Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1903-11-14

MIN.
why don't you send him homer de-
manded Mrs. Tindar. with an impatient
stamp of the foot.
Hush, Betsy! He's got money. Let
him be, and he'll be sure to spend II be-
lore he goes home. I'll have the kerr
mel OF the nut, and his wife may have
the husk!"
With sniff and a snap Betsy turned
away, and shortly afterward Tom Oar.
cey lifted himself upon his elbow.
"Ah, Tom. are you awaken"
Eyes"
Then rouse up and have a warm
glass"
Tom got upon his feet and steadied
himself.
mo. Peter, I won't drink any more
tonight"
1T won't hurt you. Tom-just a
glass"
L know 1t won't" said Tom, button.
Ing up his coat by the only solitary
button left 81 know it won't"
And with this he went out into the
chill air of the night. When he got
away from the shadow Of the tavern he
stopped and looked up at the stars. and
then he looked down upon the earth.
Ay," he muttered, grinding his heel
In the gravel. Peter Tindar is taking
the kernel and leaving poor Ellen the
husk, and l am helping him to do it.
l am robbing my wife Of joy robbing
my children of honor and comfort. rob-
bling myself of love and life-iust that
Peter Tindar may have the kernel and
Ellen the husk! Well see"
1t was revelation to the man. The
tavern keepers brief speech, meant not
for his ears, had come upon his senses
as fell the voice of the Risen One upon
Saul of Tarsus.
We'll see," he repeated. setting his
foot firmly upon the ground, and then
he wendell his way homeward.
On the following morning he said
to his wife:
"Ellen, have you any coffee In the
house?"
Eyes, Tom"
She did not tell him that her sis
ter had given it to her. She was glad
10 hear him ask for coffee, instead
Of the old, old cider.
Il wish you would make me a cup
good and strong"
There was really music in Toms
voice. and the wife set about the work
with a strange flutter in her heart.
Tom drank two cups of the strong,
fragrant coffee. and then went out
went out with a resolute step. and
walked straight to the great manufac-
tory, where he found Mr.. Scott in the
Office.
MIR. Scott. want to learn my trade
over again."
Eh, Tom, what do you mean?"
Il mean that it's Tom Darcy, come
back TO the old place. asking forgive
ness for the past, and hoping to do
better in the future"
Toni" cried the manufacturer,
starting forward and grasping his
hand, ARE you in earnest? Is it
really the old Toni?"
It's what's left of him, sir. and we'll
have him whole and strong very soon.
If you'll only set him to work"
Work! Aye. Tom, and bless you
too There is an engine to be set IN
and tested to-day. Come with me-
Toms hands were weak and un-
steady, but his brain was clear, and
under his skillful supervision the en-.
CINE was set up and tested. but Il was
not perfect There were mistakes
which he had to correct, and it was
late in the evening when the work was
complete.
How it is now, Tom?" asked Mr.
Scott, as he came into the testing house
and found the w0fknien ready to depart.
She's all right, sir. You may give
your warrant without fear"
God bless you, Tom. You don't
know how like sweet music the old
voice sounds. VIII you take your
place again?"
wait till Monday morning, sir. II
you will offer it TO me then, / will
take it,
AT the little cottage Ellen Darcey's
huttering heart was sinking. That
morning, after Tom was gone. she had
round a two-dollar bill in her coffee
cup. She knew that he left it for her.
she had been out and bought tea and
sugar and -four and butter and BIT of
tender steak; and all day long a raw of
'SHS hbu OSSA adnCluS ana Summing
before her-a ray from the blessed light
of other days. With prayer and hope
she set out the tea table and waited
but the sun went down, and no Tom
came. Eight o'clock, and almost nine.
Oh. was it but a false glimmer, after
all?
Hark! The old step! strong, eager for
home. Yes, it was Tom, with the old
Crime upon his hands, and the odor of
oil upon his garments.
Il have kept you waiting, Nelne?"
Toni"
Il didn't mean to, but the work hung
on"
Tom, Tom! You have been to the
old shop"
Yes, and I'm to have my old place
and"
"Oh, Toni"
And she threw her arms round his
neck and covered his face with kisses.