The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1895-05-01

Dfeast, nlS eyes LOOK JnelT IaT-hWhy,
dreamy look, and the stranger turned
and went swiftly. Some weeks later
there was stir in the county court
room. The same moon-faced clock
licked on the wall; the same worn oil
cloth was on the floor; the dingy room
still was filed with people investigating
the majesty of the law.
Only the judge was different, for
Judge Gray's picture garnished the
wall, he himself having been called
higher and arraigned before the last
tribunal of death.
1t was a beautiful summer day, and
through the open windows foated the
fragrance of roses and hay, while bee,
drunk with honey from the red clover
fields, buzzed about the dusky walls.
A tall, dark stranger came in to have
some deeds filed, and held private
conversation with the judge and the
assessor. Every one was mildly curious
to know who he was, but he soon left
the court room, and rode in the direc-
ton of Clark's farm.
He found the old man seated on his
doorstep, the summer breeze tanning
his brow and ruffiing his white locks,
while shower of petals from the dy-
ing syringa blooms had powdered his
shoulders like snow.
"Oh! 1t is you, stranger" Clark
said, as the horseman's shadow fell
across his face. "Stop bit and talk"
The man dismounted, and, tying his
horse to the fence, seated himself on
the steps.
"Mr. Clark" he said, and he seemed
little nervous, 81 have story to tell
you. Will you listen to me?"
go on, sir" said the old man.
"Did you know" said the stranger,
81 was born down in these parts, and
went out west to find fortune. I've
been four years mining in Arizona, and
there met your son jim"
"What," gasped Clark, "you saw
Jim!"
"Oh, yes, Jim and were pardners,"
with a forced laugh. "Jim's married
down there, and has a couple of child
rem. Nice little kids, one boy named
JESSE"
The old man looked stunned, and
only gasped: "You saw JIM"
The stranger continued, "Jim has
done well, and made his pile, and he
thinks of comm back to see you. When
he knew / was comm he made me
promise to get down here and see if
there was anything you wanted. Il
amt heard of father for ten years or
more, not since mother died. he said.
Find him and get him anything he
wants, no matter what it COSTS So,
you see," went on the man, avoiding
Clark's fixed gaze, which seemed to
read his Utmost thoughts, 80 piercing
was it, when you told me how you felt
about your farm, and how much you
wanted it back again, went over to
Clayton and talked to the judge. It's
all right, Mr.. Clark. The people in
your house moved out yesterday, and
it's all yours now. You can go up
there as soon as you wish"
Clark sat as if spell-bound. Then he
rose and looked sternly at the man.
How much did you pay on that
farm?" he asked severely.
You haven't anything to pay. It's
all yours" answered the stranger evas-
lively.
81 want you to tell me the truth.
Did you pay any money on that land?'
demanded Clark again, with his strong,
compelling gaze.
Well, yes" said his companion.
" But you don't understand, Mr.. Clark
It's present from Jim, your boy Jim.
Surely you won't refuse it,"
The old man shook his head.
can't do it," he said. Jane told me
not to have any more money put in
that land, and l can't do it, You mean
well, stranger, but you don't under
stand"
The young mans face worked con-
vulsively. He put out strong young
hand and grasped Jesse Clark's arm.
Father" he said, gently, as he
looked into the old mans face, "father
don't GU know me?'
At the sound Of title long buried,
almost forgotten in the cruel years OF
absence which had stretched between
the father and son, Clark raised his
dropping head, then:
"Jimw he cried, Jim! It's my
boy! My boys come backl" and tears
of Joy rolled down his furrowed cheeks.
y
Jim Clark lives in the old homestead
on the third quarter of the fourth sec
ton, northeast. A well-worn path
leads from the neat farmhouse down to
the little cabin where the syringa bush
grows. The children like to play with
their grandfather, and their mud-pies
seem TO them especially good when
made in front of the little vine-covered
cabin where old Mr.. Clark lives.
Jim and his wife are thoughtful of
the old mans comfort, and Jim often
urges him to come and live at the farm
"Do come and live with us, father"
he says. "The farm was yours any
way. You could surely take it from
me, dear old dadl"
But the Old man, stubborn to the
last, only shakes his head indignantly,
and says:
81 wouldn't "a thought it Nv you,
Jim. You can't give it to me. It's
mine already, the whole third quarter
Nv the fourth section. You don't un-
derstand. 1t amt a present l want,
nor to hev the farm! It's justice l