The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-08-25

: partially concealed his broad, white fore
head.
While Mrs. Blake stood watching, tire
sleeper moved restlessly. ard turned toward
her. stretching out his hand. whilst the one
! word, Mother" broke almost Ike a sign
from his lips.
The kindly. womaniy heart felt full of
compassion for him. and gently as a moth
er she laid her hsnd on his brown hair ard
breathed a prayer TO God on his behalf. and
then quietly left the room.
II was daylight the next morning before
our hero awoke, and he lay for some time
dreamily wondering what could pos.ibiy
have happened to him. and trying drowsiiy
TO bring into shape the thoughts which nit
ted through his mind. His surroundings
were perfectly strange to him. besides
which a peculiar feeling OF Ianguor bound
all his limbs.
! Gradually his experience Of the past day
dawnsd upon his awakened senses. and with
a burst OF gratitude he thanked God for his
preserving and saving mercy.
II must be at Stoke Pero Farm" he SAID.
land most likely through the aid of my
trusty friend. the shepherd"
As the ~weIl-known sounds Of farmhouse
life reached his ears more distinctly. he felt
It impossible To remain still any longer, ana.
rising slowly Qor his limbs were very stn
from the fearful exposure to the wind and
SNOWY, he dressed himself in the clothes
which Mrs. Bake lad laid ready from his
knapsack. Then going TO the window. he
gazed on the scene before him.
A white world! The heavy snowstorm had
been succeeded by a hard frost. upon which
-.
sparkle as though powdered with diamond
Dust.
Straight before him rose the towering
form of Junkerry Beacon. and as oliver
Grey realized that the greatest blessing. as
well as the greatest peril. his life had yet
known had come to him there. he fell on his
knees and. with a heart bursting with love
and devotion. reconsecrated himself to the
God Of his deiiveranca.
Finding a Bible upon his table. he opened
It at the tenth ehapter of John. which he
was quietly reading when a soft tap at the
door aroused him. Rising. he opened it. and
met Mrs. Blake's astonished gaze.
What. up sirr' said the good dame, IN
her surprise. why. 1 was thinking 1 Should
have you to nurse for some days to come:
and how do you feel. sir?'
"why. as full of gratitude as I can hold"
said Oliver. impulsively. taking both her
hands in a strong. warm clasp. and most
anxious to give vent to a little of IT. How
can l thank you all enough? Please take me
quickly to your husband. so that 1 may
hear the whole story. You see. l am tax
Ing 1t for granted that / am at Stoke Pero
Farm. your shepherd having told me OF
your hospitality to wayfarers when he gave
me the warning I so foolishiy neglected"
There. say no more. sir" said the good
dame. wiping her eyes. Evan is a foolish
fellow. though he Is the best shepherd IN
Somerset. But come away. sir: the master
will be glad 10 see you, and no mistake"
Oliver Grey followed her downstairs to the
cory, cheerful kitchen, where he met with
the warmest of welcomes from his host.
who was as surprised as his wife had been
to see i'm sufficiently recovered TO como
down: still Oliver felt enough Ill effects to
be glad to lounge on the comfortable old
settle and watch the ssvory operation or
frying nal and eggs. which progressed
swiftly under Mrs. Blake's skillful fingers.
whilst the farmers burly figure passed in
and out. experimenting the outdoor work
II cannot say to you half that l feet" Oh
liver had said to the farmer on greeting
him. MY thanks lie too deep for words
But the hearty handclasp had satisfied both
men.
When can I see my friend the shepherd.
and the other brave fellows who helped II