St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1893-11-11

opportunity for doing good
Strange as it may seem, his prayers
had never been answered. The sea-
sons rolled around with their accus-
toned regularity and brought increase
to his flock and plenty to his store
houses, and as yet nothing unusual had
happened. Still the worthy man
prayed on until deacon Chandler s
opportunity" had come to be almost a
byword with not few of the younger
members Of the congregation And
when he arose at each meeting, and
with bowed head uttered the familiar
petition, his eldest son, Tom, away in
the back part of the room, was MINI
licking his father, to the intense amuse-
ment of few unruly boys who were
his companions.
Tom Chandler was bad boy. There
was no denying that. Toms mother
was the last one to admit it, but even
she was forced to own sorrowfully that
Thomas was little Wild" Deacon
Chandler in his own family laid down
the strictest rules, and they were fear
fully followed by oil except the eldest.
Tom was incorrigible. He chafei I'M
der the home restraint, and his natu-
raj wildness found vent in various
petty misdem aanors, which soon won
for him bad name in his native vii
lage. In vain his mother besought
him to mend his ways; in vain his
father placed him under closer re-
straint and visited upon him more dire
penalties. It was no avail.
One night Deacon Chandler entered
his home with stern look on his face
that BODIED no good for whoever the
culprit might be. His wife looked up
from her sewing as he entered.
''Where's Tom?'' he said shortly.
II don't KNOW was the reply.
"Why-is anything the matter?''
Before he could reply the door
opened again and the subject of their
conversation came in. He was tall,
well-built boy of eighteen, but his
youthful face was already marked with
the lines of dissipation and in his
handsome brown eyes there was dare
devil expression that spoke volumes to
one who understood it,
"Well, sir?" was Deacon Chandlers
greeting.
"Well?' came in insolent tones from
the boy, who remained standing.
''1ou are found out"
The stern notes of the father rang
in the mothers ear like deathknell.
"You may as well confess
"There is no need if you have found
me out, y replied the boy defiantly.
"Perhaps you would like me to tell.
Are you proud that you and your gang
have been detected stealing fruit from
Mr.. Deans orchard, and that unless
settle you will be arrested? Can you
offer any excuse for removing the gates
from half dozen houses in town and
making bonfire of them in my
lot?"
Mrs. Chandler looked hurriedly up
at her son.
ooh, Tom, it isn't so? Say it isn't
So, she implored.
But he was silent. Then the deacon
II shall settle to save your brothers
and sisters from disgrace, but from
his night you are no son of mine. l
1isown you
A slight pallor spread over the boys
ACE as he opened his lips to reply.
"All right, father. If you had dealt
more gently with me I might have
9een different boy now. l own that
took the apples and helped to burn
he gates. But there" he burst out
what does it matter? l
won't stay to disgrace the family any
onger, I've been ready to 20 for
'ome time" And he glanced around
he comfortable room contemptuously.
When he finished speaking a
hand was laid on his arm and
mothers voice pitiful in its sorrow,
aid:
Don't go, Tom. Your father don't
mean it. He is very angry because
'ou make him SO much trouble. Ask
Tim to forgive you. I am sure he will
You will only try to be better
10Y"
"Never!" sternly interrupted the
leacon. 'sHe is no son of mine, and
ny house is no longer his home. Go!
20 you hear?"
You need not tell me twice." re-
urned the boy. 'Good-bye, mother.
m going" and before they realized
the eldest son had passed out of
ONE life forever.
After that life went On about as