The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1883-03-14

dent that he was very frsssch fright
ened, for his only child was his idol.
Never mind. father, It's all right"
she said, rising feebly and throwingher
arms about his neck.
"No, il amt" he muttered, half
| savagcly; ats all wrong"
The next day ! called and learned
the captain was sick.
"IIe took TO his bed last night" said
the stout maid, rs she stood at the
door, land he'll never git up"
"Tell her TO come in said voice,
and there was Miss Robarts in the
hall, as pale as ashes.
"IIe is asleep now" she half whis-
pered, leading me into the parlor,
where the old captain lay in a reclining
chair, which was the only bed he ever
used. A screen stood in front Of him,
and Miss Robarts and sat by the win
dow, talking.
at was the fright on Sunday" she
said, looking sadly out. 81 never knew
him TO be i'll before Oh, what shall |
do if" Her white lips tremblei,
then she sprang TO her feet, for the
old man called her,
Daughter, it is all right" he said,
in soft, slow voice.
"Oh, father p she half sobbed.
"Yes-yes, it has been false
wicked pride. l had nearly sacrificed
you-but now"
"Father / am not sorry. l am
strong" she said, kneeling by the side
of his chair.
al know know" he muttered,
"but l see things in a different light,
Imight have made you happier; it was
a foolish prejudice. Nay, don't cry; a
dying man must have his way. Send
for him-send for him |" he added,
more emphatically.
Miss Robarts turned TO me.
"Will you go to the barracks for
me" she asked" only to the green
door, Take this card" She wrote a
single sentence.
l followed her directions. The
leader himself came to the door in his
; uniform. He looked imposingly hand
some, and as he read the card, he lifted
his cap and turned hastily away.
"Say, if you please, that l will be
there Immediately" lie said, and l re.
turned with my message.
Don't CO." said Miss Robarts, hold
ing my hand; "papa hasn't spoken
t since. Don't leave me alone"
OF course l would not leave her. In
= five minutes step sounded on the
S gravel walk. AS the man entered the
r old captain came out of his lethargy.
l John, my son!' he said.
l The man came forward and bent
above him.
"Have l not obeyed you?" he asked,
, 81 said L would never speak to her
without your permission"
: "But you have taken good care tC
: follow us up pretty well" said the old
/, man, with feeble laugh.
81 acknowledge it, sir; you put nc
: other restraint upon me but that one
3 of speaking"
y = "You have been true to her fol
= twelve years, John; you will be true
to her for life?"
81 willw And the words had all
$ the solemnity of an oath.
a "Take her, then, with an old mans
blessing. You are a good boy, john
e Il good boy" and his voice grew
drowsy.
Then I saw Miss Robarts' face kindlC
. into positive beauty. In that exalted
= moment she looked to me like an angel
! so much of the good, true heart shone
in her eyes.
, The man-the band-leader, was the
hero of her story-the son Of the
butchered chief. He had loved her all
this time patiently silently, speaking
to her spirit only with his ringing,
:, wonderful notes. From outpost tC
>, outpost, from city to city, from station
Il to station, he had followed, content
only to breathe the same atmosphere
i to worship at a distance-to wait.
ut seemed to me-" Miss Robarts
> told me afterward, "that at last his
. patience was worn out, ana | felt
that Sunday that | was listening
p TO him for the last time, But the
t story of the operatic star was a ruse-
/ he never contemplated leaving while
/ my father lived"
a The wedding was nine-days
a wonder. The blue blood Of the army
e was shocked until the band-leader wa:
T offered a commission, through the in
e fuence of friends, which at first ht
refused, but eventually accepted
i Somebody said that somebody else haC
e said they heard him say that the sol
g of a king was good enough for anybody
e | should not wonder.
II The old captain did not die. No on,
IS at the marriage feast was happier than
u he and John Brigson worships hi
S, wife.-HTS. NJ. 4. DentS0R.
In Horned Men.