, 1903-02-13
Leon, Son Of Simon.
BY II. L. COIN.

Copyright. 1893. by Daily Story Pub. Coz
So far as his mercantile pursuits
were concerned. Simon Jonas vas an
most prosperous merchants OF the city
and his establishment, built ny by
degrees, had obtained a height suf-
icieEt to place Simon in an independ-
ent position. But in private life
Simon was orthodox; the Threshold
Of his home was the dividing line be-
tween old and new customs.
His faithful wife, Deborah, was as
careful to preserve the faith as was
Simon. To no servant would h en-
trust the purchase of supplies and her
self guarded the kitchen to avoid the
possibility of Trafa. or, unbecoming
food. being served.
Ten years of married life had
passed before Simon II Deborah
were blessed with a child. 1t was a
boy and upon its baby face could be
plainly traced the outlined marks OF
Semitic ancestry. In 1t Ceem7d to cen
| ter all of their ambitions and their
hopes and when, after a month of pa
tient care. their joy was ended and the
| little one had gasped away the life so
recently given it. their grief knew no
bounds.
The morning after the funeral of
the little one, Simon was awakened
by the ringing of the door bell. The
| unusual hour caused him to answer
the call in person. A policeman stood
on the steps, awkwardly holding a
wailing infant in his arms.
"Well?" asked Simon, sternly.
Didn't like to disturb you, Mister
Jonas, but | found the kid here on
your porch. Do you know whose
1t is?"
NO." was the cold answer.
"Well. say, can't l leave 1t here
while | SEND for the patrol helplessly
inquired the embarrassed minion.
I'VE are a house of mourning; here
1t can not remain" said Simon, start
ing to close the door.
"Simon!"
He turned and saw Deborah beside
him. her great black eyes burning.
Simon, let the child remain; at
least until it Is sent for
Week after week passed and no one
claimed the founding. At last De
borah opened her heart to her hus.
band; she wanted to adopt the child.
Naturally Simon demurred and the
controversy was not settled until after
the rabbi had been summoned.
HE comes not from Yahoodum,,.
said the minister, detecting none OF
the usual characteristic Jewish fea,
lures in the little face before him.
but he may become one; can we
not raise him as a Jew" asked De
borah.
The child was adopted. He became
Leon Jonas.
As has been stated, Simon and De
borah were exclusive. While in bust
ness circles. Simon was even popular,
socially the couple had %ostracized
themselves. They were members OF
the Temple Israel congregation and to
the maintenance of the church Simon
contributed liber9lly. ihe church, yyaf
orthot and itst members the same
The { ,hodox Jew being often Of the
poorer class, in order to avoid un
pleasant complications, Simon did moi
encourage his brother worshippers
acquaintance.
Leon was now twenty-one year,
old. No children had come after the
little n whose place he had filled.
1t was on the evening of the day SET
apart as Icons birthday that the
three sat about the family table. en-
gagged in the evenings repast. True
to the Jewish custom, both men GOV
cred their heads during the meal BY
wearing their hats.
what shall l give you for your
birthday, Leon?" asked Simon.
Former acts of kindness had taught
Leon of Simon's generosity SO ex
pectantly, his only nsw was a boy
ish laugh.
Tomorrow your mother and l arr