The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1880-02-28

going to bring them over" ana W
| show his handkerchief in which, as pe-
fore, he tied up his earnings; this tlme'
however, only to his friends. Cautlous
among strangers, he hid the treasure,
and kept his vest buttoned over it nlgnt
and day until the tickets were bought
and sent. Then every man, woman
and child, capable of hearing or under
standing, knew that Nora and her papy
were coming.
There was John Jones, who had
more of the brute in his composition
than usually falls to the lot of man,
would spend ten minutes OF the noon
hour in reading the Irish news to Con-
nor. There was Tom Barker, the
meanest man among the number. who
had never been known't to give anything
to any one before, absolutely bartered
an old jacket for pair of gilt vases,
which a peddler brought in his basket
to the shop, and presented them to
Conner for his Nora's mantel-piece.
And there was idle Dick, the appren-
tice, who actually worked two hours on
Connor's work when illness kept the
Irishman at home one day. Conner
felt this kindness, and returned it when
ever it was in his power, and the days
flew by and brought at last a letter
from his wife.
"She would start as he desired, and
she was well and so was the boy, and
might the Lord bring them safely to
each others arms, and bless them who
had been so kind to him." That was
the substance of the epistle which Con-
nor proudly assured his fellow work
men Nora wrote herself. She had lived
at service as girl, with certain good
old lady, who had given her the items
of an education, which Conner told
upon his fingers: "The radin', that's
one, the writin', that's two, and,
moreover, she knows all that woman
can" Then he looked up with tears in
his eyes, and asked, "Do you wondher
the time seems long between me and
her, boysP''
So it was. Nora at the dawn of day
Nora at noon-Nora at night-until
the news came that the Stormy Petrol
had come to port, and Connor, breath
less and pale with excitement flung up
his cap in the air and shouted.
1t happened on holiday afternoon,
and half dozen men were ready to go
with Conner to the steamer and give
his wife greeting. Her little home
was ready; Mr.. Bawne's own servant
had put it in order, and Conner took
one peep at it before he started.
"She hadn't the like of that in the
ould counthry," he said, "but she'll
know how to keep them tidy"
Then he led the way toward the dock
where the steamer lay, and at a pace
that made it hard for the rest to follow
him. The spot was reached at last; a
crowd of vehicles blockaded the street;
a troop of emigrants came thronging
up; fine cabin passengers were stepping
into cabs, and drivers, porters and all
manner of employees we're yelling and
shouting in the usual manner. Nora
would wait on board for her husband;
he knew that.
The little group made their way into
the vessel at last, and there, amid those
who sat watching for coming friends,
Conner searched for the two so dear to
him; patiently at first, eagerly but pa
tiently, but by and by growing anxious
and excited.
"She would never go alone" he
said, "she'd be lost entirely; babe her
wait, but 1 don't see her, boys; think
she's not in it,
"Why don't you see the CaptainP"
asked one, and Conner jumped at the
suggestion. In few minutes he stood
before a portly, rubicund man, who
nodded to him kindly
l am looking for my wife, yer hon.
or" said Conner. land l can't find
her."
Perhaps she's gone ashore" said
the Captain.
Il babe her wait" said Conner.
Women don't always do as they're
bid, you know" said the Captain.
"Nora would" said Common; " but
may be she was left behind. May be
she didn't come, somehow think she
didn't"
At the name of Nora the Captain
started. In momenthe asked: "What
is your nameP'
pat Connor," said the man.
"And your wife's name was NoraP"
"That's her name, and the boy with
her is Jamesy, yer honor" said Con-
nor.
The Captain looked at Connor's
friends; they looked at the Captain.
Then he said, huskily: " Sit down,
my man; I've got something to tell
YOU"
"She's left behind?" said Conner.
"She sailed with u.s." said the Cap
tain.
"Where is she?" asked Conner.
The Captain made no answer.
"My man." he said, "we all have
our trials; God sends them. Yes-Nora
started with u.s."
Conner said nothing. He was
looking at the Captain now, white to
his lips.
cts been sickly season." said the
Captain; "we have had illness on board
the cholera! You know that"
81 didn't, can't read; they kept it
from me-" said Connor.
"We didn't want to brighten him."
said one, in half whisper.
"You know how long we lay at
quarantine?'
1.-The ship 1 came in did that" said
Conner. "Did We say Nora went
ashoreP Ought to be looking for her,