Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-08-22
CHAPTER ".
AM OJn SERVANT

CHAPTER ~.
AN OLD SERVANT.
Walter Clifford returned home pretty
well Weaned from trade, and anxious to
prOpitiate his father but well aware that
on his way to reconciliation he must
pass through probation.
He slipped into Clifford Hall at night,
and commenced his approaches by 60
ing to the buffers pantry. Here he was
safe, and knew it; faithful old butler
of the antique and provincial breed is apt
to be more unreasonably paternal than
Pater himself.
Next morning this worthy butler, who
for several years had been a very good
servant, and for the next seven years
rather bad one, and would now have
been a hard master if the Colonel had
not been too great Tartar to stand it,
appeared before his superior with an
air slightly respectful, slightly aggres
sive, and very logged.
There is young gentleman would
be glad to speak to you, if you will let
him"
who is hep" asked the Colonel
though by old Johns manner he diyin.
ed.
Cant ye gHess?"
. Don't know why [ should. It is youl
business to announce my visitors"
"Oh, I'll announce him. when [ am
made safe that he viii be welcome"
What! isn't he sure of a welcomed
good, dutiful son like him?"
We'll, sir, he deserves a welcome
Why, he is the returning prodigal"
We are not told that he deserved q
welcome"
What signifes?- he got one, and
Scripture is the rule of life for men OF
our age, 1l01U ace IRE ont Of the Grn,g."
L think you had better let him plead
his own cause, John; and if he takes the
tone you do, he will get turned out OF
the house pretty quick; as you will some
OF these days, Mr.. Barker"
We shan't so, neither of u.s." said
Mr.. Baker, but with a sudden tone of
atfectiOnate respect, which diSarmed
the words of their true meaning. He
added, hanging his head for the first
time, Poor young gentleman! afraid to
face his own father!"
whats he afraid OFF" asked the Colo
mel, roughly.
said John.
"Cmsing and swearingI" cried the
COlOnel-"a thing / never donow. Ours
ing and swearing, indeedl You be-!''
There yOugO," said old John. "Come,
Colonel, be father. What has the
poor boy done?"
"He has deserted-a thing I have seen
o fellow shot for, and he has left me q
prey to parental anXieties."
And SO he has me, for that matter.
But | forgive him. Anyway, / should
like to hear his story before I condemn
him. Why, he's only nineteen and four
months, come MartinmaS. Besides, how
do we know?-he may have had some
very good reason for going"
His age makes that probable, doesn't
it?"
Il dare say it was after some girl,
sir"
Call that a good reason?"
Il call it strong one. Haven't you
never found it?" 1.-THE Colonel was be-
trayed into winking). From sixteen
to sixty woman will draw amanwhere
a horse can't"
"Since that is So" said the Colonel,
dryly, you can tell him to come to
breakfast"
Am to say that from your"
NO; you can take that much upon
yourself. | have known you presume a
good deal more than that, John"
well. sir" said John, hanging his
head for moment, "old servants are
like old friendS-they do presume a bit;
but then" lraising his head proudly
they care for their masters, young and
old. New servants, sir-Why, this lot
that we've got now, they would not
shed tear for you if you was to be
hanged"
"Why should they?" said the Colonel.
"a man is no. hanged for building
churches. Come, beat retreat. I've
had enough of you. See there's a good
breakfast"
"Oh," said John, 1--we took care of
that"
When the Colonel came down he
found his son leaning against the man.
tel-piece' but he left Indirectly and stood
erect, for the Colonel had drilled him
with his own hands.
"Ughl" said the Colonel, giving asnort
peculiar to himself, but he thought.
"How handsome the dog isl" and was
proud of him secretly, only he would
not show it. "Good-morning, sir" said
the young man, with civil respect.
Your most obedient, SIR" said the
old man, stiffly.
After that neither spoke for some
time, and the old butler glded about
like cat, helping both of them, eSpeci-
ally the young one, to various delicacies
from the side table. When he had stuff
ed them pretty well, he retired softly
and listened at the door. Neither of
the gentlemen was in hurry to break
Walter made thefirst remarik-"What
delicious teal"
''As good as VIII IRE you come from?''
inquired Colonel Clifford. insidiouSly.
"A deal better,'' said Walter.
"By-the-bye," said the Colonel, where
do you come from?"
Walter mentioned the town.
"You astonish me-" said the Colonel.
:! made sure you had been enjoying the
pleasures of the capital"
My purse wouldn't have stood that,
sir"
Very few purses can," said Colonel
Clifford. Then, in an off-hand way.
@Have you brought her along with you?''
Certainly not" said Walter. off his
guard. "Her? Who?"