Clayton herald. (Clayton, Del.) 1867-1870, 1869-07-31

Ol Inc cnlel ODJ6Cl VI his allenllOn grew
indistinct, darkness came quickly, and
with it storm which had been in prep
aration some hours.
The master hastily closed the lattice
as flash of lightning broke in upon his
musings. He turned to leave the school
room and to enter his cottage; but what
figure was that which, amidst the OBJ
scurity, appeared seated on the identi-
cal spot, on the chief form, where Harry
Bonner sat when he learned with such
surprising rapidly his double lesson,
after watching the man of war from the
window?
The schoolmaster had grown nervous
and rather fanciful, and know not
what he imagined it might be; but his
breath came quick and short for an in
slant, and then be askedin faint voice,
"Who is here ?"
A manly voice replied
" "Only Harry BSnnerh
Tho lightning " R.ahe whole Of The
-1tr55, ureafy ~sSlfshSs *scis0OfTooIil, ami
revealed TO the schoolmaster the figure
of naval officer, on whose breast gilt
tered decorations of rank and honor.
Darkness INSTANTLY succeeded, as the
officer started from the form and grosped
the hand of the master with II strong
and agitatcd pressure; then the two
moved quickly and silently together in
to the cottage while the thunder crashed
overhead.
The excitement of the moment con
fused the faculties of the old man; and
as the officer, still holding his hand with
that fervent grasp, gazed i'll his Eyes by
the dim light of the cottage fire, he ut
tered some incohercnt words about
Harry Bonner and the ship and thu
double lesson; but when he beheld the
Officer cover his iuce with his disengaget
hand and weep his brain rallied its dis
ordered perceptions, Helightod rush
light that stood on the mantle shelf, and
as the officer withdrew his hand slowly
from his facc, the master passed thu
light before those brown and SCARED
yet handsome features, in whose strong
workings of feeling, If in nothing else
he almost recognized his long-lost bu
unfortunate scholar.
The officer snad.sakx e'asped the oil
Eman's hand. "My Ysar old master!
Dhe exclaimed.
The old man was 90 weak for the
sudden surprise; he Ut his hahu 10 ms
brow, gazed vacantlb gasped ior BREATH
and his lips moved wihout a souhu'
The officer placed hm tehderiy III Tue
old wfck,su chair. in Which the knitter ol
the dappled gray {orsted stockings
used to sit; then tho old man grasped
one of his arms, and looking up, said
mournlully and shook his head: "She
is not here. She said to tho last Harry
Bonner would be found some day; ant
now she is not here"
"Dead, is she ~
"Oh. yes"
There was'a short silence, solemn anC
sad.
"And why hast thou hidden thysel
all these years? ?' asked the master.
az have been redceming the past.
have been working my way from rag
and infamy to this"-touching with al
mir of dignity his gold epaulette and tn
insignia that glittered on his breast
" and 1 have been gathering this" show
ing full and heavy purse, to "reveng
myself for tho stick and strap and max
thy latter days happy."
"The change Seems wonderful to yor
no doubt" continued the officer, afte
an ngitated pause; ait is wonderful
myself. but it is to you trace it. YOU
benevolent instructions, your patiei
endeavors to reclaim me, your encou
aging praise of my abilities, your obsel
vations on my wickedness-all appeale
to my heart and conscience, and stim'
lated and reused me to resolve on goir
to sea and trying to lead new lif
Thu sight of the man -of-war from ii
window and the last llogging had fro
the blacksmith, decided me. ra
down the cliffs, told my tale to boat
crew of the war-ship; was t9ken
: board rs cabin boy. The ship sailed
rectly. 1 rose step by step. 1 ha'
: been in many battles, and here 1 al
g commander OF the vessel you were vie'
' ing when I entered the school-room al
n found my way to the old seat"
o "And I hope" said the master, ear
q estly, 81 hope, my dear Harry, you
thankful to that Providence which h
70 guided your wandering feet throu
's paths so strange and difficult"
is ~ trust 1 am" rejoined the oflic
II with profound reverence. 4" And no
IL does my uncle liver"
"He and your aunt died fifteen yet
$ since" -
IS al am sorry for it. 1 should ha
10 liked to have talked with them of o
;" past errors theirs and mine. II woi
III have gratified me to have done son
40 thing for them, and TO have heard th'
- retract some of their harsh words to
u How my heart warmed to the old v
lage when entered it just now ! l col
M have embraced the messy paiings
IL could have knelt down and kissed
very ground. But was so impatient
lg see if you lived that paused nowh
till reached the school door and fou
ed you gazing at my ship"
of "You have brought back the heart
lis Harry Bonner" said the master, "wll
oy ever has become of his vice."
IN " You shall find have for whate
ok money can procurer or affection
gratitude bestow fot your health
od comfort, shall be yo:srs from this he
ed my dear old MASTER"