The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1872-10-23
THE MYSTERIOUS GIFT.

At last the matchmaker paused
from his task and called u TO look a;
ii. 1t was some kind of registering
instrument for the coast survey-a
patent on which he greatly prided
himself. Seven or eight pendulums
were arranged in such manner that
their number corrected the single er-
ror Of each escapement Further l
do not remember, but only recalled
how We marvelled At the beautiful
steadiness Of the movement. and how
nv wife clapped her hands joyously
at the end ofso much toll and thought
1T Is done,r said the matchmaker,
rising. Let Us see how the night
goes:- for it was constant custom
with him always before going 10 bed
to stand at the door for little while
looking up into the heavens. He said
it was well to tell what the weather
would be, a matter in which be great
" concerned himself, keeping ther-
mOmeter in the garden, and noting
every day its eccentricities with an
interest which DO one but my wife
ever made believe 20 share ! fol-
lowed him to the open door, where
he stood leaning against the side post,
looking steadily al the sky The air
was crisp and cold, and overhead,
thick a. snow fakes, the stars twin
kled as fthey were keeping time to
the ticking clocks. Presently my
wife comes out and laying a hand on
his arm, stood beside him and drank
in the delicious calm Of the autumn
night. while the lad fdgeted under
his elbow between them, and got his
share Of the starlight and the quiet.
1T seems hard to think they are
all moving forever and ever" said
the boy. Il wonder If they are
wound up a. often as our clocks,
father ?"
1t is only great clock, after al, "
said Willow, and must stop che Of
these days, | suppose Did you ever
think Of that little summer :"
VIII last cEE time, = said mv wife
Your time = returned the clock
maker. Your time Is forever, little
woman you may live in the days
not e tbs wcTld. 10 see TIE old Won
der Oft all fade out and perish"
Just then 6 man stopped in front
Of Us and said, does Mr. Willow live
here p
Yes" said / aud as he came to-
ward Us we naturally gave way,
him some belated customer,
and be entered the lighted shop.
Then Willow turned again, and the
two men came face to face The
stranger was man of great height,
but spare and delicate. He leaned
On a gold-headed cane somewhat
feeblv. and seemed - me a person Of
great age. What struck me most.
however. was the ease and grace of
his bearing. and a certain elegance Of
manner. The moment Willow set
bis ewes on him be staggered back.
-eeled a moment, and catching at a
,hair, fell against the tall clock over /
which he had set the 6gsre Of time !
What has brought YOU here ?" be /
,ried hoarsely.
my son, nv boy said the elder
nan, in voice shaken by its passion /
If tenderness, "ean YOU never, never /
orgetlr
Forget y said the other. Il had 4
almost come to that. but remember
NJ anew. how can | ever forgive
TO- be cried fercely. darting for
ward on a sudden and opening the
ioor. go. before the madness
.ones upon me. Go, before curse
-ou-"
Then be reeled again. and growing
White, fell into a chair, and. as If
hoked with emotion, stayed. rigidly
'ointing to the door
Then nv wife ran forward
Leave US she said, whoever you
re. You see how i'll he is. You
an do him no good. Come again if
-oa viii but go away now"
The stranger hesitated and looked
D bewiIderment from one TO another,
rhile the lad, till then silent opened
be door and said gently VIII It
lease you to 90, grandpapa. p
Ny boy-his boy = exclaimed
be new conner. pattiHg his curly
cad. Now am | indeed punished, "
e added, for the lad shrunk back
nth look of horror quite strange on
face so young; and Suddenly cover I
lg his face with both hands, the el-
er man went by him and passed out
Ito the street without word. Then !