The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1876-06-02


street, met with serious accident. His
6ory-blooded blacks became frightened
at some passing object, and, with flash
ing eyes and distorted nostrils, dashed
madly down tho crowded street. The
Judges efforts to check their wild career
were unavaillng. They refused TO obey
his voice, and his strong arms sank pow
erless at his side
Several gentlemen endeavored to stop
the terrified creatures, but they dashed
upon the sidewalk, and, In so doing, the
carriage was overturned, and Judge Suth-
erland was hurled violently to the pave
ment.
He was picked up insenslblc, and con-
veyed to neighboring dwelling. Was
It fate that directed the steps Of the gem
tlemen who were carrying him tint they
should unknowingly select tho house Of
his own sonl Butsuch was the case, and
In few minutes Judge Sutherland was
tenderly laid upon snowy couch beneath
the roof of the son whom he with bitter
soorn had driven from his sight nearly
five years before.
A physician was summoned, who, after
critical examination, pronounced the
judges injuries serious, and advised, IL
agreeable to the occupants Of the house,
that be be permitted to remain with them
until circumstances rendered his removal
expedient.
The powerful restoratives administered
produced the desired effect and Judge
Sutherland speedily revived. The doctor
informed him that his injuries were Of
such nature as 10 render his removal un-
der the space of several weeks extremely
precarious. The Judge finally consented
to remain, inwardly resolving tn amply
compensate the good people for their
kindness.
That evening, when Hurry returned
from the Office, Nina related the particu-
lars Of the accident, and informed him
Of the course she had pursued In the mat
ter Harry commended her action, and
requested TO see the unfortunate gentle
man.
One look was sufficient and, with a
slight exclamation If astonishment lie
turned TO his wife aud said,-
Good heavens, Nina, II is my fatherl
Is he fatally injuredin
Nina gave him the doctors opinion,
aud assured him that II watchful care
and tender nursing would restore the old
judge to health IL would be speedily ac-
cOmplished.
Harry then disclosed TO Nina rapidly
constructed plan. He requested her 10
attend to his fathers slightest wish, but
never, under any pretence Whatever, TO
disclose her real ideutity, as such pro-
ceeding would be extremely dangerous
to the old gentleman's health, is he
would undoubtedly insist upon being re-
moved Immediately.
Day after day, night after night, she
sat by the old judges bedside, smoothed
his pillows, gave him cooling draughts,
and did all that lay In her power to rem
der his painful position more comfortable
and easy.
Such marked kindness and sympathy
to an entire stranger struck tender chord
in the stern old mans heart. lie often
thought, as he lay quiet, how sadly he
would miss the fresh young face and
winsome manners when his illness per-
mitted him to leave tho quiet little cot
tage on P ayenne.
One day he said to her,
"What is your name, my childl"
"Nina, sir" was the sweet reply.
"a pretty name for d-hearted
girl" said the judge, looking into the
smiling face. "Ah,n Thought he, "if
Harry had only found this jewel, what
blessing it would have been to us allr'
Finally he told her Of his sad trouble
with his only son.
"Ahl Nina, If 1t had only been you,
how different II would have beenln
"What would have been different, Judge
Sutherland" asked Nina, with mis-
chievous twinkle in her dark blue eyes.
~ mean that II would have Afforded me
the greatest pleasure to have welcomed
you as my daughter"
swell, do so, then, laughed Nina, "for
am Nina Sutherland, your son Harry's
wife,
The old judge was thundcrstruck, and
he gazed with astonishment into the
rognish face. But In spite of his oft re-
peated ayowals TO the contrary, hc took
the fresh young face between his hands,
and, with fathers kiss, acknowledged
q plebeian seamstress TO be "too good
for any Sutherland that ever lived"
"You have deceived me, you minxl"
said be, "but never mind; it is all right
now. Where Is my son9n
Nina told him that Harry had not re-
turned from the Office, but that she would
apprise him Of his return Immediately
after his arrival.
When Harry came home that evening,
he was Informed of the favorable change
which had taken place. The news was
almost too good to be true, but with
light heart, he followed Nina into the
room where his father was lying.
'Father," said Nina, ''here Is Harry.
Tell him what you told me this after
noon.n
The old Judge raised himself slowly on
hiselbow, and, extending his hand, said,-
"Come here, you young dog and lot me
look at you.u
Harry grasped his fathers hand and
pressed 1t warmly. Allwas Joy and hap
piness In the little cottage that night.
"Harry, my boy" said the judge, ut is
a good thing for you TINT never saw
Nina previous to her marriage
"Why, father1p asked Harry.
'Because | should have requested her
to be mother TO certain young news
paper man"
Here the old judge laughed heartily at
his joke.
Judge Sutherland recovered rapidly,
and In q few weeks was cnRbled TO leave
bis bed When he left tile little cottage
for fIa last TINA ha tvaa acconnnaniad bv