The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1900-04-19

Mrs. Cations younger brother had
been ruined by gambling. He had
come to the house one night, and In
fit of anger because his sister would
not give him money to carry on his
speculation he had threatened her life.
James had interposed and at the risk
of his own life had probably saved his.
mothers. Mrs. Caxton had been so un-
nerved by the scene that her health
had SUI. cred from 1t seriously. All this
had happened when James was grow
ing out Of boyhood. But not day had
passed that the young man did not see
a sad result of that great gambling
passion in his own mothers face and
bearing. He loathed the thought Of
vice SO debasing that 1t ignored all the
tender ties Of kindred and was ready
to stop at nothing in order to get
means for Its exercise.
Mr.. Hardy knew the story. and he
exclaimed: "Forgive me, James. ! did
not think" Then, after a pause: Are
you Christian2 mean do you have
a faith in the revelation Of God to men
through Jesus Christ, and do you try to
live according to his teachings, with q
supreme love for God controlling life7
Do you live every day as If 1t might be
the last you would have to liver
James started. Was Mr.. Hardy out
of his mind? He had never heard him
talk like this before. The idea Of Mr..
Hardy caring about his religious char
acter in the event Of his becoming a
son.in.law was an idea too remote for
occurrence. He could see, however,
that some very powerful change had
taken place in Mr.. Hardy's usual de-
meanor. His words also produced q
strong effect upon the young man. he
was like thousands Of young men
temperate, honest, industrious, free
from vices, strictly moral, but without
any decided religious faith.
"Am ChristianT he asked him.
self, echoing Mr.. Hardy's question
No; he could not say that he was. lie
had never said so to any one. He had
| in fact, never been confronted with the
question before. So he replied to Mr.
Hardy:
mo, sir; I don't think I am wha
would be called a Christian. As for hv
ing as II every day were to be my las
do you think that is possible. SIR
Mr.. Hardy did not answer. He walk
ed along thoughtfully. In the course O.
the conversation they had reached th'
corner where the young man turnet
down to his office, and the two paused
81 want to have another talk witt
you," Mr.. Hardy said. To-day Is Tues
day; say tomorrow evening. l want t
see your father also, and Mr.. Hard.
was on the point Of saying that h
wanted to ask the elder CaxtOn's fol
giveness, but for some reason he stop
ped without doing SO.
james exclaimed eagerly as Mr.. Hal
dy turned to 60:
"Then you don't forbid my entertain
ing some hope of your good will In tn
matter Of my love for ClaraT He low
cred his voice and spoke very strongly
"You don't forget your own youth an
the way In which you yourself bega
your home"
| Mr.. Hardy answered never wor
to this appeal, but looked into tn
young mans face with gaze he di
not forget all day. then wrung his han
and turned on his heel abruptly an
walked rapidly down the street.
James looked after him as he disal
peared among the crowds of people g
ing to their business. and then turne
to his own tasks. But something
him gave him hope. Another somethin
appealed all day to his inner natur
and he could not shake on the impre
sion Of Mr.. Hardy's question. "Are yo
a ChristianY' And even when he wei
home at night that question pursue
him more strenuously than any 9TH
and would not give him peace.