Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-05-21
power could make him share the food or drink Of

power could make him share the food or drink o.
any other workman.
That seemed sort of charity to him. Still he
Twas helped along A present from Mr.. Bawn al
pay day set Nora, as he said "a week nearer, anc
this and that and the other added to the little
hoard. 1t grew faster than the first, and Connor's
burden was not so heavy. Atlast, before he hoped
it. he was once more able to say I'm going te
bring them over" and to show his handkerchief
in which, as BEFORE he tied up his earnings; this
time, however, only to his friends. Cautious a
mong strangers, he hid the treasure, and kept his
vest buttoned over it night and day until the tick
cts were bought and sent. Then every man, wo
man and child capable of hearing Or understand
ing, knew that Nora and her baby were coming.
There was John Jones' who had more Of the
brute in his composition than usually falls to the
lot of man-even he, who had coldly hurled his
hammer at an offenders head, missing him by q
hairs breadth, would spend his ten minutes in the
noon hour in reading the Irish news to Connor'
There was Tom Baker, the meanest man among
the number, who had never been known to give
anything to any one before, absolutely bartered
away an old jacket for pair Of gift vases, which
pedlar brought in his basket to the shop, and
presented them to Connor for his Nora's mantel.
piece And here was idle Dick, the apprentice,
who worked two hours on Connors work when Ill,
ness kept the Irishman at home one day. Connor
felt this kindness, and returned it whenever it was
in his power, and the days flew by and brought a
letter at last from his wife.
"She would start as he desired, and she was well,
and so was the boy and might the Lord bring
them safely to each others arms, and bless those
who had been so kind to him." This was the sub
stance of the epistle which Connor proudly as
sured his feIow-workmen Nora wrote herself She
had lived at SERVICE as girl, with a certain good
old lady, who had given her an education, the
items of which Connor told uponhis fingers. 1.-The
radiu, that's one, and the writin', that's three,
and moreover she knows all woman can" Then
be looked up at his fellow -workmen, with the tears
in his eyes, and asked:
"D'ye wonther the time seems long between me
an her, boys?"
So it was-Nora at the dawn of day-Nora at
noon-Nora at night-until the news came that
the 'Stormy Petrer' had come to port, and Con.
nor breathless and pale with excitement, flung his
leap in the air and shouted
It happened on holiday afternoon, and half a
dozen were ready to go with Connor to the steam
Ter, and give his wife greeting. Her little home
was ready Mr.. Bawn's own servant had put it in
order, and Connor took one peep at it before he
started.
She hadn't the like O. that in the ould coun-
thry, he said. "But she'll know how to keep them
tidy"
Then he led the way towards the dock where the
steamer lay, at place which made it hard for the
rest to follow him. The spot was reached at last
crowd of vehicles bockaded the street; fine cabin
passengers were stepping into cabs, and drivers,
porters, and all manner of employees were yelling
and shouting in tie usual manner. Nora would
wait on board for her husband-he knew that.
The little group made their way into the vessel
at last, and there, amidst those who sat watching
for coming friends, Connor searched for the two SO
dear to him; patiently at first, eagerly, but pa
tienty but by and by, growing anxious and excl,
ted.
"She would not never go alone" he said. ''She
would be lost entirely; bade her wait, but don't
see her boy. think she's not in it,
"Why don't you see the captain" asked one,
ment he stood before pordy, rubicund man, who
nodded to him kindly.
II am looking for my wife, yer honor, said Con-
nor, land I can't find her."
"Perhaps she's gone ashore" said the captain.
II bade her wait" said Connor
"Women don't always do as they are bid, you
know" said the captain.
mora would" said Connor; "but maybe she
was left behind; maybe she didn't come-I some
how think she didn't"
At the name of Nora the captain started. In a
moment he asked:
''What's your name p
'Pat Connor," said the man.
"And your wifes name was Norar'
''Thats her name, and the boy with her is
Jamesy, yer honor" said Connor.
The captain looked at Connor's friends; they
looked at the captain. Then he said huskily.
"Sit down, my men I've got something to tell
you."
"She's left behind2' said Connor.
''She sailed with US, said the captain.
"Where is she?" said Connor.
The captain made no answer.
'My man." he said, eve all have our trials
God sends them. Yes-Nora started with us"
Connor said nothing. He was looking at the
captain now, white to the lips.
''It's been sickly season." said the captain, y
1--WE had illness on board-the cholera You know
that?'
II didn't" said Connor; 'I can't read-they
KEEP it from me-
''We didn't want to frighten him." said one
man in whisper.
"You know how long we laid at quarantine. -
'The ship came in did, that" said Connor.
'Did you say Nora went ashore?' Ought to be
lookin' for her, Captain"
sMany died." went on the captain-"many
children. When we were half way here your boy
was taken sick''-
"Jamesy," gasped Connor.
'His mother watched him night and day." said
the captain, "and we did all we could, but at last
he died ;only one of many. There were five buried
that day. But it broke my heart to see the moth
er looking out upon the water" 'Its his father
l think Of" said she ''he's longing to see poor
Jamesy."
Connor groaned
"Keep up if you can, my man, " said the cap.
tain. 81 wish any one else had it to tell rathe,
than /. That night Nora was i'll also; very sud
denly. She grew worse fast. In the morning she
called me to her. Tell Connor died thinking oi
him." she said, "and tell him to meet me-and
my man, God help you-she never said anything
Inoora-in an hour she was gone"