The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1872-12-25

was one of those sights which pen never
forget It seemed more than he could bear,
to have Nora and his child "put," as he ex:
nressed it, "months away from him again"
But when he went to work that day it
seemed to all who saw him that he had pick
ed nm a new determination. HID hands
were never idle. His face seemed to say,
"I'll have Nora with me yet" AT noon he
scratched out q letter, blotted and; very
strangely scrawIed, telling Nora what had
haopened; and those who observed him no.
ticed that he had no meat with his dinner.
Indeed; from thatmoment helived on bread,
potatoes and cold water, and worked as few
men ever worked before: 1t grew to be the
talk of the shop, and now that sympathy was
excited, every one wanted to help Conner.
Jobs were thrown in his way, kind words
and friendly wishes helped him nightly ;
but no power could make him share the food
or drink of any other workman.
That seemed a sort Of charity to him
Still he was helped along. A present from
Mr.. Bawn at pay day, set Nora, he-said, "a
week nearer" and that and the other added
to the little hoard. 1t grew faster than the
first and Conner's burden was not so heavy.
AT last, before he had hoped, he was once
more able to say, "Pm going to bring them
over" and to show his handkerchief, in
which, as before, he had tied up his earn
Eings; this time, however, only to his friends.
Cautious among strangers, he hid the trea-
sure, and kept his vest buttoned over it night
and day until the tickets we're bought and
sent. Then every man, woman orchid, ca
pable of hearing or understanding, 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
G. ,lly hurled his hammer at anE ofender' 8
head, missing him by hairs breadth, would
spend ten minutes in the noon hour in read:
ing the Irish news to Connor. There was
Ton Baker, the mcanest man among the
number, who had never been known to give
ANYTHING to anyone before, absolutely bar
tered an old jacket for. a pair of gilt vases
which peddler brought in his basket to the
shop, and presented. them. to onnor for his
Nora's mantle piece. And there was idle
Dick the apprentice, who actually worked
two hours on Connor's work, when illness
kept the Irishman home one day. Cbnnor
felt this kindness and returned it whenever
it was in his power, and the days Hew by
and at last brought letter from his wife.
"She would start as he desired, and she
was well and SO was the boy, and might the
Lord bring them safelyto each others arms,
and bless those who had been kind to him."
That was the substance ofsthe epistle which
Connor proudly assured his fellow-workmen
Nora wrote herself She had lived at. SER
vice, as girl, with certain good old lady,
who had given her an education, the items
of which onnor told upon his fingers. "The
radin' that's one, and the writin'', that's two,
and moreover, she knows ali that.a woman
can." Then he looked up at his fellow
workmen with tears in his eyes, and asked
-"tween me an her, boys p @.la.
So it was-Nora at the dawn Of day--Nora
at noon-Nora at nigLt-until the news
came that the "Stormy Petrel had come to
port, and Connor. breathless and pale with
excitement, flung his cap in the air and shout
ed. -, ..ts ~ - =.
1t happened on holiday afternoon, and
halfa dozen men wereready to 60 with Connor
to the steamer and give his wife greeting.
Her little home was ready; and 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 of that in the ould
counthry," he'said; "but she'll know how to
keep thin tidy"
Then he led the way towards the dock
where the steamer lay at pace which made
it hard for the rest to follow him. The spot
was reached at last; a, crowd Of. vehicles
blockaded the street; troop Of Nemigrants
came thronging up; fine cabin passengers
were stepping into cabs, and drivers, porters,
and all manner of employees we're yelling in
the 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, amid those who sat
watching for coming friends, Connor search.
ed for the two so dear to him; patiently. at
first, eagerly but patiently; by and by grow
ing anxious and excited.
"She would niver go alone,"' he said
aShe'd be lost. enthirely; I bade her wait
but I don't see her boys; I think she's not in
it." ,ss.;;1
sWhy doi'tyoaa see the captain ?" asked
one, and Connor jumped at the suggestion
in few minutes he. stood before. asportly
rubicnnd man, who nodded to him kindly.
"Tm looking for my wife, yer honor,
said Connor, Sand ! can't find her"
Perhaps she's gone ashore" said the cap
tain.
ri bade her wait" said Connor
'"Women don't always do as they are bid
you know" said the captain,
"Nora would, said Connor; "but may b.
she was left behind. May be she didn'
| come; somehow think she didn't.
At the name of Nora the captain started
/ In moment be asked - -@.-
"What's your name ?"s
! "Pat Connor," said the man.
| "And your wife, name was Nora?"
'That's her name, and the boy with her j
| ,,on boao,O