Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1886-05-19

ever have thought that the time would
come when he would be the master Of
the old place, and the doctor be turned
out to die in the poor house, most
likely?"
Its a shame. Tho doctor il good
old man.
$50 he is, but he's been unfortu-
nate.''
"How long is it since his son James
ran away from home?'
''Ten years, ism t it?''
mo, eleven. I know, because my
girl, Dora, was an infant then, and
now she s going on twelve"
well. it's a great pity, but I sup
pose it can't be helped.''
Not unless somebody is found to
pay the money
THAT isn't likely
esquire Elmore is rather hard on
the old man.
eyes; he ought not to be, though.
If it had not been for the doctor most
likely the Squire would have Gied
when he was so sick four years ago.
THAT won't weigh with him now;
he's we'll"
''No; he's little too fond of money"
CHAPTERII.
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. Fit helpmate she seemed to
the 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.
''lt seems hard, Margery," said the
doctor. at length, with faint sigh.
She did not need to ask what. She
knew the sorrow that was in her hus-
bands heart.
Eyes, 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 at
least cannot be taken from u.s."
"But to be turned out in our old age!"
1--WE have but few years before us
now; and l have faith that Gods mercy,
which has followed us thus far, will
still be continued to u.s.
eve must 20 to the almshouse,
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 l
may learn resignation, but it's not very
easy, Margery,'
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 you come in, sir?" she said,
hesitatingly.
"Thank you,'' he said, Il should
like to see your husband and yourself
few minutes
He was ushered into the sitting
room.
There was an expression of strong
emotion on his face when his eyes
rested on the old doctor sitting pa
tient]y in his chair.
"A gentleman who has called to see
you, George explained his wife.
II am glad to SEQ you. sir" said the
doctor, unsconciously using the old ex-
preston. II should be, rather, if l
correcting himself
will You BIZ seated?'
"Thank you," was the reply, spoken
in low voice.
The visitor turned toward the old Ia
dy, and looked earnestly at her, and the
tears rose to his eyes, though she did
not observe them.
"You do not know me, DR.. JONES'"
he said at length, ''but 1 have come
from one whom YOU knew well-your
son James,"
James! What do you know of bimp
Is he alive?'
Doctor Jones and his wife both spoke
together, and awaited his ans 1er with
anxiety.
''Yes, he is we'll. He sends his love,
and hopes you have forgiven him for
all the trouble he has caused you
He was forgiven long ago. Where
is he?''
lit was in Australia when met
him.
''And is he there now'''
''Ile was there six months ago.
"How does he look?' asked the
mother. ut is almost twelve years
since he went away-a long, weary
time.'
''He has changed much. probably;
l 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 the
stranger in a low, peculiar tone.
The old lady looked up quickly. She
took the candle and walked up to the
speaker and gazed eagerly in his face.
Yes, MOTHER he said, smiling, Il
am James, come home to spend Christ
mas with you; am welcome?''
A flood of happy tears and the joyful
old lady was ciaspei in the strong arms
of her son.
snow, father, it is your turn" and
James bent over and kissed his fathers
chooE olasnino his hands in G Stronr