The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1901-05-03
A COURAGEOUS WOMAN

Augusta Dane married man who
turned out to be a drunkard and q
gambler One day he left her, taking
with him their little boy, 5 years old.
The next day found Augusta in New
York. Two days were spent in a fruit
were visited. In Philadelphia Augusta
was again baffled in her search. Still
she despaired not, but went on her
way to Baltimore. Arrived there, she
resumed her weary, weary search.
AS she turned away from place
where her inquiries had again been I'M
successful her hope and courage, for
the first time since her loss, began to
fail her. AS she walked slowly along,
uncertain where next to direct her
steps, a gentleman passed and looked
with her sad and anxious thoughts,
had not noticed him. All at once a
voice saying, Mrs. Dane, you surely
do not intend to pass me without rec
ognition, do you?' caused her to start
and raise her eyes. 1t was friend of
her husband who was speaking to her.
Il beg your pardon, Mr.. Davis. l
was thinking and passed without see
ing YOU" answered Augusta.
you are on your way, suppose, to
join your husband and child. What a
fine little fellow that boy of yours is!
You must be very proud of him." Da-
Wis remarked.
Augustus heart gave a mighty throb,
and in a voice which she vainly en-
deavored to steady she replied:
Yes; I have been detained at home
and did not join them at the time ap-
pointed. Where did you leave Mr..
e-and-and-my son?"
All, how her voice trembled as she
asked the question!
II left them in Washington" replied
Davis. II met Fred at Ms last
night (naming gaming house in that
city,. l only arrived in Baltimore an
hour ago."
Augusta scarcely heard any further
words that were spoken. She had room
but for one thought. She reused her
self sufficiently at length to utter few
words of leave taking, and the next
train to Washington bore Augusta on
her way thither.
At length she reached her destina-
MT 81
gave the order to drive to Ms.
The carriage stopped. wait here
for me. Keep your carriage door open
shall not be away long" And she as
cended the steps of the house.
A negro opened the door in answer tc
her ring and refused her admittance
but Augusta was prepared. Holding
up a $40 bill, she said, This is yours
if you permit me to pass" Sambt
found it impossible to resist, and the
door was opened to admit her.
(Which way must go?" inquired
Augusta as soon as she was fairly in
side the hall.
do you mean right among all tn,
gentlemen, ma am?" asked Sambo, will
open eyes and mouth.
(Which way must l go?" repeated
she.
Right at the top of the stairs, ma am
where you see the bright light from
under the door,"
AS she placed her hand on the knoll
she breathed a silent prayer, and thel
she opened the door noiselessly and en-
tered. The room was brilliantly light
ed. Her eyes were dazZled for mo
1nent; then her quick glance took in al
at once. Seated at the table near tn
center of the large room and with hi
back toward the door was her husband
and by his side stood little child
Yes, there was her boy, standing Xix
an angel of light amid that crowd o
desperate men.
No one had seen her enter. All wer
intent on thes game then in progress
Another moment, and, owing to som
turn of fortune, 9 fearful oath burs
from Frederick Danes lips.
Augusta took step forward jus
then. Her boy turned and saw hel
"My mother, oh, my mother" scream
/, ed the child and sprang into her arms
With her child clasped to her hear
, Augusta felt a power within her stron
! enough to defy the world. Her hus
! band had risen from his seat. rouse
by the childish exclamation, and stoo
!, gazing Mt her in speechless amaze
= ment. The room was crowded wit
men, who were looking on in speech
less wonder at the strange seen
+ enacted before their eyes. August
was the first to speak.
"Frederick, let me depart in peac
), with my child
9 "Neyer!" interrupted he. Put dow
the child" And he made movemer
: toward her. Augusta turned white
;. the lips.
: "Frederick." she again pleade,
), "thinl of our child's future. You sur
:, ly would not doom our boy to live
life such as yours has been!"
\ cease your talking and give me tt