The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1877-05-01
turned toward him, as be sat by the fire
with averted face, and inquired why he
happened to be out on such an inclement

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with averted face, and inquired why he
to be out on such an inclement
day. rhf t5il''a = u IRE "@'..5l. "
"Why.you see, ma am said the stran-
ger in respectful voice, II only landed
at Philadelphia the other day. I've Just
returned from long voyage,aud I'm on
my way to see an old faiend who lives
somewhere on this road" gai.rs
o "Have you been long at seai' asked
Mrs; Maynard. bs-., -a.. 75,{
SWELL, not more than three or four
years I've made two voyages to China,
two or three to Europe. and this last to
the west south coast OF South America
and back, and now I think / shall settle
down on land, for I'm about tired Of fol.
lowing the sea; it's hard life, and
you're treated most like a dog" ~
: ats hard life, you say p said Mrs
MAYNARD, sadly (she was thinking OF her
absent boy). 81 suppose, in your wan.
derings veu never met with young man
by the name Of Charles Maynard, did
you ?, ''''''i ~. ~ -,
= "Charles Maynard |! CHARLES Maynard
slowly repeated the stranger to himself
..Why, to be sure did: he sailed in the
same ship with me Sc seral times Of
zen heard him speak of his good mother
Are you any relation to him, ,na'amf s
: "i'm his own mother; he's my only
son!" cried Mrs Maynard, the tears
cushing into her eyes, and starting 10 hel
feet she advanced toward the sailor -
..:Oh; tell me, where did you see hin
isst,i Where'is he now irny poor, pool
boy I'Wili he soon come home ?" iaiS
oc The stranger covered his face with hii
hand while deep sob heaved his manly
bosom; then; uncovering bis face, the
big tears rolling down his cheeks be
looked up, and said softly:"e rsg issg}
"Mother, don't. you know your boy
I am Charlie Maynard! r.. .Tis5 req sbao'
{ A mothers arms were instantly thrown
around him; mothers kisses fell thick
and fast on the. swarthv face, and amid
the EXPLANATIONS of joy from herself and
Lottie the poor wanderer felt that he wat
indeed welcome. -
II knew yod wouldn't know me-" he
said to his mother after the 6rst burst oil
joy had subsidized. "My beard has grown
so unusually for one of my age, and my
face is so burnt being in the tropics that
| thought I would practice little piece
OF deception, aud It worked, as I expect
ed, to charm" s'e0 s a7al
"Your face aud voice seemed strange.
ly familiar to me-, said his mother, "un.
til you uttered those magic words,
sMother. don't youknow your boy p
Then the tone seemed to thrill me as oi
old; I felt sure it was indeed my long
lost SON
81 was sadly afraid Lottie would dis
cover the trick said Charles, laughing
.'she looked At me so steadfastly.'.
81 hadn the least idea who yeu were,
replied bis sister ); "f was thinking wha,
. hard lot yours wat" = s''Fi''s'"
al hope you will never leave US again,
said Mrs Maynard, anxiously. 7bsi@
mo, mother, my mind is made up te
that I'ye turned over new leaf, and
mean to stay and try TO do my duty by
you and father never forgot YOU
teachings while I vas away, and, BY th,
blessing Of God, they preserved me from
many snares to which I was exposed
l can never feel too thankful to you
mother, for. the kind advice you Away.
gave me, for I see now how wise it was
But where is father 7"R3 a sid J ~
A'He is out in the barn, threshing. Sil
still; he'p be in presently" said hil
mother. tehS' '2fsSIt,I ---Stf5h
.,"No. would rather 60 out and speal
to him alone;;s you know I can fnd my
way" he added laughing ,b9iooN h99I
When be reached the barn he gently
opened the door. and looked id. The far
mer eazed at bin for minute and ther
said in q gruff voice: y ---'Sss F9ad
sa"What might you, want here p" Te'A
aDon't you know me p said Charles
advancing into the barn s79s5s, aiizs
.Kpow you p said the farmer. allow
should ! know your V,I've never see,
you before, to my knowledge nsS nc
'o,aDo you forget your runaway sonp'
Charles taking q few steps to
ward his father Aio Sss fos7i ssn1sl
Instantly, M. Msynafd threw dow
bis fail with which be had been D beatin,
out the ripe grain and ,hurying te bis sol
clasped him in his arms. exclaimirg:
"rm SO glad you've come back, Char
lie. ID Ivas afraid you never, would, an
I never can forgive myself for the harsl
way / treated you before you went away
Won't scs 70 again, ,a7.tsad with the help Q
"a did very wrong tt to run unl1av.ay away" sais
Charles, spenitently, sand | hope your
Indeed, ] win forgive you, H. Il. there i
anything to be forgiven" said his fathe
lafectionately. But come, let US 60 int
1.-THE house, and we can hear all abou
your wanderings," ~ ~, y. 80 sg ~, =,
II ever there was happy household
it was Farmer Maynsrd,s on, tha. mem
orable evening: After q bonntifal sur
per (sucb as poor Charles had not taste
since the time Of his leaving home) the
all ;kneltb down. and returned thanks 70
1.-The return Of the long absent son an
brother, and each member Of the famil
felt that a load Of sorrow had been LITE
from their hearts, and Joy infused int
their inmost soulsoi siss 40 is9J y1sE
NJ '.--.-'- i.--@ >s->----ii----s-.- isdsi'
~ AND she 50 soeland practical, tuailsek
bit gThue wrote aha I'm ySnIv.iitl sT'bsO