The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-02-15

1
always warmed toward the "sons of the
ocean," although it was rare sight to
see one in their part of the country, and
consequently it did not often lie in her
power to befriend them. So when this
poor wanderer came to her door shiver-
ing with cold, and apparently so much
in need of warmth and refreshment, she
was not behindhand in her hospitality.
She told Lottie to set chair for him by
the glowing stove, and also to set out
some food on the table near him, of which
he was cordially invited to partake.
After he appeared thoroughly warmed,
and his hunger appeased, Mrs. Maynard
turned to him, as he sat by the fire, with
averted face, and inquired why he hap
pened to be out on such an inclement
day.
"Why, you see, ma'am." said the
stranger in respectful voice. 81 only
landed at Philadelphia the other day.
I've just returned from long voyage,
and I'm on my way to see an old friend,
who lives somewhere on this road"
"Have you been long at sea2" asked
Mrs. Maynard.
"Well, 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 coast of South America and
back, and now think | shall settle down
on land, for I'm about tired of following
the sea. It's hard life, and you're
treated most like dog"
"1t's hard life, you say9' said Mrs.
Maynard, sadly (she was thinking of her
absent boy). 81 suppose, in your wan
derings, you never met with young
man by the name of Charles Maynard,
did your
"Charles Maynard! Charles Maynard!'
slowly repeated the stranger to himself.
"Why, to be sure did. He sailed in
the same ship with me several times
often heard him speak of his good moth
er. Are you any relation to him ma ami"
"Pm his own mother. He's my only
son!" cried Mrs. Maynard, the tears
gushing into her eyes, and starting to
her feet, she advarced toward the sailor.
ooh, tell me, where did you see him
last? Where is he now? my poor, poor
boy! Will he soon come home?"
The stranger covered his face with his
hand, while deep sob heaved his manly
bosom. Then, uncoyering his face, the
big tears rolling down his cheeks, he
looked up, and said SOFTLY
"Mother, don't you know your boy?
am Charlie Maynardt
A mothers arms were instantly thrown
around him. A mothers kisses fell thick
and fast on his swarthy face, and amid
the ordinations of joy from herself and
and Lottie, the poor wanderer felt that
lie was indeed welcome.
81 knew you wouldn't know me-" he
said to his mother, after the first burst
of joy had subsided, "My beard has
grown so unusually for one of my age,
and my face is so burnt by being in the
tropics, that / thought l would practise
a little piece of deception, and it worked,
as expected, to charm"
"Your face and voice seemed strange
ly unfamiliar to me- said his mother,
I" until you uttered those magic words,
Mother, don't you know your boy
Then the tone seemed to thrill me as of
old. l felt sure 1t was indeed my long
lost son."
81 was sadly afraid Lottie would dis
cover the trick said Charles, laug hing.
"She looked, at me SO steadfastly."
L" | hadn't the least idea who you
were," replied his sister. 81 was think
ing what hard LOT yours was"
81 hope you will never leave US again."
said Mrs. Maynard, anxiously.
" No, mother, my mind is made up to
that. I've turned over a fresh leaf, and
| mean to stay, and try to do my duty
by you and father. Inever forgot your
teachings while was away, and, by the
blessing of God, they preserved me from
many snares to which was exposed. l
can never feel too thankful to you moth
er, for the kind advice you always gave
me, for see now how wise it was. But
where is father"
"He is out in the barn, threshing. Sit
still; he'll be in presently" said his
mother.
"No would rather 60 and speak to
him alone. You know | can find my
way" he added, laughing.
When he reached the barn, he gently
opened the door and looked in. The
farmer gazed at him for minute, and
then said, in gruff voice.
"What might you want here?"
Don't you know me?" said Charles,
advancing into the barn.
"Know you?" said the farmer. "How