The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1856-03-06
BY DAVIS g. HOLLINGSWORTH.

81 am very much obliged to you, an
sure" answered the old lady, pulling off hc
mittens. "But did you want to see me Of
the dcacon?"
"Both of you," answered the stranger
" You had son, bcicvcs"
eyes," replied Mrs. Wilson, with hcsita
ton, and casting down her eyes.
81 have seen him lately"
"Whcre ?" inquired the mother, with in
creased agitation.
ain California"
"Was he doing well :"
"AdmiraLly. Mother! mother ~ he add,
cd impetuousIy, throwing back his hat
"don't you know mc-don't you know your
William 2"
lie rushed into his mothers arms, and
was claspcd to her beating heart, while the
tears streamed from the eyes of both. AZ
ter the first greeting was over, the young
man asked:
"Whcrc is sister Emmy!"
"Gonc," answered the mother, us her
tears flowed forth anew.
William sank into IL scat, and hiding his
face in his hands, wept bitterly. The mo-
ther did not attempt to check him. She
knew those tears were precious.
"And my father! ~ asked the young mans
when he regaincd his composurc.
lie is we'll. But YOU had better retire
for awhile. Go to your old room, my son,
it is just as you left it, and wait till sum-
mon YOU"
1t was with iluttering heart that tic
ovcrjoycd mother went about the prepara-
tions for dinner; and when the table was
neatly set, every dish in its place, and the
turkey smoking hot, waiting to be carved,
she summoned the old man. lie made his
appearance ut once, and took his scat
Gl;ncing around the table, lie said:
"What is this, wife, you have set plates
for three?
81 thought perhaps somebody might
drop in unexpectedly"
"Tlcrc is little dangcr-hopc, mean
of that" answered the deacon sadly.
At this juncture, Mrs. Wilson, with n
mysterious expression, rang the bell, will,
which, in happier days, she was wont TO
summon her tardy children to their meals.
1t was answered by the appearance Of the
long lost William.
The deacon, who recognized him after a
moment, gazcd upon him with stern eye,
but with Il qlivering lip that betrayed the
force Of his Unsurpassed emotions.
$50 you have come back ut last" he
said.
ayes, father, but not as left you. Fa-
ther, last thanksgiving day went into my
lonely room, and there, kncclng down, adj
dressing myself to Heaven, solemnly ad-
jured the fatal cup which had brought ruin
upon me, and woe upon this once happy
family. From that day to this, have net
touched drop. Is my probation enough
Can you now welcome back your son and
bless him."
"Bless him! Yes, yes, bless you, my
dear, dear boy!" said the old deacon, pl;,-
cling his trembling hand on the dark locks
of the plea,lcr. "You are welcome, Will
liam, though you come only to witness the
downfall Of our house."
"Not so, father" answered the young
man joyousIy, 81 have come back to save
you-to atone for my prodigality, for all
my errors. 1t was this hope that sustained
me in the lone heart of Sierra Nevada
when was painting with thirst and dying
with hunger. Thoughts of home, Of you
and mother, and Gods angel, enabled me
to conquer fortune. have come back will,
store Of gold-you shall not he a beggar
in your old age; father, we shall keep the
farm"
After this, it is unnecessary to add that
Joy entered the old homestead. 1t was q
cl,astcned joy, for the shadows of the past
yet mingled with the sunshine Of the pres.
cnt; but the felicity which attended the
prodigal's return, was enough to compen.
safe for many SORROWS.
II Man of Boaes.-Hcre is q curious
fact for you-the flesh Of a "iiving" man
once grew into bones. It seems hard to
belicyc but suDpose IL was so for. in fhe