Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1889-12-12

William is cruel to him, but then we
women are softer. When he is free
again trust he will come straight to
us. fear William would hurt him
by some reproachful speech. He will
be free very soon, Ada"
The man who had stolen into the
house to rob 1.-THE man of whom
they spoke-could bear no more; his
heart was softencd as it had not been
since he was little child. 1t was as
if the angels had spoken to him.
Then he remembered why he was
there; and kneeling and. kissing the
door that lay between him and those
dear women who had saved him from
desperation, he crept away, and find
ing his way to the window which he
had entered, he departed as he had
come, yowing to lead an honest life,
and sometime-perhaps when he was
dying-to see these two dear creatures
once again. At least, always the
memory of their looks and words
would keep his heart tender and his
life pure, lonely as might be his lot.
With these thoughts in his mind he
stood on the ground, and remembered
with pang who would arrive soon,
and what their errand would be; and
that, while he scorncd to betray them,
he must stand between them and their
purpose, and save his sisters home,
perhaps her life, from their hands.
felt in his bosom for his pistol.
lie would not use it until the last, but
he must stand between those women
and all harm.
He knew well enough the unforgig-
ing ferocity of those with whom ne
had to deal, and be muttercd little
prayer for aid-the first he had breath
ed for many II YEARS. lie heard soft
footsteps approaching.
"IIe is opening his eyes" said
voice.
james Graham heard it and WON
dered what had happened and why he
could not turn himself and who spoke.
Then came the remembrance OF .
quarrel, conflict, and the report of a
pistol. He knew all now. His fellow
burglars had shot him and left him for
dead. But where was he now?
ada, DEAR said the voice, al
think he is opening his eyes"
Then they did open, and James Ora
ham say two women bending over him.
"James," said one, "do you know
sister Jessie?"
The other only burst into tears.
"Yes," | know you BOTH" he satd
family. "How did | come here? |
am so full of wonder. How did you
know me!"
ave found you wounded-dead, we
our gate" said Jessie.
"It was Ada knew you first
"Dear JESSIE" he said; 'sdear Ada!n
ave don't know how it happened"
she said. ''When you are better, you
must tell us. Only we have you back,
and you shall never go away again;
never!"
He knew he never should. He knew
1t did not matter whether he told them |
how he had come to them now. He |
huNN liistts III ilblity III NitOuid
see their faces nor know their voices;
but he was very happy. A foretaste
IF heaven was given him.
s1They have been terrible years." he
said; "terrible wears! All that while
have never heard from you, but |
have YOU now. Come closer; | can't
zee you very well. There's mist be-
fore my eyes. | want Jessie to kiss
me-"
The sister threw her arms about his
neck, and kissed him over again.
Then he turned to Ada Musgrove.
eff were going TO live, l should
lot ask it," he said; "but you used to
Kiss me long ago, Ada. VIII you kiss
ne now my dear, lust once more?"
She took him in her arms.
"God is very merciful," he said,
more merciful than man. Perhaps
We shall meet again, darling"
These were the last words he ever