The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1867-12-26


repay ii when be go. rich.
"But one thing, Jack" said he, "what.
ever you do, be an honest man. You'll
make smarter man than ever 7 shall. I
am sure Of that Aud remember, sx
pect to be here a. long as live. So IL
any time the world goes hard with YOU,
dont forget home" ....... ....a.'
The next morning at breakf.st, John
was mi,sed. An examination Of his room
showed that he had taken his little bun.
die OF clothes, and gave evidence to bis
'ather that he had gone for good.
"Nevsr mind" said he, she'll soon Be
back"
Thirteen years have passed since John
Morton left the old homestead, and con.
trary to his fathers prediction, he had not
come back.
In the meantime, things had not gone
on smoothly at the farm. Farmer Nor
ton had given up the whole charge Of the
farm to George. who had married a girl
IN the neighborhood. and was now the
father OF 1--WE children. Years before, IN
case Of emergency, Farmer Morton bad
mortgagsd the farm to q small amount,
and ever since the marriage Of George, in
spite OF all bis exertiohs, the mortgage
had been gaining ground, until now the
place mu't be sold, as he could 90. NEE.
the terms Of agres.nent.
This WAS terrible blow to George and
the old man, but there was no help for il {;
their friends and neigbhors were no bs,l
I" off than themselves, and therefore
could not help them had they been ever
so much inclined.
II was bitter cold night in December,
and they were seated around the kitchen
fire. II was to be their last night At home.
for the mex. day would be the sale, and
then they would he houseless. Farmer
Morton sat with his head buried in his
hands. At times he would raise Il up and
gaze upon some cherished article, as if TO
take a last farewell. and then bowing i,
again, would sob aloud.
"Coma, come, father" aaid George,
"don't be 90 down hearted. Cheer up.
cheer up. am young yet and Il live,
and hard work will do ii. you shall como
back 10 the old place yet"
81 cannot hope for IL. George" return.
ed the old man. II. will require year. Of
successful labor; and I am old and can not
last long. had hoped to die in the old
house, but am afraid il cannot be-
Sixty yeats have passed here, boy and
man. and Il is hard to leave now"
They we're interrupted by a knock a.
the door. and upon opening it, there en-
tered young man very sbabbily dressed.
For . moment he stood surveying the
group. with tears in bis eye,. and then
reached forth his hand, erclaiming:
"Georss, do you no. recognize me Z"
Father. il is John" exclaimed George,
joyfulIy seizing his hand, and leading him
towards his father.
The oil man arose, and turning towards
him, exclaimed:
"John. my son r. al the same time
stretching forth bic arms-,ben suddenly
drawing himself up to his foil height, he
said, "Jobn. for thirteen years you have
been = strange, to me; during that time
Ne have known neither whore you were,
nor ~hs: you were doirg; can you give
me the hand OF an honest man ."
81 can, sir !" replied John, proudly, and
the next moment he was folded in hi.
fathers srms
Mex. followed inquiries from John as
to how things had gone 10 his absence;
and he soon learned the whole story.
As for you," said George, II do no,
need to ask how the world has gone with
you--thst coat speaks for itself Bot
nsve. mind have some better clothes
up stairs, and you are welcome 10 take
your pick. Blu. what have you been do
ing. Jack; trying to &c. . living by
books 2" ... o. ..
"Yss," replied john, 81 have lived en-.
tirsly by booksr' ..".
"And poor living you have had. ri
be boupd," said The old man ~ never
knew book-worm yet, who eve, turned
out much." ...s... .r. .r.....
"Bus Il sssms that We shall be equals
Tomorrow, father" ssid John, pleasant,
ly.
"Thats very true" answered his father,
rather testify, "but had you stuck to the