The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-03-27


thoughts reverted to the Sailor lad who
had taken such strong hold of her
heart. She had been careful not to
Breathe to Zach the fact of her failure
60 open the package delivered to her by
the old seaman, OF TO confess 10 him her
lack of courage TO do so. Why should
she long to ring the death knell To the
frst happiness that had come TO her
after 80 many years of sorrow? OF one
thing she was thoroughly convinced,
however: No matter to whom the boy
belonged, he was no ordinary child; his
inmate grace and gentleness, his in
etinctive refinement, proved this, to say
nothing of his handsome, high-bred
features and honest, wide-opened eyes.
Molly was firmly resolved not to give
him up. What sunshine and joy would
DE not bring TO their home when once
the full gentleness and nobility of his
character had been brought out by their
love and watchful care? How could
vohn help loving such frank, manly
sailor lad? Yes, Godfrey would take
Walters place in that fathers heart, he
xould help John TO bear the awful loss
which awaited him on his return home
70 San Diego.
Molly's mind was fully made up. In
Spite of the scowl which she knew only
zoo well would wrinkle the brow of
honest Zach French when he heard of
It, she was resolved to adopt Godfrey SIS
her son, as Johns and her son, educate
him as such and surround him with all
the Injury and refinement which her
great wealth justified. When evening
came she sat down and wrote a few
lines to the captain of the Brisbane re-
uuesting him to send the sailor lad TO
her in the morning. Summoning a
servant she placed the letter in his hand
and directed him to take 10 at once TO
the captains hotel. The man turned
away and had reached the street door
when he was accosted by tall youth
dressed in the picturesque costume of
the Australian trapper, corduroy
smock froclS belted at the waist, trunks
of the same material, leather leggins
and a broad-brimned felt hat turned
gracefully up ON one side. A rifle was
slupg across his shoulder and revolver
md hunting knife suspended from his
belt. He rather timidly asked to see
Mrs. Allaire, and the man thinking him
10 be some member of the expedition
sent with message from Farina Town,
where the leaders of the search party
were engaged in completing their final
preparations, at once conducted him to
Molly's rooms. AS he stepped into her
presence, it required second glance to
recognize the sailor lad, such COM
Slete metamorphosis had his hunting
costume effected in his appearance He
seemed so much taller, SO much older.
The boy of fifteen had suddenly become
man.
Molly stood, half dazed, with her
gaze riveted upon the handsome youth,
and such tumultuous rush of thought
oppressed her mind as to rob her for a
moment of the power of speech. God
irey took her silence to mean disap-
proval, and stammered out:
Dear lady, don't be angry with me.
4 could not bear to let you go-alone-"
The stern-visaged Zach was not stand
fng there watching her; he was not
present TO frown at what he deemed
Seplorable weakness at such time
when all her strength of mind and body
glorious triumph. No, she was alone
with the boy, who had in so mysterious
a manner reused all the mothers love,
crushed, suppressed, dormant for so
many years. She was free TO act out
her own tender, loving, impulsive self,
and with loud cry of Joy she sprang
forward and caught Godfrey in her
arms, and with the kisses she rained
upon him came hundred pet names
which she had not dared TO utter in
Zachs presence. And now, too, these
almost mans arms for the first time
dared g clasp that form, so long be-
bowed, nay, adored by the waif of the
Walter hcsne.
Mother, mother" pleaded Godfrey,
sdon't leave me behind; take me with
you. I'm big enough and old enough
20 protect you. love you better than
Ill the others put together. I'll fight
for you, die for you If need be. Oh, let
me go with you, mother; let me help
Snd Capt. John"
"Yes, yes! Come with me, my darling
child" cried Molly, beside herself with
Coy. BE ever by my side, just as my
own Walt would l-.ve done were he
Slive nowl God hath sent you TO me to
Ill his place. / cannot close my arms
ngainst you; and, remember, when Capt.
John is found, you are to be no longer
Godfrey, but Walter; you are 20 meet
him as you met me tonight, and TO call
d,im father, as you did me mother. lie
must not know that you are not the
child we lost in the dark waters of the
bay. Such news might end his life,
weakened as he must be by want and
privation."
1T shall be as you say, v,other," cried
Godfrey. Trust me- I'll be SO good
20 Capt John that possibly he, too. may
learn to like me, yes, love me, in the
endw
CHAPTER Wy