The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1896-03-20


fUl to him made his way toward their
home. The sun was sinking; the sky
had taken a pensive dove color. Afar
was a distant sail CT two and Paola
wished he were aboard one of those
boats so distant. The rested motion
less on the bosom of the sea. The boys
heart arose in rebellion. 81 would ike
to be Corsair; to rob and steal; others
rob me; they take all have; I will be Il
Corsair when l grow up. No; not a
brigand, for I hate brigands; they but
rob children. I would take great
vessels and be grand corsair and
would never steal from women and chill
dren." When he reached the house he
heard a sound of merriment within and
he hesitated to enter. Finally he sum-
mOned up courage and passed though
the door, Then he stood still in sur
prise.
Around the table was a gay party.
Grandam had donned her finest gilded
bonnet which she had worn in her girl
hood; the mother was dressed in her
best and his little sister was seated in
high chail with her hair all braided.
The table was set and there was Il
stranger at the board. Paola gave a
great cry when he recognized in him
the brigand who had robbed him and
would have fed through the door. But
gFanddam seized him by the arm, hold
ing him.
Where are you going, little fool?'
she asked. "Are you afraid of your
father?"
My father; he's a brigand! He
robbed me- He stole from mel He is
a thief.
Hush" said grandam, sternly, shak-
ing his arm; sit is your father"
The man at the table turned bolster
Ously to the boy;
so iSs you, my lad, did not know
you, Curse the laws of a land that
separate father from his son! He
meets him and does not recognize his
own offspring. So that was your bird
1 took Well, we'll; I but robbed nv
own, after all, then. Behold it, all
stuffed and roasted. Ihad determined
to take dinner this day with my family.
in spite of the hounds that are after
me. It's six years now since I've seen
you all; eh, grandam?"
six yers," croaked the old lady, six
long years since you were an honest
man."
Yes, six years that I've lived in a
hole like fox. But they haven't taken
me yet. At any rate, we have a royal
feast now. Peacocks were only for
kings and barons in the old days. tits
cheering to be seated at my own board
once more, Come and embrace me, my
Paoia."
The boy looked at the table. The
sight there caused his heart to harden
and his mind became filed with bitter
ness. His grief was greater than that
of the Italian noble who sacrificed his
splendid falcon when he asked his lady
to dine with him.
81 won't come near you," said the
boy, sturdily,
'Eh? Why not?" asked the other in
surprise.
"You are thief; you are not my
father" he Tepled, clenching his hands,
This is nice welcome, grandam,"
TOared the brigand, laughing hearth
ly.
Il had no father. 1 loved but one
thing; you stole that; youllilIed it; you
are a wicked man. I tell you soand you
can kill me, ifyou like"
"The boy speaks truly" said calm
voice. The brigand sprang up in alarm
and was confronted by the priest who
had spoken to the boy earlier in the
day. A stately, majestic man, beloved,
venerated, almost feared because Of
those gIittering eyes that seemed to
pierce the soul!
"Who are you?" cried the brigand,
confronting the intruder fiercely.
"You know me-a priest" was the
cold response in a voice that showed no
fear, only tranquil authority. 1T
was I who married you; I who christ
cned your children. And now I say
your child has spoken well. Words of
wisdom often fall from the lips of chill
dren. For years you have lived like a
beast, an animal. You have now even
robbed your own. For shame! Coward"
81 did not know it, you meddlesome
fcllow!" retorted the brigand, almost
mad with rage,
The crime was none the less. I
could give you up and your life would
answer for your misgivings, Perhaps
l should do So"
'You will not do that +" threat
eningly.
Il give you your choice" was the
stern interruption; to meet your de-
seTts now or to live a new life. Listen:
il the harbor is a large sailing boat; it
goes to Spain tonight; from Spain you
can sail TO America. I will give you
the funds. Once in that land, redeem
the past and when you have done so
send for your family. Twill recommend
you to the captain of the sailing vessel.
VIII you do this, miserable fellow, or
do you prefer living in themountains?
The man fell on his knees; he could