Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1872-02-22
CHAPTER III.

The six years that followed the death
OF his wife and the loss of his child
passed YEARLY to James Durant. He
visited nearly every country in the Old
| world, seeking among scenes of natural
beauty and grandeur as we'll as of his.
torlc interest, for the mental rest which
could never be found. Once more he
turned his steps toward America. and
sought his Masonic friend Wadsworth.
Finding that gentleman about starting
out with his family on a journey to the
Atlantic coast, Mr.. Durant accepted the
invitation to accompany them to Sara.
toga and Niagara, then to New York.
| where leaving the ladies, Mr.. Wads-
worth and Mr.. Durant wandered from
town to town along the coast, eniovino
tne beauty OF the scenery and the quiet
hospitality that greeted them more
than the crowded hotels and the fash
lonable style of the popular watering
places: Fancy and the kind hand Of
Providence at length led them to the
little town of B., and the second
evening after their arrival they visited
the Masonic Lodge. A warm welcome
was extended to these Brethren from
such distant homes. and both were in
1ted to address the Lodge. Mr.. Dur
ant said.
Brethren, I have travelled much and
long. I have found Masonic sympathy
in every part of the globe, and every
where is Masonry substantially the
same. I can hardly tell where I reside.
The world seems to be my home, as
remain but short time in any town or
country, but my name is recorded IN an
English lodge. I love my English
brethren, for they first brought me from
darkness to light, and I love English
soil, for with it sleeps the life of nv
youth. But love American soil, also
for here have found the warmest of
welcomes, the kindest of brethren. And
here, too, my own child is sleeping in
American waters. even beneath the very
waves that wash the shores of your
beautiful village.
"Six YEARS have passed since this
dear friend and brother robbed himself
OF his life preserver, that my little Eva
might perhaps escape, and we hoped
that the elements might be kind. and
that heaven would send her relief, but
she was never heard of more"
The voice of Mr. Durant was quiver-
ing with emotion, and unable to speak
further, he seated himself and covered
his face with his hands.
Chances OF surprise and pleasure
were cast from one to another among
the brethren of Hiram Lodge. No one
spoke, however, but all eyes turned
upon tho Master Mr.. Turner For a
moment he seemed rejecting, then
; taking slip Of paper from the Secre-
"Mrs. Turner-Do not allow Eva to
retire until I return home tell her
am going to bring strange gentleman
who wishes to see her." And calling
the Junior Deacon, Mr.. Turner gave
him the note, saying in a low voice,
Take this note to Mrs. Turner imme-
l diately."
3 "Why, Eva," said Mrs. Turner,
when she had read the message, "yo,l
are going to have company. A strange
t gentleman is at the lodge who wishes
to see you.'
"Who can it be?''
: Eva looked perplexed and thought.
l ful, suddenly her check flushed, her
eyes lighted, and clapping her little
3 hands, she sprang to her feet and OK.
= claimed, "Oh, it must he papal no
. one else would wish to see me, no one
f in the world, and before Mrs. Turner
j.. comprehonded the ch Ids interprct.t-
+ ion, she had passed tho threshold and