Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1896-12-19

Inherited all her aunts money; and as
she had already accepted me we were
married twelvemonth afterward. She
had been awfully lonely, she said, since
Miss York's death, but no couple had
ever lived happier and been nearer and
dearer to each other than Ella and I.
May God bless herl"
"Amen!'' said 1 solcmnly and rever-
emily.
ella and l" pursued Jim, could
never give the remotest guess as to her
aunt's objection to our engagement,
and it would probably have remained a
mystery to me, as it has to Ella even
now, had it rot been for the following
circumstances. Some time ago I was
sent for at tie prison to see rather des-
perate character, whose end was very
near. He had been sent to seven years
penal servitude some three years before
70" forgery, and after serving two years
at Portland had been transferred to
Lowmarket. His appearance was supe-
rior to that of the ordinary convict,
even when 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 friend
ly, as he had been Indifferent to all my
advances.
II found him lying in the hospital,
and l soon saw that he would not live
very long.
"'You seem pleased to see me?'
said.
"'Yes, sir. replied No. 152. 4 am
glad you've ccme. l hardly expected
you would, considering how stand offish
I've been. But wanted to see you, as
the doctor says I'm not likely to last
much longer-perhaps not till tomor-
row..
There, we'll, 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. believe he was thoroughly
pcnitent. asked him if there was any
thing 1 could do for kim.
"'Yes, sir; there is one thing, if you
will It's such q curious one, 1 hardly
like to ask you. His eyes looked eager
ly at me.
Go Oh, said 1. I'll do it if possi-
ble.'
I've had a queer life, sir, said the
convict. 4 might lave been somebody
and done some good, but I 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 any
how. But Lope l may be forgiven, as
you say God will pardon even the worst
CT Us And if you'll promise me to do
one thing when I'm dead 1 shall die
happy
"I'll premise as far as 1 can, said
|. What is it?'
It's to take care Of your wife,, an
swcrcd No. 1872. 'Ah, said he smiling,
L thought that would astonish you.'
Take care of my wife 1 gazed at
him in amazement why, of course
shall. But what is that to you?'
"'A great DEAL said he
'Why?'
"'Because she's-my daughter
81 looked at him in terror and aston
ishment and was abCut to send for the
nurse and for the doctor, feeling sure
he was rambling, when he said slowly:
Sit down, sir, please. I can't talk
much longer. You need not send for DR..
Darton I'm all right. Ifearcd it would
give you shock, sir, as it gave me one
the first time l saw her here with you.
Ella York-you see, l know her name
all rlght-was taken when quite child
by Eor 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 cf York and completed
the disguise. Whenever l Gcsired-and,
oh. sir, | did often desire-to see Ella,
MY darling. Miss York has always
threatened me with the police, and
knew letter than to have them on my
track if l could help it, Yes, sir; see
you can't realize it yet, but you'll find
Ella Wilson's birth and baptism in the
registers of Northfeld, and give you
my word it's true
Il sat in dumb silence. What could
1 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 l felt must tell you,
sir, and you il not think any worse of
herr and his eyes looked pleadingly and
wistfully at nc.
My senses had somewhat returned.
g@f
half dazcd, but l feel what you say is
true. But Ella is NY own row, and al
ways shall be while live. Iwish 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
l shall sleep myself away. Do you
think it could be managed for my dar-
ling to give me one kiss ere l die-just
one?'
"I'll try. Yes, said l, she shall, if
you'll leave it to me-
Il will. God bless you, Mr.. Bourn. )
Il left him. When l got home Ella
thought l was ill, and indeed | was
overwork, pleaded. In another hour
they came to tell me he was asleep and
would not wake in this world.
Il took Ella with me to the hospital.
Ella. said |, ID prisoner who is dy-
ing, ard who has no-few-friends.
told me today how he had seen you and
would like you to kiss him ere he died,
rs his own daughter would have done.
Will you?'
Certainly, My darling
1, LII IL