The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1895-02-16
THE FATHER.

Thord Overaas. Of whom we are about |
TO speak. was the wealthiest man in the |
parish.
His tall figure stood one day in the
pastors study. II have got son." he
said eagerly. "and wish to have him
baptized"
what shall he be called9"
Finn, after my father"
"And his godparentsY"
They were named, being relatives Of
Thord and tho best men and women in
the district.
sis there anything else?" asked the
pastor and looked up.
The farmer stood minute
81 should like TO have him baptized by
himself" he said.
THAT is to say on week day."
Next Saturday at 12 o'clock"
SIS there anything elser'
Nothing else"
The farmer took his hat and moved
to go.
Then the pastor rose. "There is still
this he said, and going up to 'rhord he
took his hand and looked him in the
face. "God grant that the child may be
a blessing to you"
Sixteen years after that day Thord
stood again in the pastors study.
you look exceedingly well, Thord,"
said the pastor. He saw no change in
him.
II have no trouble" replied Thord.
The pastor was silent. but in mo-
ment he asked. "What is your errand to-
nightG'
81 have come tonight about my son.
who is to be confirmed tomorrow"
HE is a clever lad"
IL did not wish TO pay the pastor be-
fore heard how many were to be con-
6rmed have heard that, and here are
$40 for the pastor"
"Is there anything else?" asked the
pastor, looking at Thord.
Nothing else" And Thord went
away
Eight years more passed by, and one
day the pastor heard a noise without his
door. for many men We're there and
Thord first among them. The pastor
looked up and recognized him.
"You come with a powerful escort to-
night"
81 have come to request that the banns
may be published for my son. He is to
be married to Karen Storiden, daughter
of Gudmund, who is here with me-"
THAT is to say. to the richest girl in
tho parish"
"They say So" replied the farmer.
strolSing his hair with one hand.
The pastor sat a minute as if in
thought. He said nothing, but entered
the names in his books. and the men
wrote under them.
Thord laid 81 on the table.
81 should have only ST." said the pas
tor.
II know that perfectly, but he is my
only child. will do the thing we'll"
The pastor took up the money. This
is the third time now, Thord, that you
stand here ON your sons account" he
said.
"But now am done with him." said
Thord. Taking up his pocketbook. he
said good night and went.
Just fortnight after this the father
and son We're rowing over the lake il
still weather to Storliden to arrang,
about the wedding.
"The cushion is not straight" said
the son. He rose to put it right At tn,
same moment his foot slipped. h
stretched out his arms. and with CRY
fell into the water.
Catch hold of the oarr roared tn,
father. He stood up and stuck it out
But when the son had made few at
tempts he became stiff.
"Wait minute" cried the father. an,
began to row.
Then the son turned over backward
gazed earnestly at his father and sank.
Thord could scarcely believe it to b
true. He kept the boat still and stare'
ut the spot whore his son had sunk, a
though he would come up again. A fey
bubbles rose up, few more. then ON
great one. 1t burst. and the sea agai
lay bright rs a mirror.
For three days and three nights tn
father was seen TO row round and roun
.. the spot without either food or sleep-h
was seeking for his son. On the morn
ing Of the third day he found him an
carried him up over the hills to his farm
,, 1t was about year afterward whe
the pastor one autumn evening hear
something rustling outside the door an
fumbling about the lock. The door opei
ed. and in walked tall, thin man wit
bent figure and white hair. The paste
looked long at him before he recognize
! him. 1t was Thord.
: why do you come so later asked Il
q pastor.
why, yes, | do come late" sai
Thord. He seated himself. The past
Q sat down also. as though waiting. Tho
was long silence,