The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1886-05-20

girl, Dora, was an infant then. and
now she going on twelve
well. it's great pity, but sup
pose it can't be helped.
mot unless somebody is found to
pay the money
THAT isn't likely
esquire Elmore is rather hard on
the old man.
Yes; he ought not to be, though.
II it had not been for the doctor most
likely the Squire would have Gicd
when he was SO sick four years ago"
That won't weigh with him now;
he's well"
mo; he IA little too fond Of money"
CHAPTER
DIR. Jones and his wife sat in their
plain little sitting-room, dimly lighted
by common tailow candle.
The doctor was leaning back in an
easy chair, his feet resting on the fend-
er. His hair was white as driven snow
which gave his massive head a grand
appearance. His sightless eyes did
not permit him to read. The express
ion Of his face was sad yet patient. He
was not one to complain Of the sorrow
that had come upon him, though he
felt it keenly.
His wife was sewing by the light Of
the candle. Fithclpmatc she seemed to
tho fine old man. as she sat there, her
usual look Of cheerfulness and serenity
clouded by the thought present to each
that tomorrow would be the last Christ
mas Day they would be permitted to
keep in the old house that had sheltered
them ever since, In the first flush Of their
married happiness. they had set out
together on the dusty turnpike Of life.
lit seems hard, Margcry.' said the
doctor. at length. with faint sigh.
She did not need to ask what. She
knew the sorrow that was IN her nus
band q heart.
Yes, George, but there is one thing
we must not forget. For forty years
we have been permitted to enjoy the
shelter of this beloved roof. That Mt
least canno: be taken from us.
I'VE have but few years before us
now; and have faith that Gods mercy,
which has followed us thus far, will
still be continued to us.
I'VE must 70 to the almshousc,
Margery.
"Let us be thankful, George. that we
have even that refuge to look to. Our
friends may be touched. but after all
there are others better than we who
have been reduced to the same alterna-
tive.
perhaps YOU are right. In time |
may learn resignation, but i'll not very
easy, Margcry,'
Rat, tat. tat, sounded the old-fashion-
ed knocker, with a loud noise, that
echoed through the house.
Mrs. Jones arose, and taking the
Pickering candle went to the door.
She did not recognize her visitor. 1t
was the stranger who had that night
arrived at the tavern.
won't you come in, sir?' she said,
hesitatingly.
Thank you,' he said. Il should
like to see your husband and yourself
a few minutes.
He was ushered into the sitting
room.
There was an expression Of strong
emotion on his face when his eyes
rested on tho old doctor sitting pa
ticntly in bis chair.
"A gentleman who has called to see
you, George explained his wife.
II am glad to see you. SIR said the
doctor, unscOnciously using the old ex-
preston. II should be, rather. if !
were not blind, as you Sec" he added.
correcting himself.
"Will you be seated?'
Thank you, was the reply, spoken
in low voice.
The visitor turned toward the old la
dy, and looked earnestly at her. and the
tears rose to his eyes, though she did
not observe them.
lyon do not know me, DR.. Jones,
he said at length, .but have come
from one whom you knew well-youl
son James,"
james! What do you know of HIM
Is he alive?"
Doctor Jones and his wife both spok,
together. and awaited his ans yer Will
anxiety.
Yes, he is we'll. He sends his love
and hopes you have forgiven him TO
all the trouble he has caused you.
| HE was forgiven long ago. Wher
is hep
| ut was in Australia when I me
him.
And is he there now3'
''lle was there six months ago"
How does he look?" asked tn
mother. 1T is almost twelve year
since he went away--a long. wear
time
HE has changed much. probably
do not think you would know him.
Il should know him." said Mrs
Jones
"A mother cannot be deceived.
Are you sure of that?" said III
stranger in low. peculiar tone.
The old lady looked up quickly. Sh
took the candle and walked up TO tn
speaker and gael eagerly in his face
Yes, NEITHER he said. smiling, =
am James, come home to spend Christ
mas with you; am l welcome?'
A food Of happy tears and the joyf,
old lady was claspei in the strong arm
OF her son.
Now, father. it is your turn. an
! James bent over and kissed his father
! cheek, clasping his hands in h stron
grasp.
welcome, welcome, my son" sal
Q the old man. You are welcome I
: your fathers home rs long rs he ha
One.'
"By the way, father, what is this
hear about your losing the old hom'
: stcad2 Is it true?"
1 TOO true, James. Host some none
by standing security for your uncl
Q and for the last four years my blin,
8 ness has interfered with my profession
t al duties.'
$ who holds the mortgages?'
j, Squire Elmore."
t '.For what ameunt?'
$ with interest, about two thousan
O dollars"
Surely the old place is worth MOI
o than that?
t, ut is we'll worth three, but Il