Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1879-11-19


a moment as though benumbed. Then he
said, huskily:
Miss Webster-Nettie dying must
see her. What have to say is of great i'm
portance. 1t viii almost bring her loving
spirit back TO earth to hear it."
The answer came cold and decisive:
ITO all appearances Miss Webster is be-
yold help AT any rate. all dependson ab
soluie quiet"
''Oh, my little sister! fear her tender
heart has been overburdened with my trou-
bles.'
Harry caught his arm convulsiyely.
Did hear arightl /. Mis-. Webster
your sisteri"
''Yes, my darling, only sister. Though
no one knows of it. have been in trouble
and all because was taken for someone
else. For the past four years have been
under cloud of disgrace, though an limo
cent man. That is why my father bough
this place, and removed from his old home.
He couldn't stand having the name con-
nected with criminal, and he wasn't quite
sure Of my guilt, neither was he confident
of the truth of my denial so he asked me
20 keep at a respectful distance from his
new residence. Nettie, thank God, saved
my faith in humanity. She never doubted
me- To-day l came hither with light
heart, for all is cleared up. have the dy
ing deposition of the rascal who had kept
out Of the hands of justice, leaving me to
suffer for his actions. That is why l said
thst my news might hasten Nettie's re-
covery. If she dies, the light will go out Of
MY life. Dear, unselfish little sister"
HarIy's heart absolutely sang for joy at
the thought that Nelrie had been true and
loyal to him as she had said, though
through it all surged wave of sorrow and
remorse at his own cruelty.
He caught the young mans hand and
wrung it warmly.
''You are the Charlie then about whom
she has been raying in her deliriuml You
! are right. As soon as she awakens her
mind shall be put at rest about you, and, =
he thought to himself, ABOUT one other
rash, unjust being who does not deserve
hat she should live to bless him with her
! forgiveness
The next morning he went again TO her
bedside
| She had not come ont of her heavy slum-
Der. So he stationed himself by her to
watch the turn OF the disease.
For several horrs there was no change.
Then she moved and opened her eyes,
After time she seemed TO comprehend
that it was Harry. Then, with look Of
intense pleading, she whispered:
''Forgive-"
He stayed the words upon her lips with Il
kiss.
at is all right, darling. / know all Your
brother Charles is here-nOt only innocent,
but proven so. Now YOU need worry no
more. All you have to DO is to get well
and make Us happy"
W 4LaA d 54-.l u NyAANLAt AAiN 49,
closed. The opiate had taken effect, and
once more slunber had shut out the scenes
of the outer world.
After this her recovery was rspid, and
when, a few months after, the fond old IA
ther gave her away at the alter to be loved
and cherished al the hearthstone of another
he was not lett alone-his son, restored once
more to his proper place among men, stood
beside him.
Charlie Webster says that his sisters uu-
doubling confidence in his innocence ct the
time when all others turned against him,
was his salvation.
He might have lost all hope, and, in his
hot anger at human injustice, have really
sunk into the ranks Of criminal life.
lie did not know until long years after
how near Nettie came to wrecking her own
happiness. Then he said:
1T was jusr-like you, Nettie. When we
were both little children you always man-
aged to bear the brunt Of my misdoings.
remember drubbing several boys among my
schoolmates for nick naming you sNettie,
the Martyr"
Harry, who was also listener 10 Char
lies speech, thought how nearly that last
trial had won for his darling the martyrs
crown. and consigned him to perpetual
mourning for his unreasoning harshness and
la,
life itself.