THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD
The other sank out of sight and soon died in disgrace and poverty. The wicked wouldn't flourish so much if people did not imagine such vain things.
I may just add that a few years later Charlie also died, and among his papers was found the original draft of the innocent essay, which he had with characteristic foresight filched from his roommate's desk upon the discovery of the plagiarism. It was unmistakably in the latter's handwriting, as was afterward proved beyond peradventure. Why Charlie had preserved instead of destroyed this damaging bit of evidence was shown by the inscription on the envelope—in his own handwriting: "I do solemnly swear to produce this document at the decennial reunion of my class, and to make such other amends as shall be decided by a committee of the class." Through which he had afterward drawn his pen and added, "Changed my mind owing to an unforeseen circumstance," meaning that the other man took the floor a few minutes too soon.
315
