The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1878-04-30


straight to the great mandatory, where
he found Mr.. Scott in his Office.
"Mr. Scott, I want to learn my trade
over again"
"Eh, Tom! what do you mean3"
Il mean that it's Tom Darcy come
back to the old place, asking forgiveness
for the past, and hoping to do better in
the future"
"Tom," cried the manufacturer start
ing forward and grasping his hand, "are
you really in earnest2 Is it the old
Tom ?"
"ft's what's left of him, sir, and we'll
have him whole and strong very soon, If
you'll only set him at work.
"Workl Aye, Tom, and bless you,
tool There is an engine to be set un
and tested today. Come with me"
"Tom's hands were weak and un-
steady, but his brain was clear, and uh-
der his skillful supervision the engine
was set up and tested; but it was'not
perfect. There we're mistakes which he
had to correct, and it was late in the eve.
ming when the work was completed
"How is it now, Tom ?" asked Mr.
Scott, as he came into the testing house
and found the workmen ready to depart
"She's all right,si you may give your
warrant without fear"
"God bless you, Tom! You don't
know how like sweet music the old voice
sounds. Will you take your place
again? p
"Wait till Monday morning, sir; il
you will offer it to me then, I will take
it."
At the little cottage Ellen Darcy's flut.
tering heart was sinking. That morning
after Tom had gone she had found dol
lar in the coffee cup. She knew that he
had left it for her. She had been out
and bought tea and sugar and -four and
butter and bit of tender steak and all
day long ray of light had been dancing
and shimmering before her--a ray from
the blessed light Of other days. With
prayer and hope she had set out the tea
table and waited, but no Tom came
Eight o'clock--and almost nine.
Hark! The old step! quick, strong,
eager for home. Yes, it was Tom, with
the old CRIME upon bis hands, and the
odor Of oil upon his garments.
81 have kept you waiting, Nellie2"
"Tomw
II didn't mean to, but the work hung
on"
"Tom! Tom! You have been to the
old shop!"
"Yes, and I'm bound to have the old
place, and"
"Oh, Tomw
And she threw her arms around his
neck and covered his face with kisses.
"Nellie darling, wait little and you
shall have old Tom back again"
"Oh, Tom! I've got him now-blest
him! bless him! my own Toni my hus
band! my darling
Then Tom Darcy realized the full pow
er and blessing of woman's love.
1t was banquet of the gods, was thai
supper-of the household gods all re-
stored-with the bright angel of peace
and love and joy spreading their wings
over the board.
On the following Monday morning
Tom Darcy assumed his place at th'
head Of the great machine shop, ant
those who thoroughly knew him had M
fear of his going back into the slough o
joylessness.
A few days later Tom met Peter Tin
dar on the street.
"Eh, Tom, old boy, what's up2"
81 am upright side up."
eyes, I see; but / hope you haven
forsaken rs, Tom ?"
81 have forsaken only the evil 20,
have in store, Peter The fact is, con
cluded that my wife and little ones ha'
Ted on husks long enough, and if ther
was good kernel lett in my heart, or i
my manhood, they should have it,
"Ah, you heard what / said to m
wife that night?'
"Yes, Peter; and shall he gratefu
to you as long as l live. My remem
brance Of you will always be relieved b
that tinge of warmth and brightness"