The Daily empire. (Dayton, Ohio) 1865-1867, 1866-04-20
THE DAILY EMPIRE.
II. Fl. ROBINSON,
PUBLISHER AND PROPRIETOR.
THE SAVED.

der had watched over him with all the
tenderness of a mother, since that beloved
parent had confided him to her care on her
dying bed, six years before. She had told
her Of the dangers that would await the
lad as he entered upon life, and temptations
of every kind would surround him. No
fathers counsel or example no mothers
loving word to guard or strengthen bin.
Faithfully had the sister kept watch and
ward over him, entering into his pursuits,
striving to make life as pleasant as their
somewhat isolated position would permit.
She had small income from few thous-
and dollars, placed at interest, and this she
eked out by teaching. They lived in a
model house, those. comforts to the small
income. but yet refined class of people. 1t
was In one of the pleasant suburban towns,
with good air and water, and a blessed peep
at the glorious sky.
They had been so happy. But now
cloud no bigger than mans hand was ris-
ing up on the horizon of their serene trust
she felt its blighting, chilling influence.
Charles had been placed with an engraver,
and he had been much absorbed by the
beautiful art /; but of late he had been much
changed he was restless and moody. OF
ten absent from home on an evening, and
resenting the kindly expressed inquiries of
his sister. She felt that there was some in-
fluenee at work upon him which was act
ing against her, and undermining the very
foundation of his character. She went to
see his master, and found from him that
Charles was much less steady and industri-
Gus than hehad been, and that he had form
ed an intimacy with a clerk in the neigh
boring store, who did not bear very good
character. and Mr.. Berrie was fearful it was
having very ruinous effect on him.
Ellen returned home with an aching
heart which found solace but In the one
ejaculation, !,Oh. God, Father, help him,
strengthen him, guide me in the right way
to influence him." and with this prayer
yelling in her full heart, she found So
lace. A. f..I I.I.. ..iT U.
Charles came home that night restless
and sullen He made no response to Ellen's
efforts for cheerful tea-table. She had
gathered upon it few of the little, luxu-
ries he was most fond OF, hoping to allure
him in this most innocent way to some re-
turn of former feelings; but he took no no
tice of them. and while her untasted tea
was before her, he arose from the table. put
en- his hat and went. out. 1t was the first
night he had done so, without, at least, the
show Of an excuse, such as II promised to
meet Patterson this evening"" or, II have
pledged game of chess Mt the club" but
this seemed so defiant, so thoughtles of her
feelings, she felt he must have taken a long
stride downward before he could have done
| this. HH Eli. #.u .tat
All that sad evening she brooded upon
what she could do; what course she should
pursue to awaken in the erring boy sense
of his danger; how to call the good angels
/ again around TO guard and aid him. He
I looked unhappy she was sure he did not
enjoy his wrong doing, and there was a
comfort In that thought; but she feared he
was becoming so entangled with bad asso-
ciates, 1t would be impossible for him to
escape. The evening passed slowly on
! each hour of the heavy clock seemed to
strike knell for one hope after another
the twelve strokes sounded, and she was
sick at heart; he had never been so late
Was he indeed gone from her = Then her
quickened ear, Intensified by long watch
ing, caught the sound of his foot, lit could
be no other) as 1t turned into the court
y with a bound almost of joy, so great was
the relief to have him once more at home
She sprang up, that she might open the
4 door and speak word of welcome TO him
I mot q reproach.p she thought, "lest | drive
1 him from me-" But he entered hastily
opening the door with his night key he
/ pushed past her, and rushed up to his own
room. She could only see that he looked
unnaturally wild and haggard, She did
i not follow him, but when he had been
some time in his room. she stole gently tC
the door that she might judge of his state
She could hear him toss restlessly upon his
bed, and groans and exclamations bursi
from him. She prayed there, so near tc
him, and yet all unseen by him, that ht
might be guided safely through this terri
BILE conflict.
4 When Charles came into the break fast
room, he did not raise his eyes TO his sister
but said huskily:
"Will you give me $l5' I will repay
Il you before long,
II can not, Charles all the money hav,
inst now is twenty dollars, laid aside fol
the rent. If take that and you do mo-
pay me before 1t Is due, we shall loose oul
Charley, dear We feel our mother blessei
this place, and the thought of her associa
ted with II, consecrates Il for u.s."
An expression of fierce agony crossed hi
features. He said not a word more bu
darted out. An impulse, she knew no
what-but Is 1t wrong to believe It an In
fiuence from that mothers splrit-impelleS
her 10 put on her cloak and follow hun, :,
may save him from one rash act" said she
and catching the Waterproof which hung
ia the entry, she covered herself with II
long folds, and drew the hood closely arount
her face. 1t was but a seconds work, bu
when she stepped out of the door Charlie
stood upon the horse car, which happened
. TO be passing the court as he went out. Sh'
rapidly followed, took the next car, ant
was fortunate enough TO secure the uppe
seat, where she could keep watch of all wh'
got out OF the vehicle ahead. nf
She saw him get out on Boylston street
She followed him TO the jewellers estab
lishment. She knew there was n lad her
had been deer friend of Charles, before h
got drawn In with his present bad associ
ates. She hoped he was going TO consul
with him on the present troubles he WA
in, and perhaps get aid in some way. TX
her surprise, az she passed and repassed th'
window, she saw he was chatting quit