Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1891-12-23

He walked madly down the street. hnv
ing no idea of his destination. having no
care for his course. intent ON but one
thing. and that was 90 escape the
thoughts that haunted him On and on
he walked until he passed through the
town and out into the country, nor did
he halt until he came 20 the river bank
Then he sat down, and removing his
hat felt his burning, throbbing brow.
MY God. my God" he murmurcd,
what have donei My poor. lost child,
how could ever forget You sol How
hayc forgotten your mother and my
promise To her. Oh, God, spare me and
let me live to undo what have done.
Let me but see my child once more and
receive her forgiveness for all OF my
neglect and cruelty"
long time he sat there gazing down
into the deep flowing wntcr. and more
than once hc was inclined 10 throw him
self into the current and find relief al
once for his tortured soul. There, he
thought. he could escape the awful
thoughts that haunted him, and he
fancicd that the cold water would be
welcome To- his burning brow. But
finally the desire To- see his daughter
once more and atone 20 her for his
cruel neglect got the better of him,
and he arose and went toward his of.
fee.
AS he walked unsteadily back he
wondered why people stared at him so.
little dreaming what "A change "a few
hours OF mental anguish had worked In
his outward appearance. lie did not
know that his face had become bag.
gard. and his eyes bloodshot. fIc did not
realize that the fires Of hell that burned
within him had scorched and scanned
him outwnrdly.
lie was nearing his Office when lac
met Rev. Whecdlcr, and that gentle
man instantly noted the great change
IN his valued parishioner, and immc.
diately sought To assist Brother Blatct-
ford home. lie approached 90 take The
old mans arm, but Biatchford waved
him off. and almost fled from the SPOT.
His action surprised Rev. WheedIcr
beyond anything. and he left that zen.
tlcman perfectly dumfounded. Rev.
Whccdlcr looked after the fleeing
figure for an instant. undecided what 20
do. but finally he concluded 10 follow
After chase Of n couple Of blocks ne
caught up with Biatchford.
brother" hc said. "you are ill. Al
low me 10 see you home"
Don't touch me-" Blatchford fairly
shriekcd as he glarcd viciously upon
the minister. Don't come near me
You helped 20 do II. Goaway from me
Ny child Is dying OF want. I feel il. +
know II. And you helped % lead me
away from her and blind me 90 her
rights and claims. Don't speak 10 me
again. want my poor. wrongod
child. and I'm going 10 find her"
Then. before the astOnished minister
could collect his scattered senses. the
old man was gone. 1fe passed around
the corner and entered his Office. where.
sinking into seat. I've buried his face
In his hands and wept.
"Oh, my God, nay God" ne groaned
what have I donep How cruel. how
heartless have ! actei toward my own
flesh and blood ny only child. How
blind md brutal have been, and how
bitter Is the awakening % the enormity
Of my sin. Oh. for ono sight Of M
child, one word II forgiveness from her
lipo. ] must find h~r ! must seafcb
the country from end ~ end for her."
~ that instant the door opened and n
clerk came IN. lie approached the old
man difiidently, for he could not help
seeing the great change that had come
over him. fle laid a telegram on the
desk and without word Withdrew.
Biatchford opened the telegram at once
and read.
Come Immediately Do not delay
under any circumstances. Tho roost
important matter 81 your life. Come
quick. scusoaa -
The old man sprang % bis feet IN an
instant, and rushed wildly out
TO ~ COSIIyUED