Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1855-12-01

horse, the Old lady opened the Dack Ooor,
which was always on the latch. and entered
the kitchen. AS she did so she started back.
A stranger was seated by the kitchen fire,
who rose on her entrance. He was TALL
stalwart mar. dressed in rough suit. with
broad-leafed hat. his countenance embrown-
ed by exposure to the sun and wind, and his
upper lip almost concealed by heavy and
luxuriant moustache.
Good morning ma'am," he said with some
embarrassment. "Finding no one answered
my knocks, took the liberty of walking in.
believe owe no apology, for have officia-
ted as turnspit and saved your thanksgiving
turkey from burning"
"I am very much obliged to you, I'm sure,"
answered the old lady, pulling off her nit
tens. "But did you want to see me or the
deacon ?"
Both Of you" answered the stranger
'You had son. believe?"
Yes" said Mrs Wilson, with hesitation,
and casting down her eyes.
II have seen him lately"
"Where 2" inquired the mother, with in
creased agitation.
"In California
"Was he doing well?'
admirably Mother mother !" he added
impetuously, throwing back his hat, don't
you know me-don't you know your William?"
He rushed into his mothers arms and was
clasped to her beating heart. After the first
greeting was over, the young man asked:
"Where is sister Emmy
"Gone," answered the mother, as her tears
flowed forth anew.
William sank into seat, and hiding his
face in his hands. wept bitterly. The mother
did not attempt to check him. She knew
those tears were precious.
And my father?" asked the young man,
when lie regained his composure.
He is well. But you had better retire for
a while. Go to your old room my son, it is
just as you left it, and wait till summon
you"
1t was with futtering heart that the over
joyed mother went about the preparations for
dinner, and when the table was nearly set
every dish in its place, and the turkey smo.
king hot, waiting to be carved, she summoned
the old man. He made his appearance at
once, and took his seat. Glancing round the
table. he said:
"What is this, wife you have set plates
for three"
Il thought perhaps somebody might dror
in unexpectedly"
There is little danger-hope, / mean-o
that" answered the deacon sadly.
At this juncture Mrs. Wilson, with mys
terious expression. rang the bell with which
in happier days, she was won't to summon hel
tardy children to their meals.
1t was answered by the appearance of the
long lost William.
The deacon, who recognised him after
moment, gazed upon him with a sterr eye
but with quivering lip that betrayed th,
force o. his Unsurpassed emotions.
$50 you have come back at last" he said
Yes, father, but not as | left you. Father
, last Thanksgiving day went into my lonel
room. and there kneeling down, addressed
myself to heaven and solemnly abjured th
fatal cup which had brought ruin upon m
, and woe upon this once happy family From
, that day to this have not touched drop
i Is my probation enough? Can you now wei
come back your son and bless him 2"
BLESS him Yes, yes, bless you, my dea
. dear boy p said the old deacon, placing hi
G trembling hand on the dark locks of tn
| pleader. "You are welcome. William. thoug
/ you come only to witness the downfall Of on
house"
i Not so, father" answered the young mar
;. joyously. 81 have come back to save you-t
Y atone for my prodigality. for all my errors
1t was this hope that sustained me in the Ion
c heart of Sierra Nevada when ] was pantin
e with thirst and dying with hunger. Thought
l. of home. of you and mother, and of God
+ angels, enabled me to conquer fortune.
$ have come back with store Of gold-yc
t, shall not be beggar in your old age fathe
h we shall keep the farm"
After this it is unnecessary to add that io
IT entered the old homestead 1t was a cha
Il tened joy, for the shadows of the past y,
a mingled with the sunshine Of the present
n but the felicity which attended the prodigal
d return was enough to compensate for mar
sorrows.