Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1859-04-14

[ Again the sweet voice rung out Father!
The prisoner canse eIese up to the bars; {
youthful face, framed with light, w.vy hair
face that it seemed sin to couple with ,
> foul deed, looked oxt 1t was the child'i
earnest. pleading. fearful eyes dark ex
preston rolled like wave across his brow
i a groan came up from his bosom, and with
low moaa he staggered against bis bed
crying
Il Take her away! l can't stand the sigh,
of anything like that .....
Il Katy had hidden her face second time
1T isn't him. SO they kept on to the third
cell.
Jim, here's little girl, little Katy, youl
daughter, wants to see you
A stupid 'What!' came from the bed
The man had probably just awakened.
'Your little daughter
There was sound of rattling irons that
made the child shiver. Dimly appeared the
face and outlines of well made man-she
countenance handsome but evil. He seem
ed not to comprehend. But as fast as his
.ehaiss would lot him, he came forward and
| looked out at the anx ious face below. 1t
was almost too much for the child. With a
loud convulsive cry, she exclaimed, Father!
Fatherv and fell nearly senseless against
the jailor.
sKatyr exclaimed the man, and there was
a nervous twitching about the mouth, what
IL heavens name has brought her here?'
The jailor was calling the child to con-
sciousness.
sshall we let her come into the cellr
asked the Warden.
Jim was dashing his hands across his
face. A smooth 'Yes' issued from his lips.
They opened the ponderous door, and put
the child within. Her arms were outstretch-
ed-his eyes were wide open, and they came
together with clanking sound.
'Oh, Father? 'Ob, Katy!' and there was
quiet crying. By and by the man lifted
the little head whose glossy curs were fall
ing on hi, shoulders, and oh! what sharp
rattle of the chains smote on her ear, and
looked her in the face. After a moments
irresoution he kissed her, and then his head
fell under her loving, earnest look.
'katy, what made you comet!
Wanted TO see you, father and the head
vas on his shoulder again.
'How did you come, Katy! Never mind
the noise-they are locking up; they will
be here again and let you out. How did you
come, Katy1'
L walked here.'
From New York, child!'
yes, father
There was no sound, save that of his
chains as he strained her closer to his bosom
'A1d how did ysu-leave--hsr- KATY
your motherp
The quest ion was fearfully asked, but not
responded to. He gazec eagerly i'll the chi!d's
face-her lips were quivering.
Katy. tell me quick"
She died. father!' ..s-......
A groan, a terrible groan, followed; the
convict's mead fell in the lap of his child,
and he wept with strong cries. His child
tried to comfort him, and bis strength SEEM
ed to be gone, and subs were like gasps.
'Oh, Katy, when did she die! Oh, my poor
May! my a09d girl!'
'Evsn9 ohg ago, guess; ever so many
weeks ~ piled the child; 'but she told me
to come and see you, aud comfort you'
sOh, God! this is hard; she always for
gave me-
She told me to pray for you; she told me
to ask you if you would be real good when
you come out, and meet her in heaven
In heaven! in heaven" groa ned the
man, giving way again TO his agony. The
child was angel guided. Her soft touch was
better for his souls good than the stripes
and chains. He had been hardened; her
little love had melted down the adamsnt;--I
had found the locked up good of his nature,
and had sent her smiles through the prison
door. Long he sat there, his head in the
lap of his beautiful, quiet child. None dared
TO disturb him, as jailor and warden walked
to and fro.
Father, when you come out, I'll take
care of you
He lifted up his head; his eyes, red with
weeping, were fastened on his face.
Gods blessing on you, my angel child;-
you may slve your miserable father
Il will save you, father
The warden cleared bis throst; the Jailor
spoke roughly to one of the prisoners: it was
to hide his emotion.
you had better come now,' he added, 90
to the cell.
katy, you 60. Will you come again, my
chilJl'
Can't Istsyl'
'ko, dear; but you shall come and see me
again.
They took her gently from the cell; she
sobbed very quietly. In the warden's room
stood pleasant faced old man.
Il have come after that little GIRL he said.
'She must 60 home with me. I'll take care
of her; pve heard her story, and when her
father comes out, If he's mind to behave
himself, I'll give him plenty to do. Besides
that, I'll bring her up once week to see
him. What say you, little one; will you 60
with met and good old Mr.. Haywood s,roked
her hair, as he said, pityingly, poor child!
poor chiid.'
Reader. ten miles from Sing Sing, there
is little cottage, occupied by a laboring
man anG his one daughter. Little Katy is
fulfilling the commands other dying mother.
She is taking care of her father, and he,
thank God, is taking care of himself. Men
respect him, and God has forgiven him.
GElisha Potter. member of Congress
from Rhode Island on being abused by some
ill.mannered member of the House, rose
IL -