Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-02-23
A sharp quick bark under the window ar.

A sharp quick bark under the window ar
rested the conversation.
" Be quiet, Growler, old fellow; what are
you about? shouted William, and he was
still.
Dear, silent Adelaide now brought around
.ne sray OF nuts and apples, and every one
,ned to make her smile as he took a share,
icy lake. "
marry and Nelly had called aunt Susie over
.ue corner 70 name their apples, and all
we're we're silent Tor few moments The quick
, came again from the dog, followed by
low protractsd grOwl. Edward iumned mn 20
investigate matters, but before he rssched the
door IL was opened slowly but firmly. and a
tall, pale figure stepped within it and stood
silently. The sudden paralysis Of sprn,;ss
bound every voice. A moment more enS
with faint and desperate cry, Adelaide
dropped her boy from her lap, and sprans
across the room to her husband
As his arm closed around her, and her head
sank like broken lily on his shoulder, farmer
Talbot started as stung by bitter memory.
His arm was raised, and his white locks float
ed back.
Father
1t was Susan's voice, choked with agony "a
she sprang TO catch the hand Of the old man
The uplifted hand fell, and all was hushed
tor one long moment
T" Come you as reformed man, Caleb Rey-
noids Farmer Talbot's tone was frm,
though quiet
" L do by, the help of God, my father" the
stranger solemnly answered
rather Talbot threw glare of the candle
on has features "Caleb REYNOLDS never
spoke like that" and the old man modulated
each word as if to steady his trembling voice,
Have you signed the temperance pledge"
nave signed 1t, and have kept it for
more than a year"
Then, my son, and the old man hand
was extended, but his voice was choked. He
bowed himself down, and wept like a child
But the arms hung loosely around Caleb
reynolds neck; the surprise had been too
sudden, and gentle Addie had tainted. Nor
TIL they had won back the life tide to her
cheeks, and seen her again In the arms of her
husband, turning TO him that soul full of earn
estness that her early years had worn-not
TIL then-did the others approach to welcome,
with fearful embraces, their long lost brother.
And IL this our boy, Addie, whom never
saw! murmured Caleb, pressing his lips TO
the little round forehead of the sleeper. She
only replied by her tears
No question further was asked; but Caleb
soon spoke of his wanderings. Wounded in
battle, and brought 10 the point of death he
had listened to the angel Reflection. But
with reflection and good resolutions came also
remorse and despair. Who should win back
to him the forfeited affections of his wife? IL
was then that the lesson learned on his moth
ers knee came beaming up through the gloom
Of years squandered in dissipation Heven
to the fountain of peace and drank OF the liy-
ing water. Having fixed and finished his
term of probation, he sought again his home.
knew" said he, "you would all be as.
sembled here tonight; and / fingered, shiyer-
ing, long before could man my heart to come
in among you"
Brother, exclaimed more voices than one.
The clock In the corner struck nine-it was
the hour OF prayer. Farmer Talbot leid his
head on his family bible and wiped his ewes
Come, my children, let US give thanks 20
G Cd, for this my son was dead and is alive
again-wss lost, and lie found"