The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1870-07-22
works shall ye know them. and there /,

works shall ye know them. and there 1,
mine.'
The particular and excepted work to
which Mr.. Thompson was alluding had
turned quite. pale, and was looking fixed
ly to the open door leading to the veran.
da, lately filed by gaping servants, and
now the scene OF some vague tumult.
As the noise continued. q man. shabbily
dressed. and evidently In liquor. broke
throughth opposing guardians. and stag
gered into the room. Tho transition from
the fog and darkness without. 10 the heat
within, evidently dazzled and stupefed
him. He removed his battered hat and
passed Il once or twice before his eyes, as
he steadied himself. but unsuccessfully,
by the back OF chair. Suddenly, his
wandering glance fell upon the pale face
Of Charles Thompson; and with CLEAN
Of child-like recognition. and with weak,
falsetto laugh, he darted forward. caught
the table, upset the glasses, and literally
fell upon the prodigals breast.
.Sha'1y! yo d-d scoun'rel. hoorar
yer
.Hush!-sit down!-hushr said Charles
Thompson. hurriedly endeavoring to ex-
tricate himself from the embrace Of his
unexpected guest.
Look at'mr continued the stranger, TN.
needing the admonition. but suddenly
holding the unfortunate Charles at arms
length. in loving and undisguised admi-
alton of his festive appearance. look at
IN! Amt he nasty? Sha'ls. I'm Prov OF
yer!''
Leave the houser said Mr.. Thompson,
rising. with a dangerous look In cold, gray
eye. Charles, how dare youP'
Simmer down. ole man! Sha1s, who's
tn OF bloat? Eh?'
Hush, man; here, take thisr With
nervous hands, Charles Thompson filed a
glass with liquor. Drink 1t and go-un-
iii to-morrow-any time, but-leave us! =
go nowr But even then, ere the mis-
erable wretch could drink, the old man,
pale with passion, was upon him. Half
carving him In his powerful arms, half
dragging him through the circling crowd
of frightened guests. he had reached the
door, swung open by the waiting servants,
when Charles Thompson started from a
seeming stupor, crying
Stop?
The old man stopped. Through the
open door the fog and wind drove chilly.
What does this mean p he asked, turning
face on Charles.
.Nothing-but stop-for Gods sake.
Wait till to morrow, but not tonight. Do
not-I implore you-do this thing!
There was something in the tones OF
the Young mans vOice-something per-
haps, In the contact of the struggling
wretch he held in his powerful arms; but
n dim, indefinite fear took possession
of the old mans heart. 'Who?' he whis-
pered hoarsely, is this man?'
Charles did not answer.
Stand back. there. all Of you thunder
ed Mr.. Thompson. to the crowding guests
around him. 'Char-les-comc here! l
command you-I-I-I-beS you-tell
me pho is this man?'
Only two persons heard the answer that
came family from the lips of Charles
Thompson
'YoUR soNr
When day broke over the bleak sand
hills. the guests had departed fiom MIR.
Thompson's banquet halls. The lights
still burned dimly and coldly In the de-
serted rooms-ieserted by all but three
figures. that huddled together in the chill
drawing-room. rs If for warmth. One
Law in drunken slumber on couch; at his
feet sat he who had been known rs Charles
Thompson; and beside them haggard and
shrtinken to half his size, bowed the figure
of Mr.. Thompson. his gray eye fixed, his
elbows upon his knees, and hands clasped
over his ears, AS IL to shut out the sad en-
treating voice that seemed to fill the
room.
God knows did not set about to wIl-
fully deceive. The name that gave that
night was the first that came into my
thought-the name of one whom !
thought dcad-the dissolute companion oi
my shame. And when you questioned
further, used the knowledge that gain
ed from him to touch your heart to set me
free-only I swear, for that! But when
You told me who you were, and first saw
the opening of another life before me
then-then-O sir, If was hungry, home.
less. and reckless when would have rob
bed you of your gold. was heartsick,
helpless and desperate when ] would have
have robbed you Of your love-
The old man stirred not. From his
luxurious couch the newly found prodigal
snored peacefully.
i had no father could claim. / never
knew home but this. was tempted
have been happy-very happy.
He rose and stood before the old man,
DO not fear that shall come between
your son and his inheritance. To-day
leave this place. never 10 return. The
word is large. sir. and thanks to your
Kindness. I now see the way by which m
honest livlihood Is gained. Good-by
You will not take my hand3 Well. well
Good-by.'
He turned to 60. But when he had
reached the door he suddenly came back
and raising with both hands the grizzlet
head. he kissed Il once or twice.
Charles
There was no reply.
.Char-lesr
The old man rose with a frightened air
and tottered feebly to the door. It wa,
open. There came to HIM the awakened
tumult of great city. In which the prodi
gals footsteps were lost forevcr.-Bre
Harte, IN Overland Monthly.