River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1876-01-06
THAT OTHER WILLIE.

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, timidly.
"Oh, never saw such baby ~
rs it wrong to wish to be near your
motherl" 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 are Will and John
Gowdy on the ice. Run and keep them
company. want to talk to Mrs. Brown"
Isn't he queer child,' she asked.
The other raised her sad eyes, and fix
them with such a painful expression
on the mothers face, that for a moment
Mrs. Gray almost felt offended. She
was a sorrowfull looking woman this Mrs.
Brown.
II had a son once, but he's gone now"
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 alo | 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 Is years years old.
He had never been to school. had edu-
Gated him myself. At home, he was all
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 was one reason Of
my deciding to give party. II he was
Obliged to act the part of host he would
overcome his bashfulness, thought. But
Willie never approved of it.
81 shall be so glad when the party is
over" he said one day; "for since you
have got it into your head, 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 o.
spoke sneeripgly, and proud flash
instantly overspread his face.
81 will be tied there no longer" he re-
turned, II will seek other company in the
future"
| was frightened at the result Of my
words. Still | made no response. My
son putting on his coat and hat, went out.
1t was the first time in his life he had
ever went out without informing me
where he was going.
In good time the party came off 1t
was gay affair, and none were gayer than
Willie. He was a sort of an extremist,
and took no medium stand. After that
his books and works were neglected, and
his days, as well as evenings, were spent
abroad. Fast young men were his con-
slant companions. | 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 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 i re-
member the first night he came home in
state Of intoxication. 1t was his seven
teen'h birthday, just a year after gave
the party. had seen him under the in
tluence Of wine once or twice be.
fore, but on this night he drank so deep.
ly that some of his companions had to
help 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 glad when reason returned to
my crring child. lie was very much
ashamed. lie said again and again he
would do better but his resolves we're
worthless. Two nights later he was
again brought home intoxicated. After
that it was a common occurance. lie 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
il was discovered that Willie was one Of
the perpetrators Of the deed. The next
morning the town was alive with excite.
ment, and 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
/ had no power TO prevent either. No
one gave inc word Of sympathy.
You have only yourself TO blame"
said blunt old woman, who called during
the day. THE boy was happy at home
but you drove him into bad company"
That night at the hour Of twelve, as /
sat alone, q window was opened softly,
and Willie stepped into the room. With
a glad cry / sprang toward him, bu. lie
pushed me rudely away.
Can you hide the anywhere, he said,
1.-THE bloodhounds are after me. Had
you given me the money yesterday, this
would not have been"
"Oh, Willie, ! cried.
Eyes, mother he said sternly, "you
have made me a criminal. ! want 20 tell
you have secretly married Kate Has
tlnsS God knows what will become Of
her.
Kate was pretty little creature, onl,
10 years old, innocent as the yiolets
which grew around her home-My bleed.
ing heart gave quick, painful throb as
he continued