Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-11-23
Mothers Hymn.

One two. three! rung out tie old school
house clock, aud the next Instant a merry
group issued from its solemn walls and took
their several ways home.
Lets have soms fun before We 20 home"
said Tom Reynolds. "Csme, Bernard Ro-
gers, lets take game"
"Ns," said Bernard, 4" | must hasten home.
father will need me-"
:" Well you had better not go by yourself
chimed in several voices "rhere are two
stran:e men prowlng about the woods, aud
Will Mallory says they called to him this
morning to stop. but be would not answer,
and rsn sn as fast as he could"
al am net afraid" said Bernard, " / shall
answer them if they call me, and try to fnd
out what they want"
"Taks care, that is not your head" said
Will Mallory.
There is not enough 10 that to tempt any
one" laughiugly replied Bernard. So saying,
be hung his satchel across bis shoulder, took
his little cane, and walked on, whistling msr-
rily, Dare to do right"
When lie had gone entirely out Of hearing Of
the schsol-house, he saw two savage looking
men with swords fastened to their sides, and
pistols in their belts.
One was sitting at the foot Of large tree,
while the other stood before bim, both en-
gagged in earnest conversation. As he drew
nearer, he heard Que say, Perhaps this boy
can tell U.S. aud when he was about to pass
On, he hailed him, saying, "Can you tell
us where Mr. Rogers lives near hers?"
Bernard hssitated to tell his fathers residence
to such locking men, but his love for truth
forbade his telling fslsehood, SO he said po-
litely, May ask why you wish to know,
sir"
"fe Amt goin' to tell you the truth, Bill,
so you needn't trust to him !" interpesed tho
other man. AT least not till you cure hin
little to your hand" he added. Bernard
assured him that he would tell him only tho
truth, but all in vain were his assurances, aud
he soon found out that TO cure meant 10
bind him as prisoner till they had frightened
him iuto anything they chose to require. Poor
Bernard There he sat, bound hand and foot,
while as night came on, the robbers lay down
aud slept Soundy. He thought over all tho
verses hs had learned ia the Sunday School,
aud prayed again and again the prayers he
bad been taught at his mothers knee. At last
it occurred to him to sing, aud though bis
heart was heavy, he thought it might keep
away sad feelings, for lie knew not what
might be his fate. So he sung in q clear voice
an old hymn, lullaby that had often hushed
his infant eyes to slumber, sung by his dear
mother, now dead. Soon one Of the robbers
began to stir, and presently looking up at
Bernard, but with all the fierceness gone FROM
his face. Boy, where did you learn that
sOngl" My, mother used to sing it to me-
said Bernard. Your mother? Where is
she ?" In heaven, sir aud she sung this
hymn to Inc with her dying breath"
NY hothei Ohi my n1vtuoI tACIalUDeu
the rObber. boy, my mother used to sing
that hymn too, and after her death had
sweet sister who sung it to me- and tricl to i'm
press tho lessons my mother had taught Us
but grew fond Of wicked company, and
strayed far from her aud the path Of right. |
have gone Oh from one criae to another, till |
was about to commit the blackest OF all
heard my sister bad died near here, and left
some property which her husband held We
him of his money but you have saved me by
that song. seem to bear my mothers voice,
and feel the pressure Of hor gentle hand,
as she sung those words. God helping me, |
will from this time lead new life. Let my
example be warnin: to you to shun evil as
'ciates That you may see what once was,
take this picture Of my childhood, with my
name written on it by my sisters ewn hand
IIe cut the cords lsose which bound Bernard
! thrust the card in lis hand, and seein. that
his companion was gone, disappearded in the
woods. by the light Of the fagots left burn
ing, Bernard, read: William Bernard. aged
l5." The card fell from his hand as he OK
claimed, my mothers brother, Of whom
have so often beard her speak. over whom she
so often weptw Knssling down he offered
prayer for the robber, thanked God for his de-
.iserance, and turned bis steps homeward
Our Father.