The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1889-09-12
saltwater, Minn., Thursday, Sept. IL, 1889.

ing him the Strengthened circumstances OF
the blacksmith. The friend had generously
responded with ticket for the lad and a
promise to help him on his arrival. The
day was set for his departure. and the
mother had passed the whole night in
prayer for his welfare.
The mother, although she saw the stern
necessity for his going, gave her consent
with strange forebOdings. Her Wilhelm
had always been good son, for he had
been brought up under the influence OF
good. Christian parents. But now, when
he was going out into the world. far away
from homes sheltering roof and good as
SOciatiOns, he was apt to come under evil
influences and meet with bad companions,
and she trembled for the consequences.
How earnestly she pleaded to God for his
safety. to shield him from evil and sustain
him in his trials and temptations! All the
night she had knelt thus. and the rising
sun found her on her knees still.
At last the sleeper opened his eyes, but
shut them Immediately, for the bright sun
shine almost blinded him. He rubbed them
vigorously with his hands and sat up. His
glance fell Oh his mothers form.
"Why. mother" he exclaimed. Il must
have slept late. What time is it?"
added. in voice intended to be cheerful,
but still trembling slightly:
There. mother dear, don't cry. 1 know
it is very hard to have to leave you all. but
it won't be for long. I'll soon come back
and bring lots Of money and then We'll
never part again. Then We'll live happy
together with no trouble or sorrow. won't
we. mOther?"
| He threw his arms around her and kissed
her passionately. She smiled, but it was a
poor imitation of cheerfulness for her
heart was heavy.
The parting hour had come.
Outside the door stood the old horse
hitched to the light wagon, that was to con-
vey him to the city where he was to take
the train for the seaport. about twenty
miles distant. Farewells had been ex-
changed, kisses had been given and taken
and tears had been wiped away. Old Tom.
the dog, frisked hither and thither, wagging
his tail and looking puzzled. for he could
not understand why everybody wore such
sad expressions and wept Finally he be-
took himself outdoors. seated himself in
the road in front of the horse, and poured
forth his sympathy in dismal howl.
Wilhelm was taking last. lingering look
around the room, whose every nook and
corner had strong fascination for him,
and he was repressing the tears that would
force themselves into his eyes as he thought
that he was gazing on the familiar objects
for perhaps the last time. A gentle hand
was laid on his shoulder, and turning
around, he beheld his mother.
That sweet face. where care, trouble and
anxiety had left their plain marks. bore an
expression of tenderness and love that was
wonderful to behold. The clear dark eyes
looked into his as if they would read his
innermOst soul, and her lips trembled with
spasmodic twitchings. In one hand she
held an old, well-wOrn book, a copy of the
Bible. In voice trembling with emotion
she spoke thus:
my dear child! 1 have tried to bring
you up as Christian mother should bring
up her children. You are going away into
a strange country and among strangers; as
guide l give you this book. In it you
will find comfort and strength. 1t has been
my companion from childhood, and when l
have been in trouble have in this book
found strength to bear my tribulatiOns. and
peace for my weary spirit. Read daily a
few verses in it, and you will find that God
is both willing and able to help you. Oh,
WILHELM"
Here she was overcome by emotion, and
sObs shook her slight frame. With a strong
effort she recovered herself and continued:
ION. Wilhelm. promise me that you will
meet ME in heaven: there our tears are
wiped away. andiwe shall know no sorrow.
nor ever part"
Her face shown with an angelic bright
ness and her tears sparkled as Jewels.
Wilhelm. overcome by emotion, threw his
arms around her in last embrace, kissed
away her tears and said. brokenly:
II will meet you there, mother, God
helping me, will"
Relaxing his arms he dashed the binding
tears from his eyes. rushed through the
door and took seat by his father in the
wagon.
The horse started, and they were gone.