THE MAN THAT CORRUPTED HADLEYBURG

It was many years ago. Hadleyburg was the most honest and upright town

in all the region round about. It had kept that reputation unsmirched

during three generations, and was prouder of it than of any other of its

possessions. It was so proud of it, and so anxious to insure its

perpetuation, that it began to teach the principles of honest dealing to

its babies in the cradle, and made the like teachings the staple of their

culture thenceforward through all the years devoted to their education.

Also, throughout the formative years temptations were kept out of the way

of the young people, so that their honesty could have every chance to

harden and solidify, and become a part of their very bone. The

neighbouring towns were jealous of this honourable supremacy, and

affected to sneer at Hadleyburg's pride in it and call it vanity; but all

the same they were obliged to acknowledge that Hadleyburg was in reality

an incorruptible town; and if pressed they would also acknowledge that

the mere fact that a young man hailed from Hadleyburg was all the

recommendation he needed when he went forth from his natal town to seek

for responsible employment.

But at last, in the drift of time, Hadleyburg had the ill luck to offend

a passing stranger--possibly without knowing it, certainly without

The Man that Corrupted Hadleyburg