The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1902-07-19

The mothers eyes were shining with
tears.
The old gentleman blew his nose like
trumpet and then said grayely:
sNo. my boy You don't feed babes
with meat But what came 10 himH
Then Graeme asked me 10 finish the
tale After had finished the story OF
BIliy's final triumph and OF Craig's
part in IL ,fhey sat long silent till the
minister clearing his throat hard and
blowing his nose more like trumpet
than ever. said. with great emphasis
'.Thank God for such man In such
a place! | wish there were more OF Us
like him"
II should like TO see you out there,
sir" said Graeme admlringly. You'd
get them, but you wouldn't have time
for election"
Eyes. yes" said his father warmly:
II should love 70 have chance just
to preach election to those poor lads
Would were twenty years younger"
ut Is worth a mans life.' said
Graeme earnestly.
His younger brother turned his face
eagerly toward the mother. For an
swer she slipped her hand into his and
said softly. while her eyes shone Ike
stars:
"Some day, Jack. perhaps. God
knows"
But Jsck only looked steadily at her.
smiling a little and patting her hand.
You'd shine there. mother" said
Craeme. smiling upon her. "You'd bet
ter come with me-"
she started and said family:
"With your II was the first hint he
had given of his purpose. you are
going back!"
"What-as a missionary?" said Jack.
''Not 10 preach. Jack-I'm not ortho-
dox enough" looking at his father and
shaking his hcad-"but TO build rail
roads and lend q hand to some poor
chap II can" - 's1-.'.ssasE.s-e-.
Gould you not find work nearer
home, my boyf' asked the father.
There is plenty OF both kinds near US
here surely"
"Iots OF work. but not mine, | fear"
answered Graeme. keeping his eyes
away from his mothers face. ~ man
must do his own work"
His voice was quiet and resolute,
and. glancing at the beautiful face at
the end OF the table, saw In the pale
lips and yearning eyes that the mother
was Offering up her firstborn, that an
cient sacrifice. But not all the agony
OF sacrifice could wiring from her en-
treaty or complaint In the hearing OF
her sons. That was for other ears and
for the silent hours OF the night. And
next morning. when she came down TO
meet us, her face was wan and weary,
but IL wore the peace OF victory and a
glory not OF earth. Her greeting was
full of dignity, sweet and gentle, but
when she came 60 Graeme she fingered
over him and kissed him twice, and
that was all that any OF us ever saw
OF that sore fight.
AT the end of the week | took leave
Of them and last Of all OF the mother
She hesltatcd just a moment then
suddenly put her hands upon my shoul
ders and kissed me, saying softly:
"You are his friend You will some
times come TO meY
"Gladly, II | may" | FASTENED to an
swer, for the sweet, brave face was
too much to bear. and till she left u'
for that world of which she was {
part | kept my word, TO my own grea
and lasting good.
When Graeme met me in the city a
the end OF the summer, he brought m'
her love and then burst forth:
"Connor, do you know, / have JUS
discovered my mother. | have neve
known her TIL this summer"
"More fool you" | answered, for OF
ten had /. who had never known |
mother, envied him his.
Eyes; that is true" he answered
shortly. "but you cannot see until yol
have eyes"
Before he set out again for the ives
gave him a supper, asking the me
who had been with rs IN the old val
sity days, was doubtful as 10 tn
wisdom OF this and was persuade
only by Graeme's enger assent TO m
proposal.
.Certainiy; let's have them" he SAID
'T shall be awfully glad to see then
Great'stuff they were."
"But don't know, Graeme. You sc
well. hang it--you know-you're dii
ferent, you know"
~ He looked at me curiously.
- 81 hope can still stand a good sol
per, and II the boys can't stand M
why. can't help IL TIL do anythin
bM roar, and don't you begin to wor
or your menagerie act Now. you hes
mer' n31taHJh 4FsAt
swell, It is rather hard lines tn,
when I have been talking up my lie
for year and then fnally secure hi
he will not roar"
"Serves you right" be replied qui
heartlessly. But I'll tell you VIII
TIL do-rn feedl Don't you worry
he added soothingly. The supper VI
CO."