Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1889-09-05
THE FATHER AND SON.
An Incident in Real Life.

ing my way along one OF the most OBJ
scure streets in Boston, l was aroused
from the re serie in which l was in
dulging by hearing light Footsteps
close by my side. Turning quickly, l
beheld a young girl, apparently not
more than twelve years old, following
as if she was anxious TO speak to me,
and when l observed by the dim light
of neighboring street lamp, that she
was poorly-clad, trembling, thin and
pale, asked her, in q tone OF kind
ness, what she wanted.
IF you please" she replied, in q
voice that was almost chohed with
sobs, yet struck me as peculiarly soft
and silver-toned, "if you please, sir,
will you go back with me just little
way, and see my father, who is very
sick?'
What is the matter with your
father?n l asked, fearful of being de-
ceived.
"Oh, sir, Idon't know" she answer
cd, in the same tones as before, but l
fear he is going TO die"
The earnest manner OF the broken
hearted girl made me ashamed OF
having doubted her at first, and i re-
solved TO comply with her request. l
was in just the mood for some adven-
ture where thore was an opportunity
of accomplishing an object of benevo-
lence. and 1 willingly followed my
timid, sorrowful little guide back TO
her home.
The girl led me into a small and
omewhat dilapidated house, and in
vited me TO ascend a small and narrow
staircase. At the head of the stairs /
heard her cropping about until her hand
touched the latch of door, which
she opened, asking me in low
voice to follow her into the room.
/ did so, and found myself in an
humble apartment, where scrupulous
neatness seemed struggling against
absolute want. The dim light of n
Pickering lamp which stood on n small
table near the door, revealed to me the
scanty furniture, which found TO con-
sist OF few chairs, the table already
mentioned, and among other articles
of minor importance, n bed in the
most retired part OF the room.
The girl stepped along before me
and pointed to the bed.
Come this way, sir, IL you please"
she whispered; here is father"
AS she turned TO approach the bed
side of the sufferer, to apprize him OF
my presence. | silently brushed away
a tear which the sight OF her grief
worn, pallid cheeks, and eyes red with
much weeping, caused to start through
my eyelids.
My youthful guide bent over the
sick man, and laying her cheek close
to his, while her arms encircled his
neck, whispered something in his ear.
A moment after she arose, and placing
a chair at the bedside, begged me to
approach.
Seating myself in the chair
she placed for me, l took the
hand of the invalid, and gazed for the
first time full upon his face. / shall
never forget the spectacle. Although
much emaciated, his features betrayed
the spirit of pride in the midst of pow
erty, OF resolution in adversely, and OF
the stern endurance, during his mo-
ments of agony, which dwelt within his
breast.
was about to address him, when he
cut me short by speaking first.
"You find me in n bad condition,
SIR" said he, with smile l thought
rather bitter. Il can't deny that l am
actually crushed by sickness and mis-
fortune; this you will readily believe,
for ] could never have stoopes TO ask
assistance of any one. had l not been
perfectly helpless. And even now, sir,
/ doubt whether l would not have died
before asking favor of anyone. had il
not been for the broken-hearted girl
who conducted you hither."
l cannot describe my sensations on
hearing these words, so full of pride
and candor, fall from the lips of a man
who might be dying. 1t was plain to
be seen that the invalid had once seen
better days, and moved in circles OF re-
finement, and / was sure that his In
tellect was of the finest order. 1t was
owing 10 these peculiar circumstances
Of the case, that | became deeply in
terested in my new acquainta and
felt anxious to relieve them, and at the
same time to learn something OF theil
history. After conversing with the in
valid for a few moments he intimated
to me that he would willingly let me
into the secrets of his history
provided the girl was not present tc
listen.
Accordingly, / directed "little Hetty,
as the old man called her, to go for 8
physician of my acquaintance, telling
her would stay by her father unit
she returned. The night was not cold
and felt that it would benefit her body
and divert her mind to take a walk II
the city, with the ways of which she
was very we'll acquainted.
Hetty had scarcely left the house
when the door-bell rang. The sicl
man said the lower part Of the house
was not occupied, and requested me tC
see who was at the door.
Carrying a lamp in my hand, l pro
ceeded down the stairs. / found ;
well-dressed gentleman ut the door
who seemed surprised on seeing me IL
such n place.
docs Mr.. Farley reside hore3" h
asked.