The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-04-28
A STRANGE STORY.

I can scarcely expect any one to be- lieve the story l am going to tell said Judge Sangmon. " but il is an actual fact. Some time ago, my oldest bro her. with whom my father. since mothers death, had been living, died. whereupon the old gentleman came te live xith me. Among the relics that he brought with him was an old family bible that had been in the family for many generations, and re- member. when boy. how used to re- gard with interest it's grea, clasp and
 heavy binding. Shortly after father arrival, a thief broke into the house, and among other things. stole the old bible
 We followed the marauder across the little creek that flows not far from my house. bu, we failed to catch him.
 The old man actually moaned over the theft, and for days he could talk of noth- ing but his great loss We tried to con sole him by assuring him ,ha, the thief would soon be identified. and the old book recovered. but he declared tha, never while he lived would the book again be a treasured keepsake Of our family. Finally he became reconciled i: that is, he ceased to introduce the sub ject of his great loss into e.ery eonversa- ton we held.
 ." The old man was very fond of iish- ing, and every day. when the weather was pleasant. he would take his rod and go down to a little pool, just a, the foot of beautiful little cascade, and catch sun perch. He delighted in the amuse- ment, and af,er awhile became so earnest that he supposed his fishing largely con- ,ributed to the family's support. Ne all indulged him in the belief. as it afforded him so much pleasure, and when the days were rainy. my wife would say, l don't know what we are going to do for meat to-day for the rain will keep grand pa from fishing Every evening the children would watch for the old man coming. He enloined such stiffness that they were no; allowed ,o accompany him.
 .,One evening when returned from the city found the children standing at the gate. Wonder what makes grandpa so late, said one of my little girls. We want the fish for supper. and the sun most down.
 went into the house. but the ohil- dren remained al the gate. discussing. with various opinions the prolonged ab- sence of the old man. At length be- came somewhat alarmed. and. together with my wife. wen, in search of the grandpa fisherman. As we neared the pool. saw him sitting with his back against tree. His line was in the wa ter, and his bamboo rod lay across his lap.
 - You ,ary long at the sport, this evening l said. advancing.
 = No reply.
 a, Have you caught anything:
 Still no reply.
 neared the tree. The old man did no, look around. spoke again. and when he failed 10 answer. touched his shoulder. fell back. His eyes were closed as though he slept. The sof,ened rays of the setting sun fell upon his face. lighting up the smile ,ha, he always wore. i and thought that l had never seen SO peaceful an expression. My wife clasped her hands. and with an air. more of solemn admiration than Of alarm. stood with her eyes riveted on the suolmely lighted face. He was yet warm. and laid him upon the green sward.
 Take his line out of the water. my wife suggested. We must keep it.
 '. took up the rod. The hook seemed | to be fastened. pulled, and slowly i, | yielded. thou sht tha, it must have be- come fastened to a log. Slowly drew it out.
 What IS i; my wife exclaimed.
 II reached down and lifted the impedi. ! ment ou, of the water. I, was our old i bible. The hook had caught in the l clasp" 1