The morning call., 1891-08-04
TWO DEBTS.

TWO DEBTS.
When Ashbel Dean died, and his earthly
debts and credits were looked into, it was
discovered that the credit page was nearly
as spotless as the sheet that had covered
Ashbei's still form, while mortgages for the
full value of the farm were recorded on the
other side. Ashbel had been considered
fOrehanded. His neighbors said he "specu-
lated West" and we're astonished when his
death revealed the fact that he had sacri-
feed all in an endeavor to save some shreds
of his financial reputation.
None were more surprised than his own
family. This included the widow, and AM
anda and Israel, twins. 20 years old. They
were crushed. They shrank from it as
from the presence Of the death - the
first one-in the family. For days they
dared not speak OF it, but it was always in
their thoughts. At last the widow reused
her energies, and summoned her children.
I'VE can save the farm" she said. "'Man-
da, you can keep the district school; Israel
and will carry On the farm. We must all
stand together"
For twenty years they were possessed Of
that one thought, urged by that one motive
TO pay the debt.
They stood together twenty years, and at
the end OF that time they owed no man any,
thing.
The mother looked scarcely day older.
The work of directing had kent her facul-
ties fresh and vigorous But son and
daughter had passed from antlcipative
youth into dulled middle age. The debt, I'M
scTupulouS and ayaricious had left them no
enjoyment 1t had robbed them Of life's
most desirable part
When Amanda was twenty she was called
pretty. Gatherings had been incomplete
without her. After that she never attended
another Inc attentions OF Young men,
which came unsolicited, we're refused. Now
she had become thin and SalOw. She knew
she could hope for no return of loves pleas
uTes. IL thought of marriage crowded t.
self upon her she shook II oil as unwelcOme.
She could give up her school now and de-
vote her time 10 home, TO her mother aud
brother.
And Israel was free. He took long
breath and stood up straight, easing his
CALLED shoulders of the burden they had just
cast off. Life looked pleasant suddenly.
He would make some needed improvements
on the place. The house should have a coat
Of paint. He stood in the sunshine, and,
looking up through the June foliage of the
naples. thought the seed-pods looked like
the legs of so many efn painters dangling
there painting the sky. Then he laughed
at himself, aud said he must be getting
young and risky.
When he was 20 he had thought to be
married. Now, at 40. he thought of it
again. When he stopped his visits to
Harrle; Downer, she understood why. She
had had no COMPANY" he told himself
since then, and his heart gave a great bound
at the thought. Why should he not?
One day he came to his mother and sister.
and said. bluntly, Il am going to be married
TO Harriet DowneT"
There was silence for long moment;
then his mother said coldly, I'VE know it,"
By the tone and attitude, Israel understood
That his mother and sister would not vel
come the woman he meant TO marry. de
understood that they thought the tie of con-
slant effort OF the past twenty years as
binding as WedlOck, and did not wish it
broken.
But once after that Israel spoke of his
marriage; 81 am to marry Harriet to NOR
row. Shall you be there?"
And his mother answered, No"
But Israel would keep his VOW to Harriet
The twenty years struggle had cultivated
In him the logged resolution inherited from
his mother.
He married Harriet. and after week
brought her home. No one appeared to greet
them.
Mother" he called, as he went through
the house In two remote rooms he found
his mother and sister.
Harriet is out there" said he
And we are here, we shall stay here"
said his mother.
Israel looked about. dazed He remem-
bered afterward that he saw a stove with
pots and pans and dishes, and in the other
room bed, table and chairs The two
women had made all preparations for living
by themselves.
And this was the brides homecoming!
But the married two lived happy life to-
gether, Israel felt keenly the mental misery
his wife must endure, and strove to alleviate
II by every kindly attention in his power.
nod pAfzt
lutely hid all traces of pain. Life for each
vas as the other made il.
There was no communication between the
two parts of the house. and no messages
passed, no visits were exchanged.
Thus foI two years, When a baby was
born. Then one day Harriet: said to Israel,
Take the baby and go to your mother" He
understood, and taking the child in his arms
went and knocked at the door.
Who is it?" said his mothers voice.
Your son and grandson" he replied.
There was slight noise and pause
within. Then Amanda said: 1--WE are too
busy to see you"
He turned and laid the baby by his wife.
She did not need to question him by word
OF eye.
Two years more went by. One NOR ming
Israel called his wife to come down into the
garden. He had some vegetable wonder to
show her.
But 1 can't take the baby out in the
OC"f sIlC uDJrCk6l.
Leave him where lie is He'll do no
harm for five minutes"
Then toddle, toddle away-the little feet
knew tbs path that was forbidden them
straight on through the unused passageway
to the door at the end. He pushed and shut
fed babily against it.
-" What's that queer noise at the door,
Sounds like dog" said Amanda.
But when the door opened in tottered a
baby, triumphant, happy, eager. Every line
OF MS baoy face, every curl, had been craven
In the widows hears for forty years, and it
suddenly opened to show her the likeness.
Its Israel over againp' she cried. And
IN moment she was on the floor caressing,
kissing. the little one.
Bllghted Amanda leaned on her broom
beWlldered, looking at this strange happen
ing.
=, And Israel and Harriet, Fastening after
Inc enid, stood In the doorway witnessing
lie hrst step in a reconciliation.
Come to mamma, Israel" said Harriet
to the child. He looked at her, laughing.
over his grandmother's shoulder.
Ium to mamma" he repeated, taking a
step and pulling at her finger.
1 he woman hesitated but moment be-
tween nother's love and hard, selfish pride
VIII" said she, firmly. And, Wanda,
put down your broom and come too
linen, led by the little trualt, she came
toward Israel and Harriet.
My children!" she cred.-Georee I. Pit
nam in Harper's Weekly.
'P0SSUM HUNT IN NEW YORK.
Tho Animal Caught While Hanging by