The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-02-09

Leyes. Sarah had no doubt that his spirit was
now lifted in high communion; he was a
veritable st. Augustine i'm her eyes; she was
} apt to make saints and heroes out of everyday
people, but for this hero and saint she could
find no halo too bright. If he had only fieshy
thoughts enough to think of women--to feel
the need OF friend, sister-suddenly the
eyes fell directly on her face, which burned
and blushed under the unexpected passionate
gaze. His chin quiyered, his eyes filled with
tears. She turned her head from him, know
ing that the eager, pleading look followed her.
What was this! Did he love her!
$ How still the woods are ~ she said, hur-
riedly; Il think we shall have a storm before
morning"
Mr.. Harbour did not know what she said.
He knew that she trembled and shrank back
from him. Her hand, large, firm hand, by
the way, was resting on the stile. What if he
should take it in his own! Tell her
Her hair fell loosely from her hat; one soft,
curly lock almost touched him. He took 1t Ill
his fingers. Since his mother died he had
never touched woman's hair. Sarah turned
at the movement and their eyes met.
Miss ClevedOn'' dropping the hair, and
stepping back, his fingers nervously raised to
his chin surely you understand! You know
The gate at the moment clicked behind him,
and quick step sounded on the gravel. A
man bloated with drink, the fumes of the last
glass strong about him, stood before them
. Are you the Rev. Nicholas HarbourW
1t was his brother John.
Nicholas did not speak
The poor wretch, looking at Sarah, took off
his rag of cap with grace that Mr.. Harbour
never POSSESSED.
81 beg your pardon, madam, but my bust
ness is pressing. | shall detain Mr.. Harbour
but a moment.n He moved quickly away,
waiting at little distance, Sarah looking
after him eagerly with great sympathy ana
| pity in her face. % 1t is some poor creature
from the alms-house," she said; ''if he needs
food or any help that | can give, bring him to
the house, 10. ..t
Mr. Harbour bowed stiffly without word,
and crossed the lawn to the trees where his
brother waited. When he had reached him
he caught his arm without speaking, and
dragged him after him out of the grounds.
When he loosed his hold John staggered
weakly and caught by the fence. 0.
$50! you have followed me'' The clergy
mans lips were parched; they moved when he
had done speaking.
You had better spit out the oaths, Nick"
said his brother laughing; 81 won't think
| any the less of you for swearing, under the
circumstances" He leaned his elbow on the
tfence-rail, steadied himself and looked uneas-
lily up and down the dusty road, not meeting
his brothers eye He had made miserable
effort to dress himself for the occasion. The
clothes he wore were an evening suit, in rags
and patched at elbow and knees; new paper
collar showed at his neck; there was a bit of
gold lace on the filthy cap for John Harbour
had once been officer in the regular serv-
ice. Under the cap was the lean, pimpled
face freshly shaved. This hint of prepare
ton raised Mr. Harbour's fury to white heat
1t was an effort to approach Sarah as an
| equal. He drew back, elevated his thin body,
oddly conscious of his own spotless linen, and
| of the coat which was the badge of his call
ing, well as of his virtue compared with
this outcast. The sense of his position was
strong upon him. A vague remembrance of
! lthuriel standing before the evil one crossed
his brain hazly
"What is your business!' he asked, per-
emptorily.
Capt. Harbour's eyes twinkled "Mybusi-
ness: Loafing and liquor, principally, since
was kicked out of the army My errand here
| is
Begging. You need not explain. l sent
| you a check to New York not month ago.
"That's gone long ago." filliping his thumb.
"Now, Nick, be reasonable. You have more
than your share; all the virtue and all the
money, too. There ought to be a divide.
There was Lazarus, now; if the dogs licked
his sores he had the satisfaction of knowing
his turn was coming hereafter. But I'm to
be left outside the gate in both WORLDS
| There was touch of earnestness in the last
Words which he turned off by an uneasy
chuckle.
'You want money! How much? For what
sum will you take yourself out of my sight,
and never come into it again!"
The chuckle died out. Capt. Harbour
raised his bleared ewes to his brothers face.
"You are hard, Nicholas. Be patient
"Patient? Good God! How much money
have you drained from mel How many times
did my father give you fresh start in life!
Oh, I've seen other men of your sort, John
Harbour Bloodsuckers, leeches, lazy to the
| very marrow. You shall cling on me no long
| or / 10 at nj ciU of
tonight draws the life-blood out of me. Pa
| tient''
| Capt. Harbour was completely sobered 81
| did not come to you this time for money, Mich
| olas, y he said in low voice.
"What then!n Mr.. Harbour tried by this
time to control his anger, but savage irrita-
| ton broke through every studiously modu-
| lated tone. estate your business in as few
words as possible. Then let that be the end.
| You go one way, | another. Our paths be as
far apart as heaven and hell"
John did not answer him at once. In the
meantime, Mr.. Harbour's rage began to turn
into a pity for himself He glanced up at the
stately house in the quiet distance shaded by
| the old elms; he thought of the life waiting
for him there of dignity, love, holy work and
meditation. Must he be dragged away from
| such fate to carry this vicious wretch! Like
a body of death fastened to his pure life| 1t
was hard Yet If it was known that this man
was his brother he could never ask Sarah to
marry him.
Capt. Harbour, who had been picking the
| lchen from the fence irresolutely, spoke at
last: "No, didn't mean to ask for money
this time; that is for more than would keep
me from starving. I've been leech, know
Pm mean devil; you're right, Nick.n
"What brought you here Them? . -.
"What brought me here!" suddenly stand
ing erect ''Great God! look at me. Pm a
brute, and I'm only thirty! Do you think |
never want to be a man again! It's not pleas
ant for you to see me reeling in the streets,
lying in the bar-rooms till I'm kicked out
what is it to me! | can't get on my feet again
alone, and ! know nobody who can help me
not man in Gods world-unless you do it.r
He was silent His face burned with heat {:
great drops of sweat trickled down his neck
the sham collar hung by one corner like wet
rag. Mr.. Harbour eyed the repulsive wretch
with cold suspicion, but said nothing.
g was in New York last week. / thought:
'I'll go to Nick. He and / never were init
mate. But he's clergyman So you are
a man of God, you know. l thought you'd set
me on my legs again-somehow" His voice
broke a little, but he coughed and took q
chew of tobacco. -
Still Mr.. Harbour did not speak.
81 have no claim on you, Nick, know
But we had the same mother-oncen
Nicholas pale. eyes flashed. eve had 6
mother; yes. Who was it that brought heI
gray hairs to the grave. l have no faith
in you, John Harbour. know you. This
| tyhi ir,n nont ~ DC trin