The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1891-12-17

written deep iues upon the patient face.
There's Caleb back. james sprsng up
as In glad escape from the heavy thoughts
as the distant hoofs smoie upon bis ear,
She is only his step.mother, aud yet he
walss right up TO tue business like Sold
ier hstiog It ss be does. Caleb has the
making Of soldier 10 him. believe
james was many yssrsctlr before he
folly recognized tie iact that there is notb
ing more heroic than the persistent stand
ing by the duties. small or great. oil every
day life
Hello. G .leb, be cried, you've made =
quick trip.
Yes, said Caleb, still with the beaming
face belonging with the finished letter
Sbae hssu', been at work to day. and he's
as full Of jump rs ii--as if-he'd got lett
ter of himself.
james could not help joining IN the
boys gleeful laugh,
| wish felt as good as you do. Caleb
be said.
IN tell you what. said Caleb, with the
air Of one telling sgreat secret. dout
believe there's anything makes you feel
half SO good as doing something you think
you ought to dc.
Not going to turn in2 be asked. resurn'
ing from the stable. alter giving his little
nag faithful care.
No I'm goiog to write letter
I'm glad tisn't me, with an expressive
shake OF his head. I'm tired enough TO
sleep for week.
Mother was not watching at the gate on
Tuesday on which o letter might be ex
pected from james. Indeed. there some
times crept over father and Susan cold
chill Of fear that she might never stand
there tr anywhere else again.
For the feet which had taken so many
steps in loving minisiering, which had 80
patiently held to the round OF small duties
laid out by him who orders oil our ways.
were at last tiking rest. She had been
suffering with low fever, aud the doctor
shock his head with : discouraged lace rs
dsy followed day, TO be heightened into
week following week, and still the pulse
grew weaker aud the faded eyes DINNER
II there was anything to rouse her, the
old doctor h d said; sorely Herplexed at
the utter lack Of result to oil his applied
remedies. There ism so much the mslter
with her-only q lack OF vitality. Nolh'
ing seems 10 touch ii.
He sat with a helpless, bt filed look.
During the latter weeks susan had stolen
out on Tuesday for little season OF visit
ful watching for the longed,tor letter
which had never come. But to-day she
sat still, weighed down by the burden oil
dread OF what light be, scarcely hearing
the low rumble OF the wagon as father
drove along the lane. A few moments
later be appeared at the door and held up
a letter before Susan's eyes. She forgot
her cautioa in a glad spring towards him.
A letteil A letter from James!
She controlled her voice to whisper,
but IN other had been stirred from her half
stupor, aud had opened her eyes. The
doctor was watching her.
Read 1t, be said, molioniDg Susan to the
seat al her mothers side.
Dear Mother: I've been thinking to-
night how long it is since left home.
never thought it would be so long, really
| didn't. when | got into spet and camt
of Aud II I've wondered once why dit
il. I've woudetd q Thousand times, for
haven't in all these toree years seen any
place that was quite up to home. Aud II
WAS t. stay three time three. I'd never fnt
any body like you and father aud Susy.
There's another thing I've been wonder
! ing, anil thst's wbtther you want 10 se'
such good diofuolhing as me there again
A little sob came # ON mother. aud Sus,
paused in alarm.
Go on, molioned the doctor.
But I'm most sure you do, and I'm com
ing home, mother II. won't be so yer.
long before ytu see me. I've learned
lot of lessons siuce ! left and the one Tv
learned the best is that any boy who goe
sround the world hunting for . bette
place than home is = simpleton. So In
coming to be your boy again. And IL yo'
don, flad that can be a comfort to yo
and father and Snsy. why, oil you can d
Is to seud me away again.
Her ieverIi be up sgain. esid Sus!
bending over ber mother 10 hniter OF 10
and snxiety.
But there Was smile on mothers fac
and a light Of bope and peace 10 her eye
which b sd long been wanting there.
Tbalk God, she wbispered. Ny boy
coming home
And when james very 5000 followed b
latter he hell Lis breath q, learning ho'
very near he bad come TO hnjing des'
late home. aud thankfully rejoiced in III
ble.,ed privilege Of winning hir moths
back /, health sud hsppines
There are msny boys who pnt on Ii
home letter snd the home coming until IA
late.
Sh. r.tt in.si,.d.