Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1893-11-09


THERE WAS A RUsTLE IN THE THICKET OF
HOLLY, AND MAGGIE STOOD GAZING
UPON THE TWO MEN.
incessant iteration, sought to regain
his liberty and renew his debauch
Only in the small hours of Monday
morning when Dick sank at last in t.
a healthy slum Der, did he cease from
the horrid vigil. Then, absolutely
worn out, he fell asleep instant tly
where he sat.
He was reused by click of the latch
on the bedroom door; but reused so
imperfectly that he did not at once
connect the sound with any cause
But it was broad morning, and, start
ing up in fear of being late at school,
he saw that Dick was gone. He
bounded downstairs. AS he entered
the kitchen, Dick was hurriedly clos
ing drawer where both of them knew
that the table knives were kept
George Oekworth strobe to him.
"You fool" he said
The poor devil turned to him meekly
and moved toward the staircase ag ain
'Itll bide [keepP he muttered.
Nonsense, mani" cried the young
fellow, sick with dismay. II shall
want you for best man one of these
days"
Dick had the piteous gaze of a
wounded animal His eyes wandered.
''He doesnt knaw," he gasped
Cheer up, old man." urged his
nurse and preserver. What is it
don know? Tell me-"
Say nowt. mate" answered Dick
feebly, steadying himself by the wal
and avoiding his questioner eyes
"but it's my lass at ye're coortin'."
Mrs. Denholme, coming down starl
an hour later to begin the labors of tn,
little household, found George Oak
worth lying on the big sofa, his hand,
under his head and his eyes fixed upor
the ceiling. If her sight had been good
she would perhaps have been struck by
his excessive pallor; but he bade her
good morning pleasantly, almost ten
derly, and filled her with joy by an
nouncing confidently that her son was
himself again.
II don't think" he said, hell
drink like that any more"
While she busted herself lighting a
fire. he went up to speak to the con-
valescent Dick, who was sitting on
the bedstead, looked up shame cedly
as he entered the room.
Good bye, old chap" said the
teacher, holding out his hand
Dick started to his feet
'Ye-ye munnnot do thatp' he cried
But the hand was still extended, and
the teacher was even smiling.
Jaw willn't hev itr' he burst out,
Historically "Ye're better man nor
me-"
So George Oakworth laid hold of the
coarse fist that was clenched on his
comrades knee and grasped it warmly
with both hands.
Its you that don't know" he said.
Good bye; and-God bless youl'
man feels like a coward at such
times, and the schoolmaster got out of
the house without saying a fare well to
Dicks mother. He could write for his
boxes when he should need his books
again. Again? Would he ever have
the courage to begin life third time?
Was it worth while?
Maggie, to make Dicks happiness sure
if he could What fool he had been
The first time, that was com prehen.
sible; he had been green, eager, and
careless, and the woman had
been-well none of these. But a
second time !, His cheeks burned and
his ears tingled, A country wench
had now the laugh upon him; a weuch
that carried the perfume of hay and OF
cows about her How it pierced
through him to think of it. and of her
SMILE so loyal and artless, and full OF
the promise of sweet things that he
could never look at her more than a
moment or so.
He found a pencil and a piece of
some formal words of pdrting:
DEAR MISS CULLINGwoRTH,- am
going away, for I have no right to see
you again. was never worthy to be
your friend but assure you did not
know till this morning about Dick
Make him happy. He loves you more
than he does his life. Good bye
There have been no pleasanter times
in all my life than those walks and
talks with you. Goodbye. For yop
there are happier things in store; but
| hope you will some times spare a kind
thought of remembrance for one who
is for ever-YoUR DEVOTED ADMIRER ),
He folded the note, and fixed it with
his scarf-pin upon the trunk of an old