La Junta tribune., 1899-03-11
would to God what. mother7''


and kneellng by the side OF II. in which
attitude she remained for some time
in feryent prayer. Al last she resumed
her seat. and her face wore IN aspect
OF more cUmpusure.
Philip. who. during this. had re-
mained silent and thoughtful. again
addressed HIS mother
Look sc. mother You ask me to
stay on shore with you and siarye--
rather hard conditions; now hear what
| have to say. Thnt room opposite has
been shut up ever since can remem-
ber-why. you will never tell me: but
once ! heard you say when we were
without bread. and with no prospect OF
my unele's return--you were then half
frantic. mother. as you know you
sometimes are"
We'll. Philip. what did you hear me
say?" inquired his mother. with trem-
uious anxiety
"You said. mother. that there was
money in that room which would save
us: and then you screamed and rayed.
and said that you preferred death.
Now, mother. what is there in that
chamber. and why has /, been SO long
shut up? Either know that. or I go
10 sea"
At the commencement of this ad-
dress of Philip. his mother appeared TO
be transhxed and motionless as j
statue; gradually her lips separated
and her eyes glared: she seemed TO
have lost the power OF reply; she pu,
her hand to her right side. as II to
compress It. then both her hands. as
II to relieve herself from exc-ucihting
torture; at last she sank. with her head
forward. and the blood poured out OF
her mouth.
Philip spraug from the table to he.
assistance. and prevented her from
falling on the floor. He laid her on
the couch. watching with alarm the
continued efiuslon.
"Oh. mother, mother! what is this ?"
cried he. at last. in great distress.
For some time his mother could
make no reply. she turned further on
her side. tina, she might not be SUI
located by the discharge from the rup-
tured vessel. and the snow-whi;e
planks of the floor were soon crimson
ed with her blood
Speak. dearest mother, II you can,
repeated Philip. in agony. ''wha, shall
do?--wbat shall give u.-God Al
mighty, what Ia this?"
Death. my child. DEATH" at length
replied the poor woman, sinking Into
a state of unconsciousness.
Philip, now much alarmed. few ont
Of the cottage and called the neighbors
to his mothers assistance. Two or
three FASTENED to the call; and as soon
as Philip saw them occupied in restor-
Ing his mother. he ran rs fast as he
could to the house of medical man
who lived about mile off-ono Ayn-
heer Poots. a little, miserable. avar-
icious wretch. but known to be very
skiiliul in his profession. Philip found
Poots at home and insisted upon bis
immediate attendance.
Il will come-yes. most certainly,
replied Poois. who spoke the language
but imperfeotiy; but. Mynheer Van
derdecken. who viii pay me7'
PAY you? my uncle VIII. directly
that he comes home"
Your uncle, de Skipper Vanbren-
nen9 no. he owe me four guilders. and
he has owed me for long time. Be-
sides. his ship may sink"
"He shall pay you the four gullders,
and for this attendance also" replied
Philip in a rage; come directly
while you are dispu,ing my mother
may be dead"
Bat MIR. Philip, l cannot come. now
t,Et
the bursomaster at Terneuse." replied
Mynheer Poots.
Look you. Mynheer Poots.' ex-
claimed Philip. red with passion, you
have but to choose-will you go quiet
Iy, or must take you there? You'll not
trIfie with me-
Here Mynheer Poots was under con-
siderable alarm. for the character uf
Philip Vanderdecken was well known.
Il will come by and by. Mynheer
Philip. II can
miser!" exclaimed Philip. seizing hold
OF the little man by the collar, and
pulling him out OF his door.
Murder. murder" cried Poots. as
he lost his legs, ana was dragged along
by the impetuous young man.
Philip stopped. for he perceived that
Poots was black in the face.
Mus; then choke you to make you
go quietly? for, hear me. go you shall.
alive or dead"
We'll. then" replied Poots. recoy
ering himself. II will 60. but I'll have
you in prison tonight: and. as for your
mother. I'll not-no. that l will not
Mynheer Philip. depend upon it"
Mark me. Mynbeer Poots." replied
Philip. "as sure as there Is God in
heaven, II you do not come with me
I'll choke you now; and when you ar
rive. II you do not do your best for
my poor mother. I'll murder you there.
You know that l always do what ! say.
so now take my advice. come along