The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1885-03-17

Mr.. Me,ford lived in an attractive oil


Mr.. Metford lived in an attractive old
place, not fat from the river. When we
entered the gate woman cafnes0ut on
the gallery and 10 a moment after seeing
me, clasped her hands and leaned seainsl
a post. AS we approached she uttered
shrek and spranR toward me.s The
old gentleman ,gently taking hold OF her,
said
"Come, Mary, don't give way toyour
feeling. This is-you have not told me
your name, sir. Alb, ves," when told
him, "this is Mr.. Oscar Hockersmith !
wanted you TO see him ON account of the
perfect likeness he bears TO Norval
Come in, sir" he continued, leading the
way. We entered a comfortably fur
nste room. The old lady could not
keep her ewes of me.
Poor Norval," she repeated over and
over again. "Poor child. Oh, SIR. If
did not know TIA, he was killed -s.s.s sir,
.tafe YOU indeed be 2''
"Be quiet, Mary" said the old gentle
man. "Dou't become excited. Let Us
make 1t pleasant here for Mr.. Hooker.
smith, and perhaps be will remain several
days with US. Tell US something OF
yourself, Mr.. Hockersmith
IL was born in Richmond, Va.," | re-
piled, "and my parents died when | was
quite young. / went into the army and
was wounded by piece of shell at Sbi-
loh After the war / went home, hut
found that the uncle with whom had
lived was reduced almost 10 a penniless
condition. He did not long survive, and
there being nothing in Redmond TO par.
ticularly bind me to the place, wander
ed away and have never returned.
have come 10 this State to look after the
land interest Of corporation, and, a.
soon as nv business is completed, ! shal
go hack to S.. Louis"
"Untl then," said Mrs Metford, "you
must remain ut our house. Although
know you are not our son yet to see you
here revives and illustrates memory
that is so dear Here the poor woman
completely broke down."
"Mary," said the old gentleman sp.
preaching her and stroklog her hair
"don't give way to yotr feelings
would not nave urged him to come but
knew that If did Eot you, in the event
of bearing of this wonder! al likeness
would never forgive me. Don't give
way, now"
She became calm. but every time she
looked at me, could see her lip quiver
What a pity that am not your son. "
l mused. ANY man, aside from natural
Affection, would feel proud of such q
mother" l thought Of the dead son and
of what a splendid home his death had
made cheerless And | almost wished
that had told the old couple that was
really their Norval whose death was er.
roneously announced
After dinner, to which was induced
to remain, we we're sitting in the parlor
when a loud knock on the front door
caused a momentary futter of excite
nent. Mr.. Metford, who answered the
summons. soon returned accompanied BY
the town Marshal. Approaching me and
placing his ungentle hand on my shoul
der he said:
II want YOU"
"Want mep" asked in surprise.
"Y,s, want you"
"What right have you to want me, as
You term il p
"He took out paper and handed 1t to
me. 1t was warrant arresling me on q
charge of wilfully and mallciously de-
ceiving The people Of Clegmore. 1t was
useles, to resist, and although the
old gentleman and his wife protested
against such an indignity being imposed
on a guest OF their house, yet by the
fQe.lngless rulfian was led away aod
lodged 10 Jail.