Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-10-15
NUMBER 40.

ANU the Otnerr, WHAT OI lnetn, bskeu
the stranger
"Woll, sir, there is Frank Delapierc,
be Is the bravest boy ever knew, sir,
but he is starving; then there is Fred
Dolaplere, and Harry Delapiere and Baby
May who is dying. leastVays that is what
my mother said this morning"
Take me to them, quick, boy. and a
pnrse OF gold is Yours"
II do not want the gold, sir, but they
do if you have got it, ard Will lead you
quick, if Mr. Dupont says So"
"Yes, 90, Dsvio. lad, and may God
bless you. Donald, in your undertaking.
They wound about a great deal. Mr.
Roscoe thought, but soon all the grand
buildings were left behind. and they
went with quick steps down crooked
Dirks Lane
Here is the place, sir" said Dsvie.
Mr.. Roscoe held out some shining
gold with the remark:
Take II, ohlld."
But the quick-wit,ed child was gone.
and Mr.. Roscoe tapped gently on tho
shaky door.
1t was opened a little way and gentle
voice, tull OF tears, asked:
"Whas is wanted ~
"Does Mrs Delspiere live here P" In.
quired the muffled voice.
81 am Mrs. Delapiere; is there any
service | can render you?"
Let me in, please. the night is SO Bit
ter"
81 csunot, sir, answered she, trying
TO close the door. II have nOithsr food
nG FIRE, so please look little farther"
Mr.. Roscoe pushed open the door,
stepped in and barred his head
"Lucis, my poor Lucia" and the
strong arms opened.
"Oh, Donald, darling. have you como
at lsstp" and the brave heart which had
borne 80 much. tainted with joy.
No words can describe the glad re-
union-it would be folly to sttempt it
so | will only say that tho bell rung out
its twelve strokes before either husband
or wife sought rest; for the backward
ground had 10 be repassed, Donald tell
ing bis wife how her prayers had reached
him year before his return, how he had
Struggled and fought. and finally con-
quered King Alcohol. with Gods help.
and then had decided not TO come back
empty handed.
And, darling, God has prospered me.
l have enough, honestly earned, to give
you comfort once more
Four weeks rolled by.
In fair, suburban cottage, In q low.
softly cushioned rocker, Lucia Roscoe
sits. BABY May, a hsppy convslescent.
sits in her lap nursing doll-bsby nearly
as large as herself. Ii is evening; again
ihe three boys are chatting in front OF
CRATE FIRE. but this lime they are kneehng
upon large, velvet rug. and Dsvie, the
orphan office boy is kneeling with them.
"Dis is your home forever and ever,
Davie; is not you vewy glad of dis beau
tiful home ?"
1--WE are going to have grand supper
tonight, are we not. mother ''' asked
Fred.
"Yes, dear" answered the mother.
and then she put down Baby May while
she went TO the coy dining-room to see
If oil was in order.
Dinsh was putting the last touches to
the prettily-lsid table when the door bell
pesled.
"Csn we go, mamma ?"
The answer being In the affirmative,
the four boys rushed to the front door TO
usher In Mr.. Dupont and papa.
Mr. Dupon. raised his hands in mock
horror as he entered the lovely sitting
room, for Frank said in his polite voice:
Here is my new book of animals, Mr..
Dupont"
Fred called In his shrill voice:
Just do look at my games, MIR. Du-
pont."
Harry screamed:
Just look at desc soldiers; dey Is de
real lighters, Mr.. Dupont"
Then Baby May put in her wee voice,
saying:
"Does 90 ant to tiss my booful dolly,
Unkin PontP' at which the children
laughed. but caused Mr.. Dupont to bring
out handkerchief, whether to wipe
away conspicuous tears or not will
leave my reader to guess.
Mrs. Roscoe came in at that moment.
and as Mr.. Dupont rose TO greet her,
Donald with his arm about her, said:
"It was her prayers that brought the
prodigsl home. Dea. heart, you have
your reward.
This was all that he said as he pressed
her extended hands. but two happy souls