Valentine Democrat. (Valentine, Neb.) 1900-1930, 1900-11-22

THAT you shall never again expect
to see her or hear from her, or hold
commerce Of any kind with her."
"But why? Why?'
Because may have certain plans
for her future welfare that you might
try to spoil"
do they concern Michael Sunlocks?"
"No, indeed" said Mrs. Fairbrother.
with a toss of the head.
"Then they concern young alison. the
Icelander," said Adam.
eff so, 1t is my concernment," said
Mrs. Fairbrother.
"And that is your condition.
eyes"
"And you ask me to part from her
forever? Think of 1t, she Is my only
daughter. She has been the light Of my
eyes. You have never loved her as l
have loved her. You know 1t is the
truth. And you ask me to see her no
more and never more to hear from her.
Now, God punish you for this. you
cold-hearted woman9'
''Take care, sir. Fewer words. or
mayhap 1 will recall my offer. II you
are wise you will be calm for the girls
sake"
You are right" he said, with his
head down. ''It is not for me to take
the bread out Of my child's mouth. She
shall choose for herself"
Then he twisted about to where Gree
ba stood in silence behind his chair.
"Greeba," he said. with a world Of
longing in his eyes. my darling, you
see how it is. I am old and very poor.
and heaven pity my blind folly, I have
no home to offer you, for have none to
shelter my own head. Don't fear for
me, for 1 have no fear for myself.
will be looked to In the few days that
remain to me, and, come what may, the
sorry race of my foolish life will soon
be over. But you have made no mis-
takes that merit my misfortunes. So
choose, my child. choose. It is poverty
with me or plenty with your mother.
Choose, my child, choose; and let 1t be
quickly. let it be quickly, for MY ole
heart Is bursting"
Then the brave girl drew hersei.
proudly up, her brilliant eyes afiame,
and her whole figure erect and CULVER
ing. ~ I;fik
"Choose?" she cried, in q piercing
voice; there is no choice I will 60
with my father, and follow him over
the world. though we have no covering
but the skies above US"
And then Adam leapt from his chai.
to his feet, and the inflrmity OF his
years seemed gone In an instant, and
his wet face shone with the radiance OF
great joy. ''Do you hear that, you
people?" he cried. There's grace, and
charity and unselfishness, and love left
in the world still Thank heaven, /
have not yet to curse the day her body
brought forth children. Come. Greeba,
we will go our ways. and Gods protec-
ton will go with us. Il have been
young and now am old, yet have not
seen the righteous forsal1en, nor his
seed begging bread"
He strode across to the door, then
stopped and looked back to where his
sons stood together with the looks OF
whipped dogs
And you, you unnatural sons he
cried, Il cast you out of my mind /
give you up to your laziness and youY
going to one who is not flesh of my
flesh, and yet he is my son indeed
Again he made for the door. ana
stopped on the threshold and faced
about towards his wife. LAS for you
woman, your time will come Remem-
Der that! Remember that!
Greeba laid one hand scftly on his
shoulder and said, Come, father,
come" but again he looked back at h.s
sons and said, Farewell, all of you.
Farewell! You will see me no more
May day like this that has come e.
your father never, never come to you. .
And then all his brave bearing. his
grand strength broke down in no.
ment, and as the girl laid hold Of his
ol Ia iSSt AC iCSi lokit be
stumbled out at the threshold, sobbing
beneath his breath, "Sunlocks, my boy;
Suniocks, I am coming to you-I am
coming to vou.''
Chalse A'Killey followed them cut
muttering in an under-breath some deep
imprecations that no one needed
Strange" said he, ''the near I was to
crucifying the Lord afresh and swear
ing mortal swear. only remembered
my catechism and the good John wes-
ley"
At the gate to the road they met
Jason. who was coming down from
Barruie with birds at his belt. With
bewildered looks Jason stood and look
ed at them as they came up. a sorry
spectacle, In the brightness of the
midday sun. Old Adam himself strode
heavily along, with his face turned
down and his white hair falling over
his cheeks. BY his side Greeba walked
bearing herself as proudly as she might,
with her head thrown back and her wet
eyes trying to smile. A pace or two be-
hind came Chalse with his pony and
cart grunting hoarsely in his husky
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