Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1890-09-24
spoke? What voice was that?''
the invalid, turning on his

SvVuO 0pOACt W A0V VVAVO 4W0o Wa
demanded the invalid, turning on his
pillow. .
u made way for the stranger, and he
drew near the bed. He bent over tho
form OF the old man, and their eyes met
ut was I that spoke" said tho
stranger, in hurried, husky tones, ut
was my voicev' .s '
The old man stared at him wildly.
"And who are you?" he demanded.
DO you not know mo?'' murmured
the other. ''Oh, God! that 1t should
come to this, that am forgotten by my
fatherl" ~ j. -. ~.
"William! my son WilliamE sobbed
the invalid, ooh, my injured-my noblo
and forgiving boyw
The old mans voice was chokcd by
sobs, as with his feeble arms he drew
his son more closely to his bosom. I
turned away to dash aside tho tears
which came unbidden to my eyes, dim.
ming my sight, and whom l looked
again, near minute after, l behold the
father and son still locked in each
others arms. As contemplated that
silent, heartfelt embrace, felt my eyes
fill again with toars, and my bosom
heave with sympathy.
20! my boy" murmured tho invalid
at length, "what good angel has brought
you hither? am no longer what I once
was, but humble, miserable wretch.
Adversely has taught me adeep and holy
lesson; and it is now with Joy, and not
with pain, that I ask you to forgive mo
-n
''Father, father!" interrupted tho
young man, in voice Of agony, ''speak
not OF the past! Let US forgive and for.
get! Both OF US may have been at fault,
but the days Of our infringement are
passed now; we are father and son once
MORE"
God bless you, O my child!" MUIR
INJURED the old man, ''God bless your
II am come" resumed William, ito
repay the debt of gratitude owe you -'
1.-THE debt OF gratitude?"
Eyes, for what does not son owe to
his father, especially to such father
as you were once to me! My mother
was taken away when was young and
Hetty but an infant, but you filed her
place; you educated me; you did every
thing in your power to make mo happy.
Now am come to repay the debt as
freely. have dear and happy homo
in New York, to which l will remove
you and Hetty as soon as you are able
to leave your bed. Till then, will see
that you are made comfortable here.
Oh, thank Heaven for putting it in my
heart to come back to Boston and search
you out!''
My situation during this interview
was painful. 1t was relief to hear
footsteps ascending the stairs and to
soc little Hetty enter the moment after.
Seeing two strangers in the room with
her father, sho started back surprised,
for she was far from recognizing her
brother. The old man saw her and
called her to his side.
William uttered not word, butstood
regarding her in silence.
my child" said the old man, edo you
remember your brother William?"
"Oh, yes," replied the girl, quickly.
II remember him-he was always so
kind to mo. Don't you wish he was here
now, father?"
MY child, he is hore!'' exclaimed the
old man. This is your brother Will.
iam!'
The girl turned. and when she saw
her brother, regarding her tenderly and
kindly, open his arms to receive her.
she flew to his bosom, and flung her
q ,xy;1 n 11vo oh r 80
At this moment my friend, tho
physician Hetty had gone for, having
followed her almost Immediately, rang
at the door, and I fastened to conduct
him up the stairs.
He gave the sick man encouragement
of affording him immediate relief, and
having prepared some medicines for his
use, took his departure.
Thinking it best to leave the now
united family alone, shortly after
arose to depart. The old man and his
son thanked me warmly for the interest
I had taken in their affairs, and the lit
tie girl, as she conducted me to the door
and babe me goodnight, besought mo
with tears in her eyes to visit them
again.
That night went home better man
than when 1 left few hours before.
The lesson had learned had peculiar
effect upon my mind, teaching me, as it
did, the folly of family pride, OF tho
pride of wealth, and tho divine beauty
and sweetness of forgiveness.
When I visited the house again,
found coach at the door, and being
admitted by servant, I met little
Hetty in the hall dressed ready for a
journey.
The little creature flew to welcome
me, and fairly wept with joy.
"Where are you going?" asked.
''Oh!" said she, "father and I are
going to New York with brother
William. Father has got almost we'll. so
that he can travel. We are going to live
with brother, and we shall be 50 happyp'
At this moment, William and his
father came downstairs, being ready
for start. Although the old man was
leaning on the arm of his son, when he
saw me, he sprang forward to grasp my
hand. William did the same, while
Hetty stood by, laughing and weeping
by turns, from Joy.
saw them depart and once more
retraced my steps homeward, filled with
admiration of the old mans proud, stern,
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