The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1888-12-19

With a grand sweep of the hand the
stranger has dashed from the old mans
hand the bottle, and it lies smashed
upon the timbers, while the young,
manly face is thrust into the others and
voice cries in his ears: Course it, Let
it lie tbe.e. 1t was that robbed me o.
my wife. 1t was that drove me away
into the world wanderer in search of
her. Curse the stuff 1t was the cause
of.Rlls;s, aud the heavily shodden foot
cemes' down on the splintered glass till
it crackles beneath it. Old Tom has
started back aghast at the young mans
vehemence, but in that moment rises to
his lips cry that sweeps enmity and
passion away:
"My God, Ned, it was for her She
is dying"
The strong hand of the young seaman
is on the others arm, and the face is
even whiter as he demands
fs'Tiiatsdo you meang She is dying.
Wherel Speak, mani Tell me at once l'
There, in that boat. Yes, that old
hulk ofa canawler," " he adds, in response
to the others inquiring glance. That's
what we've come to now"
The young man turns and is at the
vesse IS side before Old Tom can call
out: "Where are you goingl You will
kill her. Didn't tell you she is dying
dying of want"
s-sFnaH the otiIer's breast comes groan,
deep, prolonged one, and he says in an
altered tone; ~
=. .Lead me to her God will not rob
me of her hoEs, Come along" NS
The two pass over the wharf and go
down into the cabin of the old boat,
from which he dim light is shining, and
there, awakened from her swoon, but
still dazed and, frightened, is the girl of
the young mans, love, the wife of his
thoughts, lying like blighted flower.
The father was the first to descend,
and he turned at the entrance TO restrain
his companion. 'fsS
~ a moment, Ned. Wait a'moment.
The surprise is too sudden"
The young man drew back into the
shadow while the other lifted up the
woman and seated her by the berth. ''G
am better, father" she said, and laid her
head wearily beside the sleeping child.
But old Toms actions soon attracted her
He was smiling, actually smiling, and
rubbing his hands with infinite compla.
eency, shesaid nothing but looked at
him inquiringly.
"It's a good night is Christmas Eve, -
he blurted out. 'I've always heerd So
Amt you, Libbiel Sandy Claws brings
things Z chilren, and friends come to-
gether and news comes o. people that
amt been round for ever so long. Don't
they, eh"
She looked ut him more intently than
ever, and there was an eager, appealing
look in her eyes.
"No one knows when luck may change
Do theyl" the man continued.
"Father, you have heard something
Tell me, is it about himl'
"'Bout Nedl Well, yes, have. Now,
don't take on, Libbie You'll be quiet
and easy, like a good GAL"
1T is about HIM You have seen him
You have net hIm. He has come for me
at last"
She turneC toward the cabin door and
was stretching her hand toward it when
she was clasped TO tine breast of her hus.
band aud his voice repeated: 'At last >
There were tears and caresses and ex-
plantations Ned hau come back from
his wanderings as mate of the big bark
with q promise OF soon having the com
nand of vessel for himself. In the Joy
of the moment all the hardships and pri.
vaations of the past were forgotten, aud
as the bluff seaman cuddled his own
child, whose acquaintance he then made
for the first time, he said to. the happy
mother;
Didn't l tell you, Libbie, whenever
you looked ut your wedding ring to re-
member me, and be sure would keep my
word -
She glanced at the tiny circlet and
her eyes caught sight of Tom sitting
with bended head, and the tears stream
ing down his cheeks. And as she
pressed her lips to the trinket she said
"6od bless that ring Ithas brought
US JOY and happiness on Christmas Eve y