The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1900-06-08

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A little after noon the storm cIeareu
up, and Robert prepared to go down to
the shops. Clara had not yet come out
Of her stupor. The doctor had called
and done what he could. There was
nothing in particular that Mr.. Hardy
could do in the case, SO he went out
about l o'clock and entered his Office
at the shop. hoping as he went in that
he would have no trouble with the
men
Mr.. Burns reported everything quiet,
and the manager, with sigh Of relief,
proceeded with the routine duties of
the business. Nothing Of any special
interest occurred through the after
noon. The storm had ceased entirely,
and the sun had come out clear and
warm. People were clearing off the
walks, and the ringing Of sleigh bells
was distinct in the Office. even over the
incessant hum of the big engine.
Toward o'clock one Of Mr.. Hardy's
old friends. an officer Of the road, came
IN and said there was a general move
ment on foot through Barton to hold a
monster mass meeting In the town hall
for the benefit of the sufferers, both In
the railroad accident and in the explo-
sion of the Sunday before in the shops.
1t was true the company would settle
for damages, but in many cases
through Barton the adjustment of
claims would not be made until much
suffering and hardship had been en-
dured.
There was a common feeling on the
part of the townspeople that q meet
| ing for public conference would result
In much good, and there was also, as
| has been the case in other large hOr-
rors, a craving to relieve the strain Of
| feeling by public gathering and con-
| sultation.
"Can you come out to the meeting,
HardyY' asked his friend.
Mr.. Hardy thought minute and. re-
Piled, "Yes; I think l can." Already
an idea had taken shape In his mind
which he could not help feeling was
inspired by God.
might be good thing II you could
come prepared to make some remarks.
I find there Is disposition on the part
Of the public to charge the road with
carelessness and mismanagement"
"I'll say word or two," replied Mr..
Hardy, and after a brief talk on busi-
ness matters his friend wen. out.
Robert Immediately sat down to his
desk, and for an hour, interrupted on
ly by an occasional item of business
brought to him by his secretary, be jot-
ted down copious notes. The thought
which had come to him when his
friend suggested the meeting was this
He would go and utter a message tina,
burned within him, message which
the events of the past few days made
imperative should be uttered. He went
home absorbed in the great idea. He
had once in his younger days been ia
nous for his skill In debate. He had
no fear Of his power to deliver a mes
sage of life at the present crisis in his
own. He at once spoke Of the meet
ing to his wife
"Mary, what do you say2 know ev
cry minute is precious. I owe to yor
and these dear ones at home a very
sacred duty, but no less, It seems tt
me, is my duty to the society where
have lived all these years, doing literal
ly nothing for it's uplift toward God
who gave us all life and power. fee
as If he would put message into m.
mouth that would prove blessing t.
this community. 1t seems to me thi
. special opportunity is providential"
Robert" repliedi his wife, smiling a
him through happy tears. "it Is the will
Of God. Do your duty as he makes l
clear to you"
1t had been an agitating week to tn
wife. She anticipated its close with
feeling akin to terror. What woul
the end be? She was compelled to sa
to herself that her husband was no
insane, but the thought that he wa
really to be called out Of the world 4
some mysterious manner at the end o
: the rapidly approaching Sunday ha
J several times come over her with
power that threatened her own reason
Nevertheless the week SO far. l
spite of its terror and agitation, had
n sweet Joy for her. Her husband ha
Il come back to her, the lover as he ono
had been, only with the added tender
IL ness Of all the years Of their compar
Y. ionship. She thanked the Father fo
it, and when the hour came for Rol
ert to 60 down to the meeting sh
blessed him and prayed heaven
make his words to the people like til
words of God.
Father, what do you want me
do? Shall stay herer asked Georg
T. who had not stirred out Of the hous
< all day. He had watched by Clai
l. faithfully. She was still in that my
terious. condition of unconsciousnei
"a which made her case so puzzling to IL
doctor.
Mr.. Hardy hesitated a moment. the
said; mo, George. would like
have you go with me. Alice can do a
- that is necessary. But let us all pra
together now before we 60 out. I'll
Lord IL leading us mysteriously. b.