The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-12-06

Translated for the New York Times.l
THE FATHER.
Thord was the proudest man in the
parish. He stood one day in the Par |
sons study, tall and grave "I have |
a son." he said, "and wish him chris
tened"
"What shall be his name?"
"Finn, after my father"
"And the sponsors"
Thord told their names, and they were |
the best men of the parish, and women
Of his own kin
"Is there anything more" asked the
Parson; he looked UP.
Thord stood moment. "I would
like to have him baptized alone" he
said.
"That is to say, on a week day?'
Yes, Saturday next, at twelve
o'clock"
ais there anything more?
"No, that is all"
Thord fumbled with his cap; he was
about to leave. Then the Parson arose,
went straight to him and grasped his
hand. "God grant," he said, looking
into his eyes, "that this child be bless
ing to YOU"
Sixteen years after that day Thord
stood once more in the Parsons study.
"Thou keepest on quite well, Thord,"
said the Parson; he could see no change
in him.
"For 1 have no griefs," answered
Thord.
To this the Parson said nothing, but
after awhile he asked: "What is thy
errand to-night?'
"To-night have come for my son. He
is TO be confirmed tomorrow"
He is a good boy"
Il would not pay you until l knew
what place he was to have among the
other boys"
"He is number one."
"I hear 50, and these ten dollars are
for you"
"Is there anything more ?' asked the
Parson; he looked at Thord.
No; that is all" And Thord went
away.
Eight years passed, and then, one day
great noise was heard outside the Par
sons study, for many men were coming
and Thord was at their head. The Par
son looked up and knew him. ThoI
comest in big company to-day" h
said.
"I come to have read the banns for my
son. He is going to marry Karen Hor
liden, daughter of Gudmund, who stand
here"
"She is the richest girl in the parish.
People say So" answered Thord h
smoothed away the hair from his fore
head.
The Parson sat a minute in dee
thought. He said nothing, but pu
down the names in his book, and th
men signed. Thord laid three silve
dollars on the table.
"I shall have only one," said tn
Parson.
81 know it, but he is my only chilC
and / want to do this nicely" The Pa
son took the money.
"This is the third time, Thord, tho
standest here for thy son."
"But this time is also the last" sal
Thord, "for now am done with him
He folded his pocket-book, bade far
well, and went away, the other men fc
lowing slowly.
Ten days after that father and sc
were rowing, in calm weather, over Il
lake TO Storliden farm to speak about Il
wedding feast.
"This seat is not firm under me-" sa
the son he rose to make it right. B
the board he stood upon slipped. /
threw up his arms, shrieked, and fl
into the water.
"Take hold of this oar" said t
father; he stood up and held it out. B
when the son had made few strokes
grew stiff.
"Wait minute" cried the fathe
he rowed toward him. But the son f
back, looked longingly at the father, a
sank.
Thord could not believe it. He Ike
the boat still, and stared at the 81
where the son had gone down, sure ii
he must come up again. Some bubb
arose, a few more, then one big one IL
burst-and smooth lay the water Il
glass. s9r
For two days and two nights peo
saw the father rowing about this
spot, taking no food, no sleep; he sou,
for his son. On the third day. tow
morning, he found him, and bore h
home on his shoulder, up over the hi
About year passed. Then, late
evening in the fall, the Parson he
somebody cropping in the entry i;
feeling for the latch. He opened
door, and a tall but stopping man ca
in; he was thin and had gray hair
Parson looked at him for long wi
before he knew him. 1t was Thord.
"Thou comest Late" said the Pars
and stood still before him.
Yes, / come late" said Thord {;
sat down.
The Parson sat down, too, as if W
ing. There was silence for long ii
Then said Thord: al have sometf
with me which / want to give to
poor" He arose, laid money on
table, and sat down again. The Pal
counted the money. "It is a great su
he said.
"Half of what have; sold my f
to-day"
The Parson sat long in silence.
last he asked mildly: T'What wilt t
do nowY'
Something better"
They sat awhile-ThOrd with his
fixed on the floor, the Parson with
fixed on Thord, Then said the Par