The National tribune., 1894-10-25

his face till they blinded him. Staggering
clutchipg at iron rails, and turning his face
to them when the strong gusts swept of
the sea, he went on till he reached the gate
of house where the blinds were parted
and the room Illuminated by gas jets and q
merry, leaping fire. By that fire man sal
reading. 1t was Genth Hurley. The
stranger outside opened the gate, the wind
drove him up to the door, and he pulled the
bell 1t was answered by servant, who
| gaZed at him curiously. He asked if he
could see the smack owner.
| OF course you cau," he said, sharply
But shake some of that snow Off"
| He tried, but his fingers seemed numb
| She impatiently beckoned him in and left
him Oh the mat while she informed heI
master a man wanted him. Before she
| could speak the visitor had stolen up be-
hind. AS she drew back he and Genth
came face TO face. The attitude of the
| shabby figure was humble, aud his knees
shook
Come in," cried Genth, cheerily-" come
in, my man. You wanted to see me?"
In hesitating way the other stepped
forward PARTICLES of snow had melted on
his beard and hung in glstening drops.
Don't you know me, Hurley?" he asked
in trembling tone. Il wonder If Nell
will know me? I'm Tom Harrington"
With a strange, gurgling cry, Genth fell
back and clutched at the mantlepiece. he
seemed turned to stone. The visitor looked
wis fully at the bright fire, and caressed
his thin hands as if he were warming them.
No, mol ngasped Genth hoarsely, not him
not Tom Harrington! He was drowned
at sea"
Not drowned" said the other, and his
voice sounded so gentle, so unlike the Har-
rinston of old, that there was plenty of
room for mistaking his identity; but
picked up by d schooner when he had lost
all hope. / was carried to strange place,
and l had the fever" He drew little
nearer the fire and put his hand on the
back of chair; then, with a smile he
looked at Genth. Hurley's face wore an
awful, frozen look. He appeared covering
back.
"I'm very tired" said the wanderer fee
bly,. May l sit down? / have been to
some strange places, but Pm home now,
and l want to. find Nell. l have been to
the old house, but she was not there. But
you'll help me to find her, won't you ?
You'll tell me where she is?"
His voice was eager, and again he looked
at Genth. The door of the room was only
partly closed, and through it there came a
faint cry; then soothing sound; then a
cry louder than the first. The rescued man
pricke d his ears.
" A baby!" he said. "So you are married.
Perhaps perhaps" he added, timidly, "you
don't want me here. | had better 90. l
had no right to come; but thought you
ali Ill l.
again at the fire, and his shaky fingers
strayed oyer the buttons of his threadbare
coat With an effort he staggered up.
1t was only Genth's lips that moved.
"Yes, yes" he said in hollow tone, T" go!
And in the name Of God go quick To-
morrow-Pll see you tomorrow"
gust of wind drove the snow against
the window. Before the fleeing patterns
of the flakes were off the glass another
gust made them afresh. Harrington shiv-
cred. Its very cold," he said, "but I'll
walk quick, aud you'll tell me where to
find Nell?"
AS he put the question there sounded a
ripping laugh then the Joyous snatch of
a song, as some one tripped down the
stairs. The wanderers face grew bright.
He held up his hands "Listen!" he
cried breathlessly. THAT is NelIs voice ,
Ny Nell! That's the song she used to sing
long ago, Why, she is here. Hurley-she
is"-- He turned wonderingly to Genth.
The smack owners jaw had fallen, his teeth
were chattering, and, trembling in every
limb, he barely held up by the mantle
piece.
puzzled look stole over Harrington's
face. 1t cleared, and, he too, began to trem-
ble "Your wife," he whispered "You
have married her! You thought me dead
I am go:ng-I am going!" He put his
hand out to feel for the door. He was try
ing 10 find the handle when it swung open
and Nell stood Or the threshold He gave
low sob, and with bent head tried to pass
her. She tried to see his face.
81 am going, Nell," he mumbled-"I am
going" He was quite helpless now, and
blinded by tears.
At the sound of his voice, at the sight
of the shaky figure grown suddenly old
some memory stirred her, and she clutched
him by the arm. He lifted his head; their
eyes met, and with wild scream she sank
to the floor.
An hour later doctor came He looked
at Harrington, who had been put to bed
and shook his head. "I'm no use" he said
"Cod, exposure, debilitated constitution.
The man has been dying for weeks. He
may last the night out; / doubt it,"
The doctor was right. Harrington grad
ually grew weaker and weaker. His brain
wandered to strange scenes, The River Plata
Costa Rica; then home, and Nell When
his mind partially cleared, she was bending
over him and Genth sat holding his hand
Like child he put up his face, and she
kissed him. He looked, smiling at Genth
then his head fell back on the pillow "I
am going" he said softly" am going u
There was faint fiutter of breath, and his
eyes closed. The deck hand had gone.-
CbanlJers's Journal.
Great Men and Their Cats.