Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-12-26

oath, they sat around the tea.table of the
tower-room gayly chatting about their
varied experiences since the change IN
their home life. Helen rose, as the twi.
light shadows began to fall, to give the last
touches before her husbands return from
the city. The faint tones of Ginning bells
fell on her ear, carrying her memory back
to the last Christmas, and the tears came to
her eyes; but she bravely repressed them.
for only clear eye and smiling face should
greet her dear husband. She threw open
the heavy easement; the keen December
air cooled her hot cheeks and brow. She
was just on the point OF closing it again.
when she suddenly saw on the snowy sill
what appeared to be a bulky letter. How
could it have come there? What object
had the writer in placing it there, and why
had he chosen this manner of reaching the
family? All these thoughts flew away as
she saw that it was addressed to herself. in
her fathers peculiar handwriting. She
would have recognized it among thousands.
With a half-suppressed cry she tore open
the envelope, and in the dim light read
these words:
Ny Dearest Helen, Ny Beloved Children; A long,
weary year has passed since left you to beg
gary, to be2in a new life in America. But the
money, obtained from the note forged in your
husbands name, has been curse to me. Anew
ddHe dttci dlIlfluS IL new 1OIk, was lOUDtQ
of all by fellow passenger. Homeless and
penniless in the great city mad cause to reflect
on my recent shameful conduct. Then firmly
resolved 70 do my utmost to atone. took the
place of fireman on q Hamburg bound steamer.
10 work my way over for had 20 money with
which to pay passage. intended TO give my
SELF up to the proper authorities, and 70 suffer
for my crime. But God willed it otherwise. Our
steamer the Ariadne, caught fire on the high seas,
and though the crew, myself among the num-
Der, succeeded in leaving the ship in small
boat, our lives were in the greatest danger. For
days we were tossed by the angry waves; faint
with hunger ana thirst, ali hope of rescue gone,
when on the third day we were picked up by a
Spanish brig. The Dolorida was destined for
Alicante, and on reaching there the kind Cap
tain gave US each some money before leaving US.
Worn by exposure, my strength failed me- and
Tor months | lay tossing with fever in a fisher
mans hut The faithful care of these poor peo-
pie restored me TO health; but when, at the end
of June, left them, was again without a cent
Through the kindness of the fisherman OBJ
tanned the place OF corresponding secretary in
the bureau of his friend, Don Ramiro. / had
taken the simple name of Hellmuth Gunter, and
under this name l entered the office of my en-
ployery In all my life OF eeaseless gayety and
ease never experienced such spirit of rest
and peace as in the faithful performance of my
duties.
At the end OF November, Don Ramiro re-
Quested me TO sail for Bremen to arrange his
affairs, and TO look after his interests in the
settlements OF Messing & Co., who had failed
fulfilled these orders, and then driven by a
about my children. And what did find? In
stead of crying me from the housetops, the
noble man, whose trusts l had so bssely be-
family You, my dear Helen, have been able
TO reward his Tenderness. l feel now that it
would be wrong to bring further shame upon
my dear ones By acknowledging my crime. II
had only myself to consider. should not
pause one moment to give myself up to justice
But you, my children, whom sinned against
shall be my judges. Whatever your verdict
may be, / shall accept it, for know deserve
it. l have concealed myself in the old boat
house, awaiting your decision. On my knees
shall thank you if you will let me see you all
Just once more before leaving you forever. The
Christmas chimes are beginning to peal. Will
they brig me your forgiveness? Farewell, my
dear children, all all May none of you ever
feel the bitterness which has come to me since
my return-the knowledge OF my own I'M
worthiness.
HELLMurH yoS GuNTERsHAusIS
Her face pressed against the panes to
catch the last fleeing rays, Helen hastily
read the letter. As she ended cry of joy
fell from her lips, "Fatherl Father You
are mine once more" She few down the
steps and over the snow-covered path Of
the Park, to the old boat-house. Tearing
open the door, she sank sobbng, into the
arms of the conscience burdened man, who
had awaited this moment in mingled fear
and hope. What Helen said to him, how
she filled his heart with new courage, no
ear but his ever heard. Night had spread
her mantle over the earth before father and
daughter turned their steps toward the
castle. Helen's heart throbbed anxiously
as her husbands familiar figure appeared
on the pathway. One moment only, Kurt
Schroeder hesitated at sight of the Baron.
Then grasping his hand heartily, led him
into the circle of his children.
The Christmas candles in the castle.hall
shed their soft beams upon a group of
happy people assembled under the green
boughs of the Christmas tree. Without,
the chimes of the village were softly peal
ing, and as they fell upon the reunited
family, brought to them the JOYOUS tidings,
GLORY to God in the highest, and on earth
peace, good will toward men,"