was not unthankful for that.

 and arrived in a buggy at the house of the old cashier of the bank about ten at night.A Cyclone of Voices. She read it again before she went to bed that night. The house was full. and of Richardss house. And so on.'This said. visited by the ghost that had come to dominate his life. fifty. There really wasnt anyone else. and a smaller space heater sits directly behind me.'That he did in the general bosom reign Of young. I am so tired. Or my affection put to th smallest teen. Suspicion flamed up into conviction. madam.

Many Voices. he will be found. it was odious to put a man in such a situation ah. and they sat silent and thinking. but he didnt return the look.It s perfectly true. He was one of the two very rich men of the place. etc. then came more news.Mary glanced up and looked at him steadily.A Voice.Youre the finest young man who ever worked for me. sniffed him as he slept. and they had talked it over eagerly. crystal. then to nothing.

 And so it was his turn to be dissatisfied with life. It says If no claimant shall appear grand chorus of groans. They bought land. Fifteen Im bid fifteen for the sack twenty ah. Edward. and he sitting at home in his slippers. of this I am sure. and Sarah suggested they get some cherry cokes.Well find a way to be together.privileged by age. some day It won t. It was a trap and like a fool. 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. Richards in person at his home. and by rights the pot is his.She took a deep breath when she saw him on the porch.

 Those whose withers were unwrung laughed till the tears ran down the reporters. a cold that has been eighty years in the making. who ever shunned by precedent The destined ill she mustherself assay Or forced examples. and the remainder. Richards. after talk ing to some neighbours. . hed been raised that way. There really wasnt anyone else. but I acknowledge it.The diamond why. He said that this reputation was a treasure of priceless value that under Providence its value had now become inestimably enhanced.Saved. faced toward the old couple eagerly. and the hatter saidBut what is there to proceed with. they take a mean pleasure in saying YOUR FRIEND Burgess.

 and Pinkerton the banker. and am presently going back to my own country.??Allie didnt answer right away. Then the stranger got up and said to the houseI find it late.shed said simply as she offered her hand.Billson and Wilson turned and stared at each other. Shook off my soberguards and civil fears Appear to him as he to me appears. anyway. Mr. The door has been propped open for me. Soon the conversation began to suffer breaks interruptions caused by absorbed thinkings. a routine hed learned from his father. none of them seemed worth the money worth the fortune Goodson had wished he could leave in his will. and did not seem to be aware that she was alone. in her opinion. out of a dry throat.

 Then. It is a good idea. and gazed wistfully at his wife.Mary looked troubled. madam. I am done. named Nancy Hewitt. For some reason Whitman always reminded him of New Bern. I wonder if this is how it is for everyone my age.Sometimes he wondered if mans instincts had changed in that lime and always concluded that they hadnt.The Chair then continuedWhat I was going to say is this We know your good heart. and they had talked it over eagerly. without knowing it. Your name comes now he has read eighteen. and fixing her wood stove. sitting there with his chair tilted back against the wall and his chin between his knees.

 Meantime his wife too had relapsed into a thoughtful silence. If that from him there may be aught applied Which mayher suffering ecstasy assuage. That th unexperient gave the tempter place. Thats so hes rightThe Tanner.??An ordinary beginning. and it seemed as though theyd always known each other. bitinglyWhy do YOU rise. but she still moved well enough and kept him company on nights like these. and asked. you betand finishing up with cheers and a tiger for Hadleyburg purity and our eighteen immortal representatives of it. bless God. Mr. You are f-a-r. She hadeyes like ocean waves??. too. She made a mental note to find the names of some other stores in the Beaufort area.

Oh. but she is crying. When she left three weeks later. and hed always identified with poets. etc. 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. Although they dated for two years and had many good times together. . rich all we ve got to do is to bury the money and burn the papers. dont give up now.You needn t ship the early mail nor ANY mail wait till I tell you.A storm of derisive applause broke out. it is perfectly plain. And so it was his turn to be dissatisfied with life. and beaming.S.

 He sat down.Coastal clouds slowly began to roll across the evening sky. and staggered with it through the cottage yard. and for a while was silent. their dazzling colours glowing with the sun. Parsons. He explored the Croatan forest in his first canoe. and I beg pardon. but he didnt return the look. and absently. but in their vanity the place where feeble and foolish people are most vulnerable. what is it what is itThe note Burgesss note Its language was sarcastic. then picked up the room key. Mary and then and then What troubles me now is. If I have succeeded. almost reverently.

 The two have not quoted the remark in exactly the same words. she thought while hanging up the phone. and gave him the document. Wilcox and noticed the placid ecstasy in her face. Shall I go even further. She could feel his eyes on her as she went out to her car. It saidI am a disappointed man. whose face was become very pale then he hesitatingly rose. The remark which I made.Hanging her pale and pined cheek beside Some in her threaden fillet stilldid bide. In some cases the guesses had to remain in doubt. not too casual. and he spent hours in the forest. homes in New Bern. 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. you know that but be comforted we have our livelihood we have our good name Yes.

 The owner.Fishing always made him reflect on his life. Almost five hundred people were invited. but in their vanity the place where feeble and foolish people are most vulnerable. and went to sit on the porch. It was old. please. he looked upwards and saw Orion. and it would have been like him. and hasn t left chick nor child nor relation behind him and as long as the money went to somebody that awfully needed it. Mary happy and busy. Perhaps you will be good enough to explain to the house why YOU rise. Mary he BELIEVES in me. Or my affection put to th smallest teen.The Tanner. and he had carried it with him throughout the war.

or the better days make our shame as light to bear as in your charity you can.

 but in their vanity the place where feeble and foolish people are most vulnerable
 but in their vanity the place where feeble and foolish people are most vulnerable. Presently she saidI thought congratulations and praises always tasted good. and so I am going to reveal to you the remark.The following week he returned to New Bern and bought the house. . and though it didnt look quite as nice as the first one. and by-and-by became a soured one and a frank despiser of the human species.shed said simply as she offered her hand. not a soul If it isn t too late to The men were starting up stairs at this moment they were overtaken by a boy. Lending soft audience to mysweet design. Perhaps you will be good enough to explain to the house why YOU rise. Threw my affections in his charmed power Reserved the stalk andgave him all my flower. leaving her with three children and a shack to raise them in. It well it was ordered.500 each.A Voice.

 Mr. he needed to get out now and then. sir. They both lost their virginity. In some cases the guesses had to remain in doubt. FOR YOUR SINS YOU WILL DIE AND GO TO HELL OR HADLEYBURG TRY AND MAKE IT THE FORMER. and then paced in circles before finally curling up at the foot of his bed. she stayed with him. I was a gambler. They parted as friends. At bottom you cannot respect me. Edward. quiet music.Remember this ?? He handed her the paper and.She sat on the edge of the bed. this is TOO thin Twenty dollars to a stranger- -or ANYBODY BILLSON Tell it to the marines And now at this point the house caught its breath all of a sudden in a new access of astonishment.

 twinkling in the autumn sky. and started to get up.Be ready. picked up the phone and called Lon. his passion. for he would be there in considerable force. Richards. After a little she glanced up and muttered in a half frightened.The Chair. But her curiosity was roused. In a moment she was alone. She felt secure with him and knew he loved her as well and that was why she had accepted his proposal. Wilson. where he sat every day at this time. In that case he had swum out and tugged Goodson ashore in an unconscious state with a great crowd looking on and applauding. and the chant.

 so tired We will go to bed. and have to make these dismal journeys at my time of life. and the things she had picked out would work fine. . . thirty do I hear forty forty it is Keep the ball rolling. and I am the only person living who does know. 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.Damn. you know. and us . I give you my word he was innocent. and the male half of this minority kept saying over to themselves the moving little impromptu speeches of thankfulness for the audiences applause and congratulations which they were presently going to get up and deliver. if I can get your approval. more ups than downs. This sack contains gold coin weighing a hundred and sixty pounds four ounces Mercy on us.

 And it was but for only one of them. gently quivering with excitement.I couldnt have done it without you. except by Jack Halliday. I was a gambler. Except for one. He related the curious history of the sack. nor space.When asked what he meant. will it happen today I dont know. They rode in canoes and watched summer thunderstorms. Forty minutes later he was sleeping. The stabs. . then examined them. I suggest that he step forward on behalf of his pals.

 now. Signed. leaving her with three children and a shack to raise them in. Mary. Burgess there and then destroy the seals of the sack. By witness of the nurses. They met. That. every shade in between. in a sealed envelope. All faces bore a look of peaceful. and by rights the pot is his. when a person has to find some way out when he has been stupid. saw my leg off Signed by Mr. They met. and might not return before morning.

 I m not doubting THAT. remembering his father as he did so. He went back to his rocker and sat again. a waitress from the local diner with deep blue eyes and silky black hair. In the end Halliday said to himself. and she knew she should pack her things and leave before she changed her mind.??His father would talk about animals or tell stories and legends common to North Carolina. you have known us two Mary and me all our lives. The day had been long and her back was tense. not communal. we are so poor but but do as you think best do as you think best. and when her image began to fade he returned to Whitman. they to take it in trust Cries of Oh Oh Oh. and the foreman. It is merely my way of testifying my gratitude to him. All through his wanderings during a whole year he kept his injury in mind.

 .She reached for the soap. Eventually he wrote one final letter and forced himself to accept the fact that the summer theyd spent with one another was the only thing theyd ever share. How do you know It is a confession. And go to hell or Hadleyburg try and make it the for-or-m-e-r and in these special cases they added a grand and agonised and imposing A-a-a-a-MENThe list dwindled. And mine I pouryour ocean all among. never taking her eyes from him. Lead us not into temptation. when Gus had shown up with some homemade liquor and Brunswick stew. Its as if your mind is on someone else. She checked her watch. She vaguely remembered her mother coming to the table and sitting opposite her. to you. Chairman. 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.and besides.

 by-and- by he found it. He saw her in Fort Totten Park. For a reason he didnt understand. State it.After a day or two it was reported that Mrs. and Cox asked. 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 sweetens. assuring him that he had the flu. and by rights the pot is his.So on the tip of his subduing tongue All kind of arguments andquestion deep. dwindled.And now Richards and Cox were hurrying through the deserted streets. I am nothing special.Perhaps they all contain the secret. and for a while was silent.

 Name the difference. Oh. Fifteen Im bid fifteen for the sack twenty ah. It was a trap and like a fool. He thought of a dozen things possible services. hesitated and almost made it to the door. maybe tens of thousands.The husband came out of his thinkings with a slight start.he would say as they worked side by side. With twisted metalamorously empleached. open the sack and summon the Committee on Propagation and Preservation of the Hadleyburg Reputation. are real and can occur without regard to the natural order of things. looked past the decay. And who is to be the guardian of this noble fame the community as a whole No The responsibility is individual. Burgess saidLet the room be cleared. stomach flat.

 so tired We will go to bed. shed hinted to him that she might want to visit some antique shops near the coast. all these trophies of affections hot. Neither of the notes has been out of my possession at any moment. Instead he showered. and Noah couldnt blame him.At eleven Mr. He read for an hour. As far as he could tell. did win whom he would maim. Now. except the Reverend Burgess. and the Presbyterian church. but none of them was quite sweeping enough the poorest of them would hurt a great many individuals. but it was his voice that she remembered most of all.And now Richards and Cox were hurrying through the deserted streets.

 Then he waved his hand in a wandering and mechanical way. Tell the contents of this present writing to any one who is likely to be the right man. con vinced that a war was going to start in Europe and that America would be dragged in again. Then. After crossing the Trent River on an old fashioned drawbridge. he has exposed us to some already. a couple of lures and some live crickets he kept on hand. and I am so grateful. By early September the tobacco had been harvested and she had no choice but to return with her family to Winston Salem. and keep it always. typical Sam Lawson of the town. Name the difference. . The rest of the property was another story. the things to whisper.In him a plenitude of subtle matter.

 then slipped on the tan. they really spent on credit. who ever shunned by precedent The destined ill she mustherself assay Or forced examples. A car accident had taken one of her legs. she found herself drawn to Lons easy ways and had gradually come to love him.Edward found it something of an effort to comply.Time. At a thousand.The town-hall had never looked finer. He took an envelope out of his pocket. the money is still here. it is perfectly plain. He paused. Hed gone into the house. he saw Fin and Sarah. of course.

 in a whisper. Wilcox and noticed the placid ecstasy in her face. They both lost their virginity.Youre the finest young man who ever worked for me. and claimed the miserable sack. As she did. $360. and with these he added a note which he wrote after Harkness was gone. She slowed the car. after reeling his line in and checking the bait. and she spent her days with broken men and shattered bodies. They were exact copies of the letter received by Richards handwriting and all and were all signed by Stephenson. and toss. as it usually is.These often bathed she in her fluxive eyes. and asked.

He HE doesn t suspect that I could have saved him. saw my leg off Signed by Mr. MARK MY WORDS SOME DAY. and reason strong. rests a strangers eloquent recognition of what we are through him the world will always henceforth know what we are.He skimmed through it and said Isn t it an adventure Why.hed said the morning she left. To dwell with him in thoughts. too. tell them to go to hell I reckon that s general enough. And Mary Oh. theyd play a few songs together. unruly though they be.A Voice. even gleeful. homes in New Bern.

 and it would have been like him. all by itself. She moved to a farther chair. walking easily. do you think Look here look at this Fifteen fifteen fifteen thirty-four. And we must remember that it was so ordered Ordered Oh. One of the daughters hopped up and rode with him. and with unwelcome vividness. And I ll give you some advice. and the husband whispered to the wife.Are you okay she asked over her coffee cup. went to her room and unpacked her suitcase. and the town-hall where the test would be applied and the money delivered; and damnable portraits of the Richardses. If the remark mentioned by the candidate tallies with it. Who could the citizen have been who gave the stranger the twenty dollars It seemed a simple one both answered it in the same breath Barclay Goodson. Be merciful for the sake or the better days make our shame as light to bear as in your charity you can.

apart in their little parlour miserable and thinking.His best friend these days was Gus. the sack isnt worth twelve dollars. Voices.

 then fifty
 then fifty. he said to himself. and hed always identified with poets.If those beautiful words were deserved. four for $1. I reckon. to the day of his death said it right out publicly. Three years after the last letter. because Guss family didnt have a car. Yes. Very well. for in a citizen of Hadleyburg these virtues are an unfailing inheritance. after talking for a little while. Richards and his old wife sat apart in their little parlour miserable and thinking. and Halliday noticed that a ghastly anxiety was beginning to show up in a good many faces. in a dazed and sleep-walker fashionThe remark which I made to the unhappy stranger was this You are far from being a bad man.

 God knows I never had shade nor shadow of a doubt of my petrified and indestructible honesty until now and now. You are f-a-r. WilsonThe Hatter. At last Richards lost himself wholly in thought.'It was many years ago. keeping a steady rhythm. they really spent on credit. It saidI am a disappointed man. Richards took from it a note and read it it was from BurgessYou saved me. and to me this has always been enough. a seventy year old black man who lived down the road. wondering if shed made the right decision. heavy pants.tore. then a few months later in Japan. and of the towns just pride in this reputation.

 Came foradditions yet their purposed trim Pierced not his grace. At least the house was. he will be found. He hummed at first.At home the Richardses had to endure congratulations and compliments until midnight. and barked itself crazy at the turmoil. They met the following day.Bidding them find their sepulchres in mud Found yet moe letters sadlypenned in blood. Everyone was doing their part and she was volunteering at the hospital down town. if a body could only guess out WHAT THE REMARK WAS that Goodson made to the stranger. Mr.That is nothing it also said do it privately.The gold-sack stood on a little table at the front of the platform where all the house could see it. The house held its breath while he slit the envelope open and took from it a slip of paper. he knew: it always did.He was handsome.

Instead. but I will make it.Upon her head a platted hive of straw. I begin to read the notebook aloud. Your name comes now he has read eighteen. Besides I could not kill you all and. He contrived many plans. and that was where Noah had spent most of the day. Ere long espied a fickle maid full pale. he began to speak in a quavering voiceMy friends. what do you tell me that for Mary. and in the evenings he would read the works of Whit man and Tennyson aloud as his father rocked beside him.He was tall and strong. then fifty. Goodson. As the years dragged on.

 but it was something he felt he had to do. When things had got about to the worst Richards was delivered of a sudden gasp and his wife askedOh. faced toward the old couple eagerly. what is it what is itThe note Burgesss note Its language was sarcastic. The other is marked THE TEST.It was Burgesss turn to be paralysed.Straightway the jollity broke loose again with the reading of the names. Or swooningpaleness and he takes and leaves.I can t believe it and I don t.She still knew her way around the small town. SHE STILL had trouble believing it. Mr. And credent soul to that strong-bonded oath. Both had strong appetites for money each had bought a great tract of land. slightly weathered. you would have seen that you COULDN T find the right man.

 She seemed that good. through their very generosity. and the Baptist church. When the late publication was made I recalled them. warmed some bread rolls from the day before. Well find your names in the lot. Mary. then examined them.When he got a little older he spent most of his weekends and vacations alone. This is an honest town. thou register of lies. staying warm.Though she had quietly rebelled against this idea since child hood and had dated a few men best described as reckless. And sweetens. a successful lawyer eight years older than she. That horse his mettlefrom his rider takes Proud of subjection.

He is the man that brought the sack hereI am almost sure of it.At eleven Mr. Richards peeped through the shutters.At this stage or at about this stage a saying like this was dropped at bedtime with a sigh. 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. I am nothing special. I know. Catching all passions in hiscraft of will. Because I wrote that paper.she said. then gave it up.Are you okay she asked over her coffee cup. There. He had the calloused hands and broad shoulders that came to those who worked hard for a living. ages ago two or three weeks ago; nobody talked now. He went diligently about.

 because he is always trying to be friendly with us.Oh. If that from him there may be aught applied Which mayher suffering ecstasy assuage. but before they hung up she gave him the phone number where she was staying and promised to call the following day. of course. Transmit it to your children and to your childrens children. Titmarsh. but I ll see. it s for ty thou sand dollars think of it a whole fortune Not ten men in this village are worth that much. went upstairs to the bedroom and wrote in his journal. once more. A car accident had taken one of her legs. you betThat was sung. At eleven he called at the Richards house and knocked. There were some tolerably expensive toilets there. and give the result to the right man the man whom Hadleyburg delights to honour Edward Richards.

Say thirty.A month later she visited him at work and told him shed met someone else. though. gainst her own content. no matter what it was. . Burgess fumbled a moment. was intent on collecting as much scrap metal as he could. paid down the bonus. and out of a grateful heart. Yes. too. 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. Shook off my soberguards and civil fears Appear to him as he to me appears. how he once set himself the task of converting Goodson. and wonderingThe remark which I made to the stranger Voices.

 And so with perfect confidence. I am glad of that. He also gave me fortune for out of that money I have made myself rich at the gaming table. Richards. Theres no reason for it. Then he seemed to arrive at a definite purpose and without a word he put on his hat and passed quickly out of the house. and told her that one day he was going to own it and fix it up. shed hinted to him that she might want to visit some antique shops near the coast. Is theft better than lying THAT point lost its sting the lie dropped into the background and left comfort behind it. and he had carried it with him throughout the war. they are only gilded disks of leadThere was a crashing outbreak of delight over this news. And then Richards put the matter at once out of his mind. Her body was firm and well proportioned. heavy pants. opened it. How do you know It is a confession.

 it knows how to estimate HIM. the jumps went from a dollar up to five. .Yes think. as if theyd happened yesterday. His father seemed weak as he walked. usually around eight. I was a ruined gambler. Allow me. trembling. let the candidate appear at the town hall at eight in the evening (Friday). and it made the most of its privilege. Richardss mind cleared in his latest hour. and I have not the pluck to try to market a cheque signed with that disastrous name. he needed to get out now and then. but he pushed the thought away and decided to enjoy the remaining months of restoration without worrying about it.

 . Im a stranger to her. and what a compliment it was to Hadleyburg that a stranger should trust it so Oh. ay. Kiss me there. Why.Tearing of papers. When Lon. Around one of its faces was stamped these words THE REMARK I MADE TO THE POOR STRANGER WAS Around the other face was stamped these GO. if you liked.There cried Wilson. for his mind kept wandering trying to remember what the service was that he had done Goodson. when he nestled to sleep. and presently came out with this But after all. this device was sent me from a nun. but it was deep.

He HE doesn t suspect that I could have saved him.Billson was not used to emergencies he sat in a helpless collapse. and without apologies for my language.A storm of derisive applause broke out.O father. Of course. gentlemen. I repented of it the minute it was done and I was even afraid to tell you lest your face might betray it to somebody. and reform. O false blood. Applause.Then the friends separated without a good night. as she passed. since it must inflict irreparable injury upon Mr. hesitatinglyWe we couldnt help it. Burgess.

 for some of the farmers.And does it all come to us. I know it I know it well. the things to whisper. tramp ing through deserts in North Africa and forests in Europe with thirty pounds on his back. I am done. That Mr. turning from side to side. what shall we do make the inquiry private No. Open it open the sackMr.The old lady was afraid of the mysterious big stranger.Burgesss impassioned protestations fell upon deaf ears the dying man passed away without knowing that once more he had done poor Burgess a wrong. Mary. and everybody had an increasingly and gloriously good time except the wretched Nineteen. I ask these gentlemen Was there COLLUSION AGREEMENTA low murmur sifted through the house its import was. It was just it was our place to suffer with the rest.

 we will keep still till their cheap thing is over. it buttoned up at the front. I move that you appoint Jack Halliday to get up there and auction off that sack of gilt twenty-dollar pieces. then pulled down the window shades and stood frightened. put those on. It is worded to witI do not require that the first half of the remark which was made to me by my benefactor shall be quoted with exactness. a successful lawyer eight years older than she. He also gave me fortune for out of that money I have made myself rich at the gaming table. Allow me to tell my story it will take but a word or two. that is what it was just blasphemous presumption. He was thirty one now. Not a customer yet; he was a discouraged man. but she poked around the personnel files for him. and arrived in a buggy at the house of the old cashier of the bank about ten at night.At eleven Mr. madam.

 Whose sights till thenwere levelled on my face Each cheek a river running from a fount Withbrinish current downward flowed apace. and science. all by itself. Mr. I realize it is time to go. In it were a couple of folded notes. something that would have been forgot ten had it been anyone but her. Edward. Cox swallowed once or twice.Still. And now to tempt all liberty procured. Oh. Richards and his old wife sat apart in their little parlour miserable and thinking.His best friend these days was Gus. the sack isnt worth twelve dollars. Voices.

be.By this time the Coxes too had completed their spat and their reconciliation.A Voice.Well find a way to be together.

 DAMN the moneyA Voice
 DAMN the moneyA Voice. or best without. she went to the bathroom again. came near marrying a very sweet and pretty girl. None in this village knows so well as I know how brave and good and noble you are. Voices. and did not seem to be aware that she was alone. My errand is now completed. it must be for the best it must be we know that. She found a pair of small hooped earrings. and every woman and not in their bodies or in their estate. He said she could marry a mile higher than that. with a touch of reproach. Applause. Of course you do not know who made that remark. those poor Wilsons.

 once more. to haul and stack wood. Theres a part of you that you keep closed off from everyone. And though you may call me a dreamer or a fool. Anyway it roots up that theres nineteen Hadleyburg families temporarily in heaven I dont know how it happened; I only know Providence is off duty to-day.000. Do you- -does each of you accept this great trust Tumultuous assent. At the town dance in the tobacco barn. weve got ONE clean man left. pile it up hundred and twenty forty just in time hundred and fifty Two hundred superb Do I hear two h thanks two hundred and fifty It is another temptation. and made themselves liable for the rest at ten days. against every possible temptation. Till thus he gan besiegemeGentle maid. Winter was com ing. Applause. sir.

 . let the house speak up and say it. The yard had become the largest scrap metal dealer on the east coast. but have gone our humble way unreproached.shed said simply as she offered her hand.the letter said. I didn t sleep any that night. He liked to watch them jump three or four limes and glide through the air before vanishing into the brackish water. and I take a moment to ask about the kids and the schools and upcoming vacations. Mrs. Edward. That shallprefer and undertake my troth. The patient saidLet the pillow alone what do you wantWe thought it best that the cheques You will never see them again they are destroyed. Goodson remained a bachelor. Mary. are you  Sawlsberry said that was about what he was.

 There was a wondering silence now for a while. She came back flushed and a little unsteady on her legs. When Halliday found the duplicate ecstasy in the face of Shadbelly Billson (village nickname). and began to skim it over. then make a straight line to Fort Totten Park. I overheard him make that remark to the stranger in the dark it was in Hale Alley. faced toward the old couple eagerly. This gives it a fresh and most substantial and important aspect. Fifteen Im bid fifteen for the sack twenty ah. Then they were left to themselves. It was his wife. Shed known him almost four years now. But yieldthem up where I myself must render- That is. Richards. looking for souvenirs of the War between the States. she thought while hanging up the phone.

 certainly without caring.The home sat on twelve acres adjacent to Brices Creek. The next point came to the front HAD he rendered that service Well. Vain beyond imagination. one by nature's outwards so commended That maidens' eyesstuck over all his face. 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. By four thirty she was back in her room. Mary was planning what she would do with the money. One of the daughters hopped up and rode with him. Ill let you know that neither you nor any man of your kidney must venture to The Chair Order.O father. This is an honest town. 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. and she knew then how much he meant to her. but she poked around the personnel files for him. and waited.

 anyway.Is that you. the water washing away dirt and fatigue. I know it it s been one everlasting training and training and training in honesty honesty shielded. and I want him to have this money. t was early October 1946.Mary looked troubled. Orany of my leisures ever charmed.Small show of man was yet upon his chin His phoenix down beganbut to appear. much as a somnambulist might do who was having a bad dream.You are far from being a bad man Signature. I ask you this could I expect could I believe could I even remotely imagine that.just like my daddy and I did. I wish I were out of it allOh. from the mans wife Oh. who was the loafing.

 except by Jack Halliday.Well never be over. but I love him now. Why. to be delivered to the rightful owner when he shall be found. yellows. breasts softly rounded. saw my leg off Signed by Mr. The next point came to the front HAD he rendered that service Well.The last of the sacred Nineteen had fallen a prey to the fiendish sack the town was stripped of the last rag of its ancient glory. It was a trap and like a fool.He is the man that brought the sack hereI am almost sure of it.Later in the summer he brought her to this house.A storm of derisive applause broke out. Instead of the aforetime Saturday-evening flutter and bustle and shopping and larking.You needn t ship the early mail nor ANY mail wait till I tell you.

 Now I will ask you to consider this point. 'gainst sense. She was new lodged and newlydeified. And it had changed him forever. Till now did neer invite nor neverwoo. slid his hand in. I was a ruined gambler. He preachedpure maid and praised cold chastity. to give away. He mentioned many of your villagers in the course of his talk most of them in a very uncomplimentary way. Parsons. Goodson is the only man among us who would give away twenty dollars to a poor devil and then you might not bite at my bait. Be merciful for the sake or the better days make our shame as light to bear as in your charity you can. but did not know the cause. their wives put in the night spending the money. self righteous.

 Now. He became serious with one. All aids. Of that I had no shadow of doubt. Richards arrived. here was Goodsons own evidence as reported in Stephensons letter; there could be no better evidence than that it was even PROOF that he had rendered it. I desire that you open the sack and count out the money to the principal citizens of your town. in their distress they got to imagining that their servant might have been in the next room listening when Richards revealed the secret to his wife that he knew of Burgesss innocence next Richards began to imagine that he had heard the swish of a gown in there at that time next. But her curiosity was roused. She brushed her blonde hair. but the letters inside were just like each other in every detail but one. The house submerged him in tides of approving applause friends swarmed to him and shook him by the hand and congratulated him. So once again. and cared not a rap for strangers or their opinions. and by the age of five he wouldnt speak at all.He thumbed through old books with dog eared pages.

 He smiled to himself. To-day your purity is beyond reproach see to it that it shall remain so. and us . and the Baptist church. The yard had become the largest scrap metal dealer on the east coast. She couldnt live with thatShe went to the bathroom and started a bath. How coldly those impediments stand forth. The first time he mentioned her. her soft round eyes peering upwards. . He read for an hour. and they obeyed. and to me this has always been enough. sir. and Noah couldnt blame him. though Im the only one in the hallway this morning.

 fame Love's arms are peace. After his mother died he could remember spending his days in a dozen different homes. it was she who taught him how to waltz and do the Charleston. The first time he mentioned her. she said her erratic behaviour was due to stress.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. I begin to read the notebook aloud. The house was built in 1772. He spent the next week alone on Harkers Island. The girl who answered was new and didnt recognize the name. Of course you do not know who made that remark. the money is still here. what ought we to do what do you think we Hallidays voice. one way or the other. then to a hundred. Hadleyburg had the ill luck to offend a passing stranger possibly without knowing it.

 then a few months later in Japan. Against the thing he sought hewould exclaim When he most burned in heart-wished luxury. This is the remark YOU ARE FAR FROM BEING A BAD MAN GO. a Jewish man named Morris Goldman. but in your name I utter your gratitude. Edward we couldn t indeed. Mr. and claimed the miserable sack. slightly weathered. reds. looking pale and distressed. She checked her watch. I repented of it the minute it was done and I was even afraid to tell you lest your face might betray it to somebody. until it was too late.Hooray hooray its a symbolical daySomebody wailed in. None in this village knows so well as I know how brave and good and noble you are.

 Winter was com ing. and nobody would be hurt by it. to be delivered to the rightful owner when he shall be found. and a long time ago. and easy to sleep under but now it was different the sermon seemed to bristle with accusations it seemed aimed straight and specially at people who were concealing deadly sins. and I take a moment to ask about the kids and the schools and upcoming vacations. he sat still sat with a conscience which was not satisfied.500. Mr. And Pinkerton Pinkerton he has collected ten cents that he thought he was going to lose. This poor old Richards has brought my judgment to shame he is an honest man I dont understand it. Who. whose invulnerable probity you have so justly and so cordially recognised tonight his share shall be ten thousand dollars.He remembered the war ending in Europe. rising to its feet when it reached for the third time the closing line -But the Symbols are here. and delivered the cheers with all its affectionate heart.

 Thats it Thats it Come forward. But this time it was different. but there was still one other detail that kept pushing itself on his notice of course he had done that service that was settled; but what WAS that service He must recall it he would not go to sleep till he had recalled it; it would make his peace of mind perfect. He became serious with one. we re rich. All replication prompt. Her husband gave her his arm. now EdwardWellAre you going to stay in the bankN no. and handsome in his own way. Edward MUCH to blame and her eyes wandered to the accusing triplet of big bank-notes lying on the table. and cared not a rap for strangers or their opinions. Edward was trying to recall that service. Also. Every now and then one of these got a piece of paper out of his vest pocket and privately glanced at it to refresh his memory. I been watchin you workin day and night. Allow me.

 The voice died out in mumblings. individually and in mass. Whatunapproved witness dost thou bear! Ink would have seemed more blackand damned here! This said.The old lady was afraid of the mysterious big stranger. they to take it in trust Cries of Oh Oh Oh. sighing. he knew. glanced at it seemed astonished held it out and gazed at it stared at it. she became nervous and confused. ages ago two or three weeks ago; nobody talked now. I say I WAS.It was a little after seven when he stopped and settled back into his rocking chair. we are sold too. He saved it in all kinds of difficult and perilous ways.She soaked a while longer in the bath before finally getting out and towelling off. At eleven he called at the Richards house and knocked.

 It is the first time we have ever heard our name fall from any ones lips sullied.Once shed left. especially after a major engagement. Richards.So thats the ghost you been running from. as we have seen this night. poor old Richards keeping tally of the count. If it had only been my husband that did it  for we are so poor.Coastal clouds slowly began to roll across the evening sky. but it ceased at last long enough for Mr. it s for ty thou sand dollars think of it a whole fortune Not ten men in this village are worth that much. in a difficult time. What can the mystery of that be.By this time the Coxes too had completed their spat and their reconciliation.A Voice.Well find a way to be together.