Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1890-12-17
FATHER AND SON.
The True Story of Their Estran0e-
ment and Reunion.

scure streets in Boston, / was aroused
from the revery In which l was indulg-
ing, by hearing light footsteps close to
my side. Turning quickly, l beheld .
young girl, apparently not more than
twelve years old, following, as if-she
was anxious TO speak to me; and when
I observed, by theldim light. Of Neigh
boring street lamp, that she was poorly
clad trembling, thin and pale, asked
her in a tone of kindness what she
wanted.
IF you please, sir" she replied, in
voice which was almost choked by sobs,
yet which struck me as peculiarly soft
and ilver-toncd-"if you please, sir,
will you go back with me, just little
way, and see my father, who is very
sick?''
What is the matter with your
father?" / asked, afraid Of being de-
ceived.
oh sir, don't know" she answered.
in the same tones as before. but 1
fear he is going to die. Do, sir, be so
good as TO go and see himl"
The earnest manner of the broken
hearted girl made me ashamed Of hav-
ing doubted her at first, and resolved
TO comply with her request / was in
just the mood for some adventure
where there was an opportunity OF ao-
complishing an object of benevolence,
and / 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 10 ascend q small and narrow
staircase. At the head of the stairs
heard her cropping about until her hand
touched the latch of door, which she
opened, asking me in low voice to fol.
low her into the room.
did so. and found myself In a hum.
BILE apartment, where scrupulous neat
ness seemed struggling against sbso-
Lutte want. The dim light of a flicker
ing lamp which stood upon q small
table near the door, revealed to me the
scanty furniture, which found to con-
sist Of a 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"
she whispered there is father"
AS she turned to approach the bed
side of the sufferer, to apprise him of my
presence, l silently brushed away
tear, which the sight OF her grief-worn
pallid cheeks, and eyes red with much
weeping, caused to start through nay
eye-lids.
Ny 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 a chair az
the bedside, begged me to approach.
Seating myself in the chair she placed
for me, took the hand of the invalid,
and gazed for the frst time full upon
his face. l 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 stern endurance,
during his moments of agony, which
dwelt within his breast
was about to address him, when no
out me short by speaking hrst
'You find nae in bad condition, sir, I"
said he, with smile | thought rather
bitter. 81 can't deny that am actually
crushed by sickness and mistortpnes;
this you will resdil y believe, for could
never have stopped to ask assistance OF
any one, had not been perfectly help
less. And even now, sir, doubt whether
would not have died before asking q
favor of any one, had it not been for the
broken-hearted girl who conducted you
hither."
can not describe my sensations on
hearing these words, SO full of pride and
candor, fall from the lips of man who
might be dying. 1t was plain to be seen
that the invalid had once seen better
days, and moved in circles of refine
ment, and was sure that his intellect
was of the finest order. 1t was owing
to these peculiar circumstances Of the
case that became deeply interested
In my new acquaintances, and felt anx-
ious to relieve them, and, at the same
time, to learn something of their his
tory. After conversing with the invalid
for few moments, he intimated to me
that he would willingly let me into the
secrets OF his history, provided the girl
was not present to listen.
Accordingly, 1 directed little Het-
ty," as the old man called her, to go fol
a physician OF my acquaintance. telling
her would stay by her father until she
returned. The night was not cold, and
i felt that 1t would benefit her body
and divert her mind, to take walk In
the city, with the ways of which she
was very we'll acquainted.
Hetty had scarcely left the house whe1
the door-bell rang The sick man said
that the lower part of the house wa,
not occupied and requested me to SCI
who was at the door.
Carrying the lamp in my hand, pro
ceeded down the stairs found q we'll
dressed gentleman at the door, who
seemed surprised on seeing me in such
aplace.
Does Mr.. Farley reside hereq" he
asked.
II don't know that he does, re
piled.
well, then, is there more than one
family living in the hopse2"
There is only one family, ] believe
''And you don't know whether tn,
name of the family is Farley or notP'
said the stranger with smile.
/ saw the drift Of his remark and re
piled that was not acquainted In the
house, never having been there before
THE name of the family may be Far
lev" said /, "but have not heard 1t
All i. KNOW 10 tuorS AS Al Ola man anC
his daughter, and he calls the CIR
Hetty."
1.-THE same" said the stranger; ''he il
the man would see."
Hoping he might bring relief to m.
new acquaintances, 1 readily conduOteC
him up the stairs and into the apartment
had left.
On approaching the bedside, ] foun'
that Mr.. Farley had fallen asleep dur
lnR my absence from the room.
Let me sit here, said the stranger
quietly seating himself at the foot o
the bed. and shading his brow, which
observed betrayed some emotion, ''ant
DO not tell the old man am here. l
is the girl I would see, and will wal