The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1890-06-28

dents, and he was constantly regaling
me with long winded description OF
their games. OF course he had his par
ticular chums. They were Jolly good
fellows and regular bricks, in his es-
timation at least. l was very happy In
his success, and encouraged him to
study hard. How little l dreamed OF
the blow that soon was to fall on us ike
thunder clap from clear summer SKY.
He began to grow restless as the winter
wore on toward spring.
Zone evening after his lessons were
completed for the next day shall
never forget that evening though l live
to be a hundred years old-Bernardo
was brought to the door, and throwing
aside his books he said, coaxingly:
Nan, do you mind, if l go out to-
night? Just little party among the
bows, YOU know He was so handsome
as he stood there, whip and hat in hand,
that l could not have the heart to say
one word to mar his pleasure, though, l
must confess, my heart sank at the
prospect of the lonely evening before
me. He was off with a gay goodbye
and the emphatic declaration that | was
the best sister on record Oh! the
pain we might have been spared if
father had only returned home that
night! But he little dreamed of the
danger lurking near, and did not return
home until two weeks had rolled by.
after this, Archie galloped away
every night, leaving me alone with the
servants. Twickham looked grave as
he returned later every night, and ex-
pressed her feelings quite freely one
evening when l was anxiously watch
ing for his return. But famed up i'm
mediately in his defense.
"'There, now, Miss Mamie, you know
1 love the boy. But 1 has my fears, l
has my fears she replied, with an ON
inous shake of her head. And the sub
ject was dropped.
"'Archie, exclaimed the next even
ing as he was preparing to go, what do
you suppose father would say to your
going out every night?'
"'Oh, bother. can't fellow have a
little fun without having the old gent
brought up at every corner?'
"'Archie! am surprised at your lack
of respect for our dear, kind father
Nonsense, don't preach, for good
ness sake, Man, he answered, lightly,
as he turned to go.
Il had been conscious of change in
Archie for day or so. So faint it was
that | had realized it but vaguely. But
now l could not shut my eyes to the
fact that something, or some one, was
exerting an evil influence over him.
The more l pondered on it the more
perplexed l grew, and even approached
Twickham on the subject.
II was sitting in the housekeeper's
room, idly turning the leaves of my
book. She was stirring the fire.
seized my opportunity and with a
quaking heart laid the subject before
her. She dropped the poker with crash
and turning abruptly faced me squarely.
Miss Nannie,' she said, I'm glad
you've spoken of it. It's been pretty
heavy on my mind all day, ever since
heard
'Twickhamr 1 cried, What did you
hear?'
well, there's two or three of the
older students giving vino 1,artioa 60
the younger ones. They has wine and
cigars, and they say they has had to
carry some of 'em home more'n once
got too much wine, you know. And
that's where Master Archie spends his
evenings
81 could not repress sharp cry.
'Oh, Twickham! No, no."
There's them as knows it to be
true she answered, firmly, as she came
and put her motherly arms around me
and soothed and comforted me like a
mother.
"'He must never go again, Twick-
ham, | walled.
NO, h oney; he won't, if you as
him not to- she replied, reassuringly.
"Ah, he never did go again! How
we strained our ears for the least
sound! Hours passed by. 1t was long
past midnight. At last! l sprang up
with a joyful cry as the familiar clatter
of hoofs rang out on the still, night air.
There was queer falling sound. A
shutting step crossed the piazza. Some
one fumbled at the latch. With white
face Twickham ran into the hall. /
followed her as the door swung open
and in staggered Archie, falling
in heap at her feet and fumbling
aimlessly at his pocket from which fell
a couple of cigars. There was no mis-
taking the flushed face, and the heavy
stupor into which he had fallen. Some
thing choked me and l could not utter
a sound.
There was a heavy STEP on the
piazza. The door swung open, and
father stood on the threshold. With
lightning glance he comprehended all.
He reeled as though he were shot. My
heart stood still. Twickham burst into
tears. buried my face in my hands to
hide the terrible, anguished look he
cast upon the PROSTATE form. Without
word, he gathered Archie up in his
arms as though he were a feather, and
carried him into his room and closed
the door.
''All night long I lay, listening to
his footsteps as paced his room. At
length, as the rosy dawn struggled up
in the east, fell into quiet sleep. l
had wept until 1 was utterly exhausted.
l awoke to find the sun high in the
heavens, and TWickham sobbing by nv