The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1899-06-23

FL act of sympathy.
"Amos, my son, was in the hospital
Dor more than year. and most of that
dme l was like a woman in a dream.
I was told that for months didn't
know soul about me, and it was never
expected should rise from my bed.
But the Lord was good to me, and got
we'll slowly-oh, so slowly, Amos! For
long time could not remember what
had taken place, but little by little 1t
same back to me. Then was told that
when was taken to the hospital they
did not know who was, and that there
was nothing in my pocket by which
they could have found out my name.
They suspected, they said, that had
sailors for my relations, for talked a
great deal about the sea; but that was
Ill they could discover. No one came
10 see me all the time was in the hos
pital, and when was strong enough
they let me go home. When got back
70 the cottage found neighbor living
IN it, who thought that was dead, as
{ believed you to be before tonight, my
dear son. The neighbors had heard
nothing of the accident, and they all
believed me to be dead; and they came
about me, now that was risen from
the grave, as it might be, and those who
were hardest upon me before made it
up to me in kindness. Then l heard
that had lost my son-that the ship
be was in had foundered, and that not
soul in her had been saved. l heard
uore, my son-shall tell it,"
'Tell it," said, steeling my voice.
Don't blame me, Amos, and bear it
like brave man, for my sake, dear. l
asked after Mabel and the first thing l
heard was chat she had baby. Go
and bring her. said to the neighbors
who were about me-'go and bring her
and my sons child to me. Tell her am
living, and am yearning to embrace
them BOTH They looked at one another,
and gradually the story came out.
Shortly after the news of the loss of the
Blue Jacket with all hands reached the
aeighborhood, Mabel and her mother
went away"
Where to? Where is my wife and
child"
They left England altogether, for
Australia; and since then nothing has
been heard of them"
CONSERVATION at this startling news
struck me dumb for a time, and my
noothor woo too frior|,tooo1 +o Irool, ~, :,
silence. This night, which in my eager
anticipation was to have been filled
with joy had brought desolation and
despair to my heart.
Have you anything more to say?"
asked family, when l could muster
strength to speak. I had to repeat the
question before my mother replied, and
then the words fell like drops of poison
from her lips.
Amos, Mabel did not go alone.'
"You have already told me so. Her
mother and my child We're with her. My
:hild!' l stretched forth my arms in an
agony Of disappointment.
Some one else was with her, my
son."
"Who?"
"Alr. bruce. Your enemy"
I shook her from me roughly, and
stood upon the threshold of the room.
The snow floated in, but did not heed
r. heard my mothers step behind me.
Stop where you are!" cried, fierce.
". Don't approach close to me, nor
look into my face! You have hardened
my heart toward you. 1t is for me to
speak now. and for you to listen. You
believe that my wife is unfaithful to
me. You, my mother, have said so to
me-to my face. 1t is a lie! Do you
hear me? It is liep'
My vehemence shook her to the soul.
"You made me speak," she faltered.
sas though were on my death-bed. /
have obeyed you, my son-I have
obeyed you. Oh, Amos, my heart is
breaking"
"And mine is filled with Joy and hap
uiness at what you have told me-" l
retorted. "A loving mother you have
proved yourself to me on this bitter
Christmas n1ght! -
Amos, AmosT she cried, in an
agony Of grief. 1T is not my fault.
know what you must suffer. would
not dare to tell you what the neighbour
said Of her ~
''You would not dare" said, $50,
should not stop to hear. It needs nc
tslling; you yourself have made me &C.
auainted with the SANDERS their false
tongues spoke respecting me. Well, YOU
knew them to be liars, but you were
willing enough to listen to them after.
ward. when their tune was changed
But what does it matter what a lot Q.
gossiping,; tittle-tattling women ga,
Shout 4 man He is strong to bear it
md can langh at them for their pains
And yout well, you could defend mesil
~ absence. bit you could IND no wor:
= defense Of her who Is fdearer to MI
Nm my life chan q hundred lives. II
- farnls siyoQ. hatsrshers fromthe mo
-nAt ]. ap0ke- to you Of my love for her
NY did you 10 sof You threw doubts
- upon hsr goodness, as you hav,
lr0wn doubts this night upon her pur
II. r Tea had done what yous shoult