Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1893-01-21


means to escape" He had not vet been
home. Perhaps he had left the city and
was wandering about, lonely, hungry,
cold, without shelter or money. and vet
with five thousand dollars at his dis
posal if he but knew it. Tle contrast
with their abject poverty made the sum
seem greater.
Once more visitors summons inter-
rupted Victorias thoughts. She opened
the door mechanically, bu. retreated
when she saw before her the man who
had left that mysterious letter for Robert
few days before.
as Bob in2" he inquired.
"Nc," answered Victoria, "he has
gone away. What do you want2"
SHOW is his handl"
at is better, think"
"Oh, well, then he's all ready for
work again, isn't hel We are short of
help just now, and the boss told M to
come around and ask how he was"
Grasping the man by the arm, she
said excitely, almost fercely, "Who is
the boss2 What is he2 Who sent your
"Why, the boss of the sweeping
gangl Bob and me works in the street
cleaning department. Didn't We know
that2"
"Come in and sit down." Victoria
continued eagerly. "Tell me how all
this happened to my husband"
"Well, said the man, seating him
Aro of ha, for io1
sweepin' machines which is drawded by
horses. Last night one of the horses
stumbled, became frightened and jumped
in among the men who sweep and shovel
the kit. Your husband seized the bride,
and the horse bit him, but he didn't let
go. He's plucky dog. he is. Then
Others came up to help manage the
brute. The overseer won't send out that
horse any more. OF course Desmond
gets his allowance for sickness, because
he was hurt while at work. Our Super:
intendent promises that he shall have au
office job. lie must have a heap Of
schoolin, for he writes mighty fine. l
guess they'll let him boss the job some
day. We boys won't mind his good
luck. We all likes Bob, he's good
fellow, only too proud for us. Well, |
must go now. Good-by, num-"
Victoria offered her hand to the man
in perfect silence, aud escorted him to
the door, then she turned to the crib.
She felt impelled to press the child to
her heart. But the strain had been too
great. Her limbs failed to support her,
and she fell fainting upon the floor.
When Victoria recovered conscious.
ness she found herself in Roberts arms.
Instinctively be drew her closer to him
as tle thought flashed through his mind
that this distress was probably due to
the contents of his fathers letter.
Between her sobs the wife confessed
all her fears, anxieties and wretched
suspicious. Robert in turn explained
his reluctance to inform her. of his occu-
patton, hoping it would be but tempo.
rary and that work more suited to his
birth and education would soon offer
but day after day passed and no chance
for better position presented itself.
His clothes grew shabby and his entire
/ appearance was becoming repulsive.
"Aud yet to tell you,' Robert said, "that
was street cleaner would have humili
ated aud distressed me even more than
did the mental occupation itself. This
suffering has taught me many thin IS,
and l value it now that see my way to
make suitable business connections.
Although father has forgiven me aad Is
so generous, shall not have him support
US. With the money we have now we can
establish some business, and Will have
neat aud comfortable home.
SCAN you forgive me for doubtins
your" said Victoria, looking up into his
face, "for being so wanting in faith as
to you suppose were Al"
"Not another word" he cried, lifting
his baby on his lap aud drawing his vile
closer in fervent embrace. Home an
Country.