West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1888-12-20

Witha grand sweep Of the hand the
stranger has dashed from the old mans
hand the bottle, and IL lies smashed
upon the timbers, while the young,
manly face is thrust into the others and
voice cries in his ears: "Curseits Let
IL lie there. IL was that robbed me o.
my wife. IL was that drove me away
into the world wanderer In search OF
her. Curse the stuff IL was the cause
OF all;n and the heavily shoddcn foot
comes down on the splintered glass till
it crackles beneath It. Old Tom has
started back aghast at the young mans
vehcmence, but in that moment risos to
his lips cry that sweeps enmity aud
passion away
"My God, Ned, it was for herl She
is dying 1"
The strong hand Of the young seaman
is on the others arm, and the face il
even whittier as he demands
What do you meanl She is dying.
Wherci Speak, mani Tell me at once -
There, in that boat. Yes, that old
hulk OF acanawler," he adds, in response
TO the others in1uiripg glauce. That's
what we've come to Down
The young man turns and is at the
vesse g 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"
From the Others breast comes groan,
adeep, prolonged one, and he says in an
altered tone.
lead me to her Cod will not roh
me OF her now. Come along"
The two pass over the wharf and 90
down into the cabin OF the old boat,
from which the 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.
'.A moment, Ned. Wat n mo nent.
The surprise is too sudden
The young man drew back into the
shadow while the other lifted mn the
woman and seated her by the berth. 'fl
am better, father" she said, and laid hei
head wearily beside the sleeping child.
But old Toms actions soou attracted her
lie was smiling, actually smiling, and
rubbing his hands with Infinite compia.
ceucy. she said nothing but looked al
him inquirinQly.
Its a good night Is Christmas Eve.
he blnrted out. "I've nj ways heerd 80
Amt you, Libbiel Sandy Claws bring.
things q chil'rcn, and friends come to.
gcthcr and news comes o. people fha.
amt been round for ever so long. Dom
they, CHI"
She looked at him moro intently thar
ever. and there was an eager, appealing
look iu her eyes.
''Noono knows when luck may change
10 theyf tho man continued
''fathcr, sou have heard something
Tell me, is it about himT
Bout Ned Well, yo., have. Now
don't take on, Libbio You'll be ouie
and easy, like a good Qal.n
1T is about him You nave seen him
1ou have met HIM. lie bas come for no,
nt Last "
She turned toward the cabin door .anf
was stretching her hand toward 10 Bhef
she was clasped 10 the breast Of her has
band and bis voice repeated. "At last
There were tears and carcsaos and ex
plnnationB Nod had come back from
his wonderings as mate or the big bnrl
with promise OF soon having the com
maud Of a vessel for himself fn the 10,
Of the moment an the hadships and pri
vaations u the past were forgotten. anf
rs The bluff seaman cuddicd bis own
child, whose acquaintance he Then mad,
for ihe dfst time, DO said 10 the happJ
mother
Didn't ! tell you. Libbio. whenever
you looked at your wedding ring to re-
member me and be sure J would keep nay
w0rdn 81
She glanced at the tiny circiot and
her eyes caught sight Of Tom sitting
with bendod head and the tears stream.
ing down his checks. And as She
pressed hcrlirs 10 ihe tr nkei he said
A" Cd bless that ring lthas brought
as Joy end happiness on Chrisfmas Eve.