The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1874-11-05
OH 95I]ailg Arsns.
Concluded from second page.
CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.
The six years that followed the death o
his wife and the loss of his child, passed
YEARLY to james Durant. He visited near
~ every country in the Old World seeking
among scenes Of natural beauty and grand
ure as well as OF historic interest, for the
mental rest which could never be found -
Once more he turned his steps toward
America, and sought his Masonic friend
" ellsworth, Finding that gentleman
about setting out with his family on a
journey In the Atlantic coast, Mr. Durant
accepted the invitation to accompany them
t. Saratoga and Niagara. then 10 New
\ ork, where, leaving the ladies. MrWads-
worth and Mr.. Durant wandered from
town to town along the coast, enioying the
beauty OF the scenery and the hospitality
that greeted them more than the crowded
hotels and the fashionable style of the pop.
ular 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 their Wis
tied the Masonic Lodge A warm welcome
was extended to these Brethren from such
distant homes, and both were invited TO
address the Lodge. MIR. Durant said
tb l. iuht lIuNtlitu tDutn ana
long. have found Masonic sympathy in
every part of the globe, and everywhere is
masonry substantially the same. | can
hardly tell where | reside The world
seems to be my home, as | remain but a
short time III any town or country, but my
name is recorded in an English Lodge |
love my English Brethren for they first
brought me from darkness to light" and
/ love English soil, for with it sleeps the
wife of my youth. But love American
soil, also, for here have found the warm.
est of welcomes, the kindcst of brethren.
And, too, my own child is sleeping in
American waters, even beneath the very
waves that wash the shores of your bcaut |
full village.
Six years have passed since this dear
friend ard brother robbed himself Of his
life preserver that my little Eva might
perhaps escape, and we hoped the ele- |
ments might be kind, and that heaven
would send her relief; she.was never heard
Of more"
The voice of Mr.. Durant was quivering
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 Breth-
rem of Hiram Lodge. No one spoke, how
ever, but all eyes turned upon the Master.
Mr.. Turner. For moment he seemed
then taking a slip of paper
from the secretary he wrote:
Mrs, Turner-Do not allow Eva to re-
tire until return home tell her | am
going to bring strange gentleman who
wishes to see her, And calling the Jun.
Deacon, Mr. Turner gave him the note.
saying in low voice; Take this note to
Mrs. Turner Immediately"
why, Eva, said Mrs Turner when :
she had read the message, you are going {
to have company. A strange gentleman
is at the Lodge room who wishes to see
you.
who can it bc?"
Eva looked perplexed and thoughtful
suddenly her checks flushed, her ewes light
'd,and clapping her little hands she spran.
o her feet and exclaimed, "Oh. it must be
'apa! no one else would wish to see me
10 one in the world" and BEFORE Mrs.
Turner comprehended the childs interpre
alton, she had passed the threshold and
vas fitting turough the moonlight toward
,he lodge room. The Tyler looked amazed
when Eva burst into the ante room, her :
heeks burning, her eyes flashing with Joy
md excitement. n
DO not stop me; | am going in I" she
reclaimed. But the inner door was fas-
ened, and the impatient Eva nearly cried
With vexation.
wv ait moment" said the Tyler, who
having heard nothing Of what had trans
,lred within, was at a loss to account for
he strange conduct of the child wait \
and | will send your request to
lr. Turner. He will come out and See
Ou. ="
i shall not wait, do not want to see
lr. Turner, L want to see my papa"
THE child is crazy, that is evident, said 7.
he perplexed Tyler to himself but calling ~
ut the deacon, he babe him say that Eli
'as there and had determined to get into
he lodge room.
The deacon went to the Fast, and deliv-
red his message in low tone, Il moment
tterward moved that the craft be called 4
ON labor to retreshmcnt"
Now" said Mr. Turner; tell the ~ s
r to let her come in.
And Eva did come, or rather bounded.
ITO the hall, more beautiful in her excite =
rent than ever before. she advanced to
he centre Of the room and stood beside the
lie altar; half poised upon her tiny foot
ne scanned irresolute, then dartng tor r.
ard with glad cry, she threw her arms =
bout the neck of Mr.. Durant, crying, "Oh,
npa my dear papa you have come home
last! You were not burned in the 4
lip?'
We will not attempt to paint the scene T.
lrther, but will leave our readers to i'm
gine the joy of the fond father, and also
ave them to decide whether the tears
lat wet the cheeks of the Brethren of Hi
lm Lodge were caused by sympathy with
re happiness of their charge, or grief that
ley shOnll lose one whom they all loved