River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1890-09-25
FATHER AND son.
The True Story of Their Estrange-
ment and Reunion.

Last winter, one night, whilst pur-
suing my way along one of the most OBJ
scure streets In Boston. was aroused
from the revery in which was indulg-
ing. by hearing light footsteps close to
my side. Turning quickly, I behcld a
young girl, apparently not more than
twelve years old, following, as if she
was anxious TO speak 10 me; and when
observed. by the dim light of neigh
boring street lamp. that she was poorly
clad, trembling, thin and pale, | asked
her in a tone Of kindness what she
wan ted.
If you please. sir;~ she replied. in a
voice which was almost chOked By sObs
vet which struck me as peculiar 2 soft
and silver-tOned-''if you please. sir,
will you go back with me, just a little
way. and see my father, who Is very
sick?''
What is tho matter with your
tather?" l asked. afraid Of being de-
ceived.
"Oh. sir, don know" she answered,
in the same tones as before. but l
fear he is going TO die. Do, sir, be 50
good as to 60 and see him!'
The earnest manner of tine broken
hearted girl made me ashamed of hav-
ing doubted her at first. and / resolved
10 comply with her request. ! was in
Just the mood for some adventure
where there was an opportunity of &C
cOmplishing an object of beneyolence,
and I willingly followed my timid. sor-
rOwful little guide back to her home.
The girl led me into "A small and
somewhat 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 tho latch OF door, which she
opened, asking me in low voice to fol-
low her into she ROOM
did so. ami found myself in a hum
bic apartment, where serupUlOus neat
ness seemed struggling against abso-
Lutte want The dim light of flicker
ing lamp which stood upon a small
table near the door. revealed TO me the
kcanty furniture. which found to con
sist Of few chairs, the table already
mentioned, and. among other articles OF
minor Importance. a bed in the most re-
tired part Of the room.
Come this way, sir, if you please, T"
she whispered; "herc is father"
As she turned to approach the bed
side of the sufferer. TO apprise 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
eye-lids
My youthful guide bent over the sick
man. and laying her cheek close To his,
while her arm encircled his neck, whis-
pered something in his ear. a moment
after she arose, and placing chair at
the bedside. begged me 70 approach.
Seating myself in the chair she placed
for ne. took the hand of the invalid.
and gazed for the first time full upon
his face. shall never forget the spec
tacle Although much emaciated. his
features betrayed the spirit Of pride in
the midst Of poverty. of resolution in
adversely. and OF the stera endurance,
during his moments of agony, which
dwelt within his breast
was about to address him. when he
cut me short by speaking first
You find me in a bad condition. SIR, 50
said he. with a smile ! thought rather
bitter Il can't deny that ! aIu actually
crushed by sickness and missOrtunes;
this you will readily believe, for / could
never have stopped 10 ask assistance of
any one. had l not been perfectly help
less. And even now. sir, / doubt whether
/ would not have died before asking a
favor of any one. had it not been for the
broken-hearted girl who conducted you
hither.7
can not describe my sensations on
hearing these words. SO full OF pride and
candOr. fall from the lips Of a man who
might be dying. Ii was plain 10 be seen
that the invalid had once seen better
DAYS, and moved in circles of refine
ment. and / was sure that his int llect
was Of the finest order. 1t was owing
10 these peculiar circumstances Of the
case that became deeply interested
in nv new acquaintance, and felt anx-
ious 10 relieve them. and, at the same
time, 70 learn something of their his
tory. After cOnversiug with the invalid
for few moments, he intimated 20 me
that he would willingly let me into the
secrets Of his history, provided the girl
was not present 20 listen
Accordingly. I directed little Het-
ty.r as the old man called her, to go for
physician Of my acquaintance. telling
her would stay by her father uatil she
returned The night was not cold, and
] felt that il would benefit her body,
and divert her mind, TO take walk IN
the city. with the ways Of which she
was verg well acquainted
Astt2 Esd scarcely lsft the house when