Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-11-07

had been awfully lonely, she said, since
Miss Yorl<'s death, but no couple had
ever lived happier and been nearer and
dearer TO each other than Ella and I.
May God bless her!'
.Amen!" said I, solemnly and rever-
emily.
ELLA and L" pursued Jim, could
never give the remotest guess to her
aunt objection to our engagement, and
it would probably have remained a mys-
terry to me, as it has to Ella even now,
had it not been for the following cir
cumstances: Some time ago 1 was sent
for at the prison to see a rather des-
perate character, whose end was very
near. He had been sent to seven years
penal servitude some three years before
for forgery, and after serving two years
at Portland had been transferred to
Lowmarket. His appearance was su-
perior to that of the ordinary convict,
even when a forger. Although I had
seen him several times and certainly
been struck with his face and appear
ance, we could not be said to be friendly,
as he had been Indifferent to all my adj
vances.
81 found him lying in the hospital,
and soon saw that he would not live
very long.
't'You seem pleased to see me?' /
said.
Eyes, SIR replied No. 1872 4 ann
glad you've come; 1 hardly expected
you would, considering how stand
offish I've been But 1 wanted to see
you, as the doctor says I'm not likely TO
last much longer-perhaps not until to-
morrow
"'There, well, never mind. Keep your
courage UP, and you'll probably deceive
the doctor
81 talked to him about his soul and
spiritual things. That we may pass by,
Howson; 1 believe ne was thoroughly
penitent. 1 asked him if there was any
thing 1 could do for him.
eyes, sir, there is one thing, if you
will. It's such a curious one 1 hardly
like to ask YOU His eyes looked eager
ly at me.
eco on said I; I'll do it if possible
"1've had u queer life, SIR said the
convict. Il might have been somebody
and done some good; but L got led
astray after marriage and broke the
heart of my wife, who died soon after
ward. Yes, I've led bad life, and it's
precious few friends I've had lately,
anyhow. BUT hope may be forgiven,
as you say God will pardon even the
worst of US. And if you'll promise me
to do one thing when I'm dead, shall
die happy
'''Tll promise it as far as cam said I.
What is it?'
cts to take care of your wife, an
swered No. 1872. All said he, smiling,
4 thought that would astonish you
Take care of my wife!' gazed ut
him in Amusement. why, of course I
shall! But what is that TO your
ga great DEAL said he.
"'Wky?'
"'Because she's-my daughteri'
81 looked at him in terror and aston
ishment. and WAS about to send for the
nurse and for the doctor, feeling sure
he was rambling. when he said, slowly:
"'Sit down, sir, please; can't talk
much longer. You need not send for
DIR. Darton; I'm all right. feared it
would give you a shock. sir, as it gave
me one the first time I saw her here
with you. Ella York-you see, know
her name all right-was taken when
quite child by her aunt, who disowned
me, and never told the child what her
father was. In that she was quite right.
She changed her name from Wilson to
her mothers name of York and COM
pleted the disguise. Whenever I de-
sired-and. oh, sir, I did often desire
to see Ella, my darling, Miss York has
always threatened me with the police,
and knew better than to have them on
my track if L could help it. Yes, sir, I
see you can't realize it yet, but you'll
find Ella Wilson's birth and baptism in
the registers of Mortified, and I give
you my word it's true
CT sat in dumb silence. What could
say? Ella, my Ella, convict's daugh-
ter!
Please, sir, don't tell her. said he.
She has never known; don't let her
know. But I felt must tell you, sir,
and you'll not think any worse of her?'
and his eyes looked pleadingly and visit
fully at me.
my senses had somewhat returned.
No. said /, of course not lam half
dazed, but feel what you say is true.
But Ella is my own now, and always
shall be while live. I wish had not
heard this, but it cannot alter my love
for Ella
"'Thank God!' he said. And, sir,
there's one thing more. The doctor
says shall sleep myself away. Do you
think it could be managed for my dar-
ling to give me one kiss ere I die-just
one?'
ETH try. Yes,' said 1, she shall, If
you'll leave it to me-
81 will! God bless you, Mr.. Bourn.'
81 left him. When 1 got home Ella
thought I was ill, and indeed I was.
Overwork, pleaded. In another hour
they came to tell me he was asleep, and
would not wake in this world