The Forrest City times., 1896-02-07

me yet. At any rate, we have royal feast now. Peacocks were only for kings and barons in the old days. It is cheering to be seated at my own board once more. Come and embrace me, my paola."
 The boy looked at the table. Tho sight there caused his heart to harden and his mind became filled with bitter. ness. His grief was greater than tha, of the Italian noble who sacrificed hi. splendid falcon when he asked his lady to dine with him.
 Il won't come near you," said the boy, sturdily.
 "Eh? Why not?" asked tEe other in surprise.
 You are thief; you are not my father" he replied, clenching his hands
 This is nice welcome, grandam. T roared tine brigand, laughing hearti. ly.
 "I had no father. I loved but one thing; you stole that; you killed it; you are wicked man. I tell you so and you can kill me, if you like.''
 "The boy speaks truly" said a 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 Q those glittering eyes that seemed t. pierce the soul!
 ''Who are you?" cried the brigand confronting the intruder fiercely.
 You know me-a priest" was the cold response in voice that showed no fear, only tranquil authority. "It was l 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 chil- dren. For years you have lived like a beast, an animal. You have now even robbed your own. For shame! Coward!"
 ''I did not know it, you meddlcsome 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 .7our misgivings. Perhaps should do so.''
 You will not do that! T." threat. eningly.
 "1 give you your choice," was the stern Interruption; to meet your de- serts now or to live new life. Listen: in the harbor is large sailing boat; it goes to Spain tonight; from Spain you can sail to America. l will give you the funds. Once in that land, redeem the past and when you have done so send for your family. will recommend you to the captain of the sailing vessel, Will you do this, miserable fellow, or do you prefer living iii the mountains ?'
 The man fell on his knees; he could not resist the glittering eyes; such merciful words he had never heard be- fore. He put his hands over his eyes.
 ''Absolve me, father" he almost sobbed
 The priest lifted his ivory crucifiA impressively. Your sins are many Not l, but Christ can forgive them. Col"
 The brigand turned to obey.
 Father" cried Paola, springing for ward
 The embrace once withheld was given and the father disappeared. In his joy Paola forgot the sacrifice of his pet.
 It is many years since these events transpired and it only remains to be told what the priest said to me not long ago: ''I do not regret having given the man a chance. He has become an hon est citizen. He has farm in one of the western states in America and his family are with him. I think I per formed greater service for society than if had turned him over to the au thorities." Whether the end justified this conclusion is a matter upon which people may differ.-Detroit Free Press