Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1890-06-28

az was in the hall wandering himless-
ly around, anxiously watching for Ar
chie's return, when they brought him
in. After one glance, l fled to Twick-
hams room, and paced the floor and ut
tered such strange heart broken cries
that she almost lost her self-control.
They sent for her Immediately She
was gone for long, long time. AS tho
afternoon wore on and she did not re-
turn, throw myself, face down, on her
bed and mutely struggled with the ter
rible aching of my heart, that threat
ened to stife me. could hear hurry
| ing feet in the hall, the opening and
closing of doors, and then, all silence
again.
"'My poor little grip and father bent
over me. i have come for you. He
asked for you with his first conscious
breath And then in answer to my
mute, questioning look: Yes, he has
told me all And is freely forgiven.
Come dear
81 never knew how got to ;he room.
But remember father whispered as
entered Call me, dear, if he grows
worse The door opened, and then
SiOSOu pChlhN lllt. ANU was ulOHo
with my poor, dying brother. He lay
with his face toward me, and his eyes
fixed upon me so wlstfully In q
moment | was by his side.
"'Oh Nan! My own darling sister!
do not tremble so.' The great tears
welled up in his eyes and rolled slowly
down the pale cheeks. | was dumb,
struggling with the terrible choking in
my throat. The window curtain flut-
tered idly in the breeze. The warm sun
fell across the foot of the bed. A tiny
bird perched on a budding bough and
trilled a gladstone song. Itwas mockery!
Bitter mockery!-thes indications of
the coming spring. How could the
world be bright with this young life
ebbing out so fast! Oh, so fast!
"'Nan, I've told father all. He is so
kind so kind. You will be lonely, Nan,
yes, so lonely without your Archie!
But shall be safe with mother. Dear
mother, how anxiously she is watching
for me! Oh! the JOY and peace when
my tired head can rest in her arms once
more! How happy we will be, mother
and I. And we will watch for you and
father, Nan. Yes, we'll watch for you all.
See the sun yonder How warm it is!
Spring is so near. How l long to stay
and see the flowers, Nan. But mother
is waiting and 1 must soon be gone.
The sun will soon set. See tits nearing
the horizon now! And night will soon
come. But 1 will not be here. So
different from last nightn A spasm of
pain crossed the pale face.
"You must plant a white rose over
my head. Nan, was always so fond of
them, you know. Come and see the
roses when they nod above me. There's
the terrible pain again. Call father
quick
Father was bending over him be-
fore the sound left his lips. In few
moments the pain left him and he
opened his eyes again.
Z" There, it is gone; but has left mo
very weak. Come nearer to me, all of
you. Father, lift me higher. lean not
breathe. Father, dear, you will be
good to Nan when | am gone. She has
been the dearest sister in the world.
Always so kind and good to me, father.
l was so easily led astray! Dear old
Twickham, forgive your boy for the
pangs he has caused your faithful heart
to feel. Now, Nan dear, sing to me.
just once, Nan. This will be the last.
The very last!"
''Oh, how could I sing! The words
would choke me. But his eyes were
fixed so yearningly on my face that I
could not refuse. And l sang; family
at first, but gaining strength as pro-
ceeded.
Z" "'Tired. oh, yes!. 80 tired, dear!
The day has been so very long;
But shad'wy gloaming draweth near,
'Tis time for the evening song.
"I'm ready for blest rest at last;
Ready to say goodnight
The sunset glory darkens fast,
Tomorrow will bring light.
"'Sing once more, "Abide with me-"
That sweetest evening hymn.
And now good night" can not see,
The light has grown so dim!
""Tired ah, yes so tired, dear!
I shall soundly sleep tonight,
With ne'er dream nor qualing fear,
To wake in tAe mornings light
"All was silent as death when I
ceased. Then with gentle sigh he
spoke:
kiss me, Nan, father and dear old
Twickham. Mother and will watch
for you all. And now goodnight We
bent over him to catch the whispered
words.
"'And now goodnight, l can not
see. The light has grown SO dim"-
''His head fell back on fathers arm.
Our erring boy was dead"
The dying embers fell apart, scatter