The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1896-02-07

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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
a high chain with her hair all braided.
The table was set and there was n
stranger at the board. Paola gave a
great cry when he recognized in him
the brigand who had robbed him and
would have fled through the door. But
granddam 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 brigandl He
robbed me! He stole from me! 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:
$50 ISIS you, my lad. did not know
you. Curse the laws of land that
separate a father from his son! He
meets him and does not recognize his
own offspring. So that was your bird
1 took. Well, we'll; but robbed my
own, after all, then. Behold it, all
stuffed and roasted. had 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."
eyes, six years that I've lived in a
hole like fox. But they haven't taken
me yet. At any rate, we have royal
feast now. Peacocks were only for
kings and barons in the old days. 1t is
cheering to be seated at my own board
once more. Come and embrace me, my
Paola."
The boy looked at the table. The
sight there caused his heart to harden
and his mind became filled 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 a thief; you are not my
father" he replied, clenching his hands
'This is a nice welcome, grandam,"
roared the brigand, laughing hearth
ly.
81 had no father. 1 loved but one
thing; you stole that; you killed it; you
are a wicked man. 1 tell you SO and you
can kill me, if you 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 glittering eyes that seemed to
pierce the soul!
"Who are your" 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 who married you; 1 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
fellow!" retorted the brigand, almost
mad with rage.
1.-THE crime was none the less. /
could give you up and your life would
answer for your misgivings. Perhaps
l should do So
'You will not do that! l." threat
eningly.
81 give you your choice" was the
stern interruptions; to meet your de-
serts now or to live a new life. Listen:
in the harbor is large sailing boat; it
goes to Spain tonight; from Spain you
can sail to America. / will give you
the funds. Once in that land, redeem
the past and when you have done so
send for your family. 1 will recommend
yon to the captain of the sailing vessel.
Will you do this, miserable fellow, or
do you prefer living in 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 crucifix
impressively. 'Your sins are many
Not 1, 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
1t is many years since these events
transpired and it only remains to be
told what the priest said to me not long
ago: 81 do not regret having given the
man 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. 1 think I per-
formed a greater service for society
than if had turned him over to the au-
thorities." Whether the end justified
this conclusion is matter upon which
people may differ.-Detroit Free Press.
The demand for fruit and flowers is