Connecticut western news., 1878-04-18
VOL. VII.

seven. And then, suddenly, as II the free air and sun accused him afresh of his crime, he rose and stretched out his arms.
 "sBefore {" God, I was innocent he cried.
 "'Yes, of course, of coursc,' said Jackson. You all say so. But I believe you, Seventy-seven. Got no kin?
 "'My mother died eight years ago. My brother lives in the old homestead. I don't know whether to go to him, or what would you do?' turning in his bit ter solitude to Jackson as friend.
 "'Got the money to go?'
 !" Yes, the prison society gave me these clothes, and money to pay my way home. 1 But
 "'How's yer brother treated ye? Has he gin you the cold shoulder?'
 "'No. After he married ten years ago, never would see him when he came to the prison. I wanted him to feel clear of me I was cursed black spot in his life. He does not know I'm out. I thought I'd keep clear of him i; but oh, I can't I can't!' ...
 SC He covered his face with his hands, He was so utterly alone! Only to see him once more--to go throu gh the old house-to lay his head on his mother s grave. ...
 " T don't know what to advise,' said | Jackson. Kinsfolks don't generally kill the fatted calf for returned jailbirds But you might try it. don't see what else you kin do, in fact
 " About noon the prisoner got off the train at the station next his old home. He walked down the road. Old Aunty cabin.
 John Pardee lives in the old place z he said, inquiringly, stopping in front of her.
 "'Yeh. Denis his boys a-6shin' in de branch yonder. Stranger in dis country, sah 2 ...
 :" "The man shook his head and walked on: A stranger Why, there was not a stone nor a tree which he did not remember and love!
 " He came to his brothers gate and opened it, and then, ghastly as death, turned away. He could not risk it.
 "'If John should speak harshlv to me it would kill me r he said. Where are his boys? I'll go to them. Whatever they say to me, I'll take it for sign
 He climbed down the bank. If the boys spoke harshly to him he would turn his back on his old home-forever.
 "He stood irresolute on the bank above them. Bill saw him and made up h1s mind to fling stone at him. The man caught the boys scowling glance, and stopped. What was the use? His life was wretched wreck-why should he intrude into his brothers happy home?
 "There seemed no place for him in all the world-but the prison cell which he had just left. He looked at the dark deep water rushing by and made step towards 1t. Then he looked again at the boys. His heart was very sore. They were Johns sons--dear, dear bro ther John 1 One of them had a look of his mother in his eyes.
 "He would try once more, and he went towards them-with a prayer to God in his heart.
 "Been fishing, boys ? trying to speak in an off-hand way. Gan come down 1?
 {" :Jail-bird ? muttered Bill.
 Charley gripped his leg like vice, and whispered, Hold your tongue 1! Yes, sir, he said aloud. touching his cap, we're after perch. Will you take seat ? moving his basket aside.
 Seventy-seven sat down. He could not speak, The boys dropped theil lines in the water.
 Presently he laid his hand on Char. ley's arm. Itseemed as if he must caress the boy, if but by touch.
 "'What is your name?'
 "'Charley, sir; Charley Pardee.'
 "It WAS his own name The blood rushed violently to his heart.
 'Who-who were you named for Charley?'
 "'My uncle, sir. You've heard o1 him, maybe?' coIoring hotly. I, never saw him, but my father says he was the best man he ever knew, and the mos in-used. o, here comes papa
 "The man staggered to his feet anc stood trembling, not looking up. "Well, boys, what luck 2? came ii Jacks old hearty voice. Then there was terrible silence.
 'Charley!'
 "Jack had his arms about him o Charley, is it you? Thank God, thanl . God ? and he sobbed like child.