The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1877-08-24

ho ioteu' Ills regiment WAS quarteTeu NJ
Fort George, and he wrote regularly to his
mother, his letters getting more cheerful
and hopeful every day until suddenly he
wrote to say that his regiment was ordered
to India, and begging her to send him her
blessing, as he had not enough money to car
ry him to Liverpool to see her. The aged
mother, widowed and childless, save for this
one remaining boy, felt that she must look
on his face once more before she died. She
begged from a few ladies, whose kindness
had kept her from the work house, sufficient
money to carry her by train to Glasgow;
and from thence she had made her way, now
on foot. now begging a lift in passing cart
or wagon to within a few miles of Fort
George, when she was caught in the snow
storm, and wandering from the road would
have perished in the snow-but for Lad
die.
Ny wife is in tears and Mary is sobbing
audibly as the little old woman concludes
her simple and touching story, and walk to
the window and look out for moment be-
fore am able to ask her what her sons name
| is. As tell her that we are but few miles
| from Fort George, and that will send over
for him, smile of extreme content iliumi-
mates the withered face. "His name is John
Salter," she says. He is a tall, handsome
lad they will know him by that"
| hasten down stairs and write short note
to Col. Freeman, whom know intimately,
informing him of the circumstance and
begging that he will allow John Salter to
come over at once, and dispatch my groom
in the dog cart, that he may bring him back
without loss of time. As 1 return to the
house after seeing him start 1 meet DR..
Bruce leaving the house."
"Poor old soul, he says, "her troubles
are nearly over; she is sinking fast. / al
most doubt whether she will live till her son
comes"
"How she could have accomplished sucl
a journey at her age cannot understand,
| observe.
'Nothing is impossible to a MOTHER" re
spends Dr. Bruce "but it has killed her."
go in; but find cannot settle to m.
usual occupations. My thoughts are will
the aged heroine who is dying up stairs, anc
presently l yield to the fascination which
draws me back to her presence.
As DR.. Bruce says, she is sinking fast. Sh
lies back on the pillows, her cheeks as ash
gray as her hair She clasps my wife's ham
in hers, but her eyes are wide open, an
have an expectant look in them.
"At what time may we expect them :?
whispers my wife to me.
"Not before A." answered in the sam
tone
v "He will be too late, l fear," she says
Il "she is getting rapidly weaker"
+ But love is stronger than death, and sh
,t will not go until her son comes. All throug
the long winters day she lies dying, obed
~ emily taking what nourshment is given
,r her; but never speaking except to say
p, my lad, my lad God is good; he wi
- not let me die till he comes"
4 And at last | hear the dog cart. lay n
> finger on my lip and tell Mary to go an
"a bring John Salter up very quietly. But n
. caution is needless the mother has hear
= the sound, and with last effort of her r
ID naming strength, she raises herself ar
10 stretches out her arms "My lad, my lad
-, she gasps, as with great sob he sprin
NJ forward, and mother and son are clasped
each others arms once more For a m
ii ment they aie 50. Then the little old womi
r. sinks back on my wiie's shoulder, and h
: spirit is looking down from heaven on tt
,e lad she loved 50 dearly on earth.
- She lies in our little churchyard under
n spreading yew tree, and on the stone whit
,e marks he. resting place are inscribed Il
w words, Faithful unto Death" Our Ladd
et has gained far.spread renown for h
n good works, and as sit finishing this sho
nt record of tale of which he is the hero, |
h. lies at my feet, our ever watchful faithf
n. companion and friend Chambers Jour"'