The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1882-04-12
DONALD DARKE.
consnued from Third Page.

Continued from Third Page.
This was to him like running upon the
gIge of precipice with the dread fear OF be-
1ng at any moment consigned to the depths.
And aetuated by this knowledge of his ex-
ceedingly precaTiOus foothold and position
an society he was led to make a step which
proved the turning point in his life. 1t Is
impossible TO say what might have become
Vt gay, reckless, and fun-loVing, yet at heart
wellmeaning Tom, had not an overwhelm-
ing combination of circumstances served to
make change in his career.
When he arose next morning after the
nights festivities his head ached, and feel
Eng of languor had possession of him.
He did not 90 Immediately down to break
fast, bur dressed himself, and seating him.
self by the open window which looked out
upon the crystal lake, the scene of his
triumph of the preceding day, gave himself
up to bitter reflections.
For an hour he sat there in moody specu-
IatiOn, then all OF a sudden n light broke
across his handsome face, and suddenly
springing to his feet in his characteristic
way, he brought his fist down forcibly upon
the dressing case.
81 will do i'll" he muttered.
He descen led to the kitchen where his
mother was preparing the morning meal,
for the Hathaways were poor, and did not
keep servants.
Mother" he exclaimed, catching her in
bis strong arms; mother, have got itl'
Mrs. Hathaway, a mild, blue-eyed little
lady OF forty-fve, and to whom Tom was de
votedly attached as she was to him, turned
upon him look of gentle surprise.
''What have you got Tom"
''Whata have / got, mother? This-a de-
termination to be a gentleman loafer no
longer. A resolve to throw aside the old
life and go forth into the world TO prove
myself man."
How impulsiveTom kept this resolve the
reader shall see in the course OF this nara
tive.
room of the StOckwell mansion, and Minnie
Stockwell stood before him, both her hands
in MS, and her beautiful blue eyes up
turned to his handsome face.
"Then you are going away, Tom; going to
leave the town."
eyes, Minnie, and you can never know
the pain it gives me to part from you
'But why do you gO?"
Because Minnie" said poor Tom, des-
perately, because L am poor, and can not
keep I'D the appearance | have been main
tanning in society longer. Oh, Heavenl you
can never know the humiliation of pow
erty."
''Would to Heaven did" calculated the
Beautiful girl. TO tell the truth, Tom, |
am tired and heartily sick'o the life l lead.
/ hate society, and dress, and fashion. l
wish did not have rich father sometimes,
it is such burden to keep mp style"
Then you do not care for mans power
ty," said Tom, softly pressing the little
hands tighter between his big palms.
''WOuld be content to share his lot so long
as you loved him, be that what it may?'
even so. Surely love that is not self
sacrificing in valueless."
Il IL. NJ
ME" said Tom, suddenly drawing her TO
him. You have given me worlds of encour-
agement. ] can go forth now and breast the
storms of life with Drawer heart knowing
that 1 possess the love of one so true and
sweet as yourself Forgive me for the out
burst, but / could not help it. 1t was always
a way with me to speak my nind, blunt
like, you know
Il shall pray for your success, Tom, daily
and hope that the day will not be far dis
tant when you may come back"
"A MANI interrupted Tom, eagerly.
cay, and if such thing be possible | will
prove myself such. Then l will return; but
would you wait for me, Minnie? Could you
content yourself to tarry such length of
time for such an uncertainty
"TOm." said pretty Minnie, firmly put
ting both hands upon his shoulder, 81 have
told you once that as long as life lasts l will
be true to you. With you l can be happy;
without you the world is bare and devoid of
aught of happiness. Is not that a sufficient
acknowledgement"
cay" cried Tom. And as Heaven is
my witness, will be true to you, Minnie,
and may you never rue the step you have
taken. You have made a man of Tom
Hathaway, Fairview's greatest scapegrace,
and you shall never be sorry of your bar
gain, if 1 can help it. To morrow | will
start forth to achieve fame and fortune"
Where will you go: Tom? Not away
from Fairview?"
Not if l can help it, Minnie. l would
not be far away from you. Yet on the
whole think it would be better to go
abroad to seek my fortune"
''Oh, do not, Tom"
''It would only be for q short time; then
1 might return to you a man worthy of your
pure, true heart" said Tom, gazing with al
lection down into the pleading blue eyes.
-''Fear not for me- love. With the assurance
of your love 1 could breast a thousand
storms and surmount any obstacle however
large. will not be away long, Minnie;
then / Will return and claim you with
wealth and an honorable name TO offer you.
it will not be for long, and wait PATIENTLY,
owe, for the hour which shall bring us again
0gether."
And this was how daredevil Tom Hatha-
way started out in life.
The future looked bright and promising
10 him now, for his love for Minnie Stock
we'll had endowed him with a strong cour-
age.
But little he knew what was awaiting him
beyond the misty vail of the future, which,
fortunately for them, no mortals can pierce.