The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-10-18

uOuo cVou give me WORK. AuO more,
mother, if stay here must forget my
Bible, for how can I honor my father
when he so dishonors himselfP"
Very long did the boy talk and plead
ere he won the fearful consent; but che
gave it at length, and with little KNAPP
sack on his back, his mothers Bible in
one pocket and her slender purse in the
the other, Ernest went forth in the great
| world to seek, not 30 much fortune or
fame, as that peace and joy which Q
drunken father would not give him in his
home.
Years passed away, and there came no
tidings from Ernest, save that after the
first one, and each quarter brought the
mother q remittance, and each success.
sive one of higher figure. Welcome,
too, were they all; for, but for such
generous aid the workhouse had claimed
her and her children; for, downward,
still downward, went her husband, his
absence no longer counted by hours, but
weeks and months.
In busting city, many miles from
his native town, stranger one night
found him in o gutter, half frozen,
starved, weary and sick. Like good
Samaritan, he picked him up, aud as he
was too weak to walk, placed him in q
conveyance and had him taken to his
own home. A warm bath, clean gar.
ments, wholesome food and soft bed
we're freely offered him, and passive az q
child when worn and languid, he suf-
fered them to deal with him as they
chose and soon sank into a deep, refresh
ing slumber.
1t was hours ere he awoke, and then
he seemed as in q dream. The filthy
gutter in which he had lost his con-
seriousness was now exchanged for q
downy bed, with pillows soft and white
as snow, with snow-white counterpane
and damask hangings. His rags had dis
appeared. and in their stead he saw him.
self robed in white linen. The dirt was
washed from his face and hands, his hair
was oombed, and his tangled beard neat
ly shorn. He put back the curtains.
Glad, golden sunbeams were stealing
through the crimson drapery of an al
coved window, and their brilliant light
showed lofty chamber, with frescoed
walls, carpet from Oriental looms, and
furniture that prince might covet. "It
is o dream" breathed he, and he closed
his eyes. Light footsteps aroused him
soon. and enclosing them again he saw
bending over him noble looking man
in life's early prime, and beside him q
lovely woman, and in the eyes of both
large tears were standing.
'Tell me-" he said, eagerly, edo I
dream, or am I the poor drunkard so
greatly cared for?"
"You are sick and we must minister to
you" replied the lady.
"Sick! ay, sin SICK" he said. "But
you do not know how vile am, or you
would cast me out at once. Listen.
have broken the heart of my wife.
have driven my only son from home; ay,
and half killed him Fl rst; and have ILL
treated my other children till they fear
me more than the evil one. Will you
care for me now?"
He almost shrieked out the question,
and it seemed as though life and death
hung on the answer.
I'VE must forgive even as we would
be forgiven" said the master Of the
house. while you can be happy, stay
with u.s."
A week passed away, and still the old
man tarried in that beautiful home, now
toying gently with Lily. the wee, deli
cate babe, and then playing pranks
with Harry. the pride Of the household,
a boy of four summers; now dreaming
in the pleasant chamber where he first
awoke again to manhood, and then loll-
ing in an arm chair in the parlor, tears
and smiles chasing each other over his
wrinkled cheeks as the lovely lady of the
mansion sang, now gay ditty and then
q solemn hymn. But he never offered to
cross the Threshold
II dare hot" he would say, when
asked to ride or walk; 'there is danger
in the street, and this calm is so very
sweet. II it could only last" And then
he would sigh, and sometimes weep and
sob like child.
"There is to be a grand rally OF the
and splendid hall is to be inaugurated.
Banners will wave. music ring, and
ladies smile Shall l invite you, my
wife, to accompany me ?" said the mas.
ter of the house.
"Of course, after such programme"
said she, gayly, land you may depend
upon my going, too. How soon must l
be ready?"
"In an hours time" he replied. II
will send o carriage for you, and meet
you myself at the door of the hall. Be
sure that you are ready, for there. will be
q tremendous crowd"
II will be in time-trust me for that, I"
said she, fastening to perform her
duties to the little ones; but what was
her astonishment when she returned to