The Grange advance. [volume] (Red Wing, Minn.) 1873-1877, 1876-01-05

mind -variously designated as magne-
tis1n, clairvoyancy, and the like.-all point
to the fact that the animal we call man is
very mysterious and as yet imperfectly
comprehended being, and that We have
yet to lind out = great deal about our
own human nature-both when it lives,
which is the greatest of miracles, and
when it dies, which is lesser one
THAT OTHER WILLIE.
willie, why don't you 60 play with
the boys and not be forever stuck at my
feet 7"
Such was Mrs. Gray's impatient ques-
ton, one day when her little son came
and seated himself in the parlor, when his
mother was conversing with visitor.
II would rather be with you than with
the boys" he answered, tilnidly.
ooh, never saw such baby!
us itwrong to wish to be near your
mother?" said the child. and his neither
lip trembled as he spoke
Wrong! of course not. But you are old
enough to have some manliness about
you. See, yonder arc Will and John
Gowdy on the ice. Run and keep them
company. want to talk to Mrs. Brown"
Isn't he queer chiid,' she asked.
The other raised her sad eyes, and fix
ed them with such painful expression
on the mothers face, that for a moment
Mrs. Gray almost felt offended. She
was sorrowfull looking woman this Mrs.
Brown.
II had son once, but he's gone nov"
she said at last, and there were tears in
her eyes.
Mrs. Gray gazed at her wonderingly.
She had not known this before.
at is bitter thing to tear open par.
TALLY healed Wounds Mrs. Brown con-
tinued. "But let me tell you my story :"
''Several years ago was about to give
party; grand affair it was to be, and
my head was almost turned making pre-
parations. My Willie, This name was
Willie too,) was about l6 years years old.
He had never been to school. had edu-
Gated him myself. At home, he was all a
mothers heart could desire; but he was
shy, and when forced him into company
he appeared so awkward, that often felt
ashamed of him. This vas one reason of
my deciding to give party. If he was
obliged to act the part of host he would
overcome his bashfulness, thought. But
Willie never approved of it.
II shall be so glad when the party is
OVER he said one day; "for since you
have got it into your head, l have lost
my mother
::poor little baby!'' responded, slight
ly provoked at his lack of interest. 81
wonder how many years shall have you
tied to my apron string?'
I spoke snecringly, and a proud flash
instantly oversrread his face.
II will be tied thcre no longer he re.
turned. II will seek other company in the
luture.'
l was frightened at the result Of my
words. Still I made no response. My
son putting on his coat and hat, went out.
ever went out without informing me
where he was going.
In good time the party came off. It
was gay affair, and none were gayer than
Willie. He was sort of an extremist,
and took no medium stand. After that
his books and works were neglected, and
his days, as we'll as evenings, were spent
abroad. Fast young men were his con-
slant companions. I was left alone to
mourn over the change had wrought.
At first he made it rule to be in at
night at ten o'clock but after a time he be-
gan to stay out later; and day break some
times found him from home. tried to
expostulate, tried to win him, back to his
old habits, but my efforts were unavail-
ing. He had taste of new life and
it held him by charm. Well do re-
member tho first night he came home in
state of intoxication. 1t was his seven
teenth birthday, just year after gave
the party. had seen him under the in
huence Of wine once or twice be-
fore, but on this night he drank so deep.
ly that some of his companions had to
aelp him home.
The hours of that night were dreadful
hours of self reproach and agony. was
so glad when morning came to dispel the
gloom-so glad when reason returned to
my erring child. He was. very much
ashamed. He said again and again he
would do better; but his resolves were
worthless. Two nights later he was
again brought home intoxicated. After
that it was common occurance. He fell
lower and lower, squandered all my
ready money and, when [ refused to mort.
gage my property, that he might have
more, he left me with an oath.
That night large firm was robbed and
it was discovered that Willie was one of
the perpetrators of the deed. The next
morning the town was alive with excite
ment, and I almost crazed with anxiety,
for my boy had fed. The news passed
from mouth to mouth my house was
searched, and my son called william, but
l had no power to prevent either. No
one gave me word Of sympathy.