South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1878-08-23

town hall, he scancd the numbers close.
ly. mo. 785, 7S6, 7S7. 788-here's the
numbers, surely. but I'm not so sure OF
my pan." He ran up one fight Of stairs
and his eyes met the sign, Dupont 6
Raymond, Attorneys-at-Law." Yes-he
is all right so far-he touched the bell.
lis Mr.. Dupont IMP" "He is walk in.
please" invited the ofiice-boy. where
is hep" abruptly asks our caller. ''In his
sanctum," answered the boy "what
name sir2" Tell him an old friend
wishes to speak to him." Hell no.
come for that. sir; there are so many
imposte-s, sir that he'll never come with
out your name. sir" ASK him il he
likes tilberts. boy"
"Thatud be queer question, sir
ASK him, queer or not"
"Mr. Dupont" said the boy, entering
the pleasant retreat OF the bachelor law
yer. ''aqueer man has just come in, and
your honor likes filberts." "Filberts,
filber,s," unused he; "flberts," and a
light broke over his face. '.bring him in"
and as the boy rose to do his bidding,
he arose, and quickly following. greet
ed the new conner on the Threshold
Donald, boy, can it be?" "Ralph. oh,
Ralph" and the two embraced each 9TH
er with such fervor that they might have
been called David and Jonathan.
The great coat was laid aside, the
coffee and oysters for two were brought
and they ate and drank and talked, they
gave never a thought to the little office
ntSi 10 xub 81 Lob l,.s
left wide open-heard every word that
they spoke. A name arrests his tagging
attention; he hears his master say. land
have you never heard a word from your
wife or concerning herr" anal the reply
came sadly. "Never, oh, my God, what
will all Thy goodness TO me do if can.
not find my poor wife and helpless chill
dren?"
"Cheer up. Donald, VIC must hunt up
all the Roscoes in the city, but she still
may have used her maiden name
strange, but 1 forgot it what was it2'
'Delapiere-her father was French,
you know. II she has taken that name
l can trace her IL she is living. for there
are few 'Delapieres' in America
pho! very few; know lots orem."
1t was the office-boy talking aloud in
his excitement.
David" called Mr.. Dupont.
swell, sir" answered Dayie, coming
to the door.
"What are you talking about?"
81 couldn't help hearin' what you
said, sir"
"And what did you say-turn about
is fair piay?"
IL stammered the Office boy, II
said Dclapierc was common enough. /
know five oFem, sir"
Give Delapieres," sail the visitor,
srasping the boys arm tightly. Tell
me. boy, what are their given names,
and where are they?'
well, sir, loosen your grip, please
sir-there. There's Mrs. Dclapiere,
she's beautiful woman, but so sadlke
and poor" "And the others. what of
thcm?" asked the stranger. well, sir,
there's Frank Dclapicre, he's the bra
vest boy ever knew, sir, but he $ STAR
vim and there's Fred DeIapiere, and
Harry Delapiere, and Baby May, who is
dyin', least ways That's what my mother
said this mornin." Take me to them.
quick, boy, and purse Of gold is yours
Il don't want the gold. sir. but they will,
sir. if you've got il, and I'll lead you
quick if Mr.. Dupont says So" Yes, 90
Davic. lad, and may God bless you
Donald, in your undertaking"
They wound about great deal. Mr.
Roscoe thought, but soon all the bald.
ings were left behind, and they went
with quick feet down crooked Dirk S
Lane. Heres the place. sir" said
Davie, and Mr.. Roscoe held out some
shining gold with the remark, Take il
child" but the quick-witted child was
gone. and Mr.. Roscoe tapped gently on
the shaky door.
1t was opened little way, and n gen.
tie voice, full Of tears, asked what is
wanted?' Does Mrs. Dclapicre live bere?'
! inquired the muflled voice. II am Mrs
Delapiere is there any service can
render your Let me in, please, the
night is so bitter Il cannot, sir" an
swered she, trying TO close the door.
81 have neither IRE nor food so please
look little farther
Mr.. Roscoe pushed open the door.
stepped ia and barred his head. Lucia,
my poor, poor, Lucia" and the strong
arms opened. "Oh. Donald. darling.
have you come at last?" and the brave
heart. which laid borne 50 much, tainted
with JOY.
NJ words can describe The glad re-
union-it would be folly to attempt it
SO will only say that the bell rung out
its twelve strokes before either husband
or wife sought rest; for the backward
ground had to bo repassed, Donald tell.
his wife how her prayers had reached
] him n year before bis return, how he
had struggled and fought and finally
conquered King Alchol with Cod help.
and then had decided not to come back
empty handed; land, darling, God has
prospered me. have enough, honest
ly earned 10 give you comfort once
more"
I -Four weeks rolled by. In q fair su.
butban cottage, Lucia Roscoe sits in O
low, softly cushioned rocker. Baby
/ Nav n bannv eOnyaloscauI cite in ha,