Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1903-10-21

II W. -Af LII 0ytnXf Tho
voice was strained In It's earnsstness.
] felt thrill OF admir- ton 20 through
me a. the PILOT answered In a sweet.
clear voice: They say 70, Bruce. But
you are not sfrsier'
Bruce kept his eyes on his face and
answered with grave hesitation:
No-not-afrnid-bu I'd like 60 live
a little longer. I've made such a mess
OF IL I'd like to try again" Then he
paused ana his lips quivered a little.
There's my mother, you know" he
adced spologetically. "and Jim" Jim
was bis younger brother and sworn
| churn.
Yes. know. Bruce, but Il won't be
very long for them, too, and it's good
place"
Yes. I believe It aII-always did
talked rot--you'n forgive me thatr'
Don't don't" said Moore quickly,
with sharp pain In his voice. and
Bruce smiled a little and closed his
eyes. saying. I'm tired" But he i'm
mediateiy opened them again and
looked up.
What is itr' asked Moore, smilins
down into his eyes
The Duke" the poor lips whispered.
He is coming" said Moore coof.
IDENTITY, though how he knew I could
not tell But even as he spoke, looking
out OF the window. saw lingo come
swinging round the blufT. Bruce
heard the beat OF his hoofs, smiled,
opened his eyes and waited. The leap
OF joy in his eyes as the Duke came In,
clean. cool and fresh as the morning.
went 10 my heart.
Neither man said a word, but Bruce
took hold OF the Dukes hand in both
OF his. BE was fast growing weaker.
l gave him brandy and be recovered q
little strength.
Il am dying. Duke" he said quietly.
Promise you won't blame yourself"
II can't, old man." said the Duke
with a shudder. Would to heaven !
could"
You were too strong for me and you
didn't think. did you?' And the weak
voice had a caress In II.
mo. no, God knows" said the Duke
hurriedly.
There was n long silence, and agair
Bruce opened his eyes and whispered
THE Pilot"
Moore came 10 him.
Read The Prodigal.'" he said faint
ly, and In MOore's clear. sweet voic,
the music or that matchless story Eel
upon our ears.
Again Bruce's eyes summoned me.
bent over him.
MY letter. he said family: I'm nv
coat
brought to HIM the last letter from
his mother. He held the envelope be
fore his eyes, then handed it 10 me
whispering:
Read"
l opened the letter and looked at III.
words my darling Dayis." Ny tongu.
stuck and not a sound could l make
Moore put out his hand and took 4
from me. The Duke rose TO go out
calling me with his eyes, but Bruc,
motioned him to stay. and he sat dowI
and bowed his head while Moore reaC
the letter.
his tones were clear and steady I'll
he came to the last words. when hi
voice broke and ended in a sob:
And, oh, Davie. laddie, IL ever you
heart turns home again remember IN,
door is aye open, and it's Joy you'll
bring with you 10 US all"
Bruce lay quite still and from hi
closed eyes big tears ran down hi
checks. II was HIS last farewell L
her whose love had been to him tn
anchor TO all things pure here and Z
heaven beyond
| To
hand, put # with difficulty TO his lips
and then. touching the open Bible. b
said between his breaths:
'Its-very like-there's really-n,
fear, is there7"
mo. nor said Moore, with cheerful
confident voice. though his tears wer,
flowing. mo fear or your welcome"
His eyes met mine. bent over him
Tell her and his voice faded away
What shsll tell her?' asked. try
ing TO recall him. But the messag,
~as never given. He moved one HAND
slowly toward the Duke till II touched
his head The Duke lifted his face and
looked down at him. and then he die
beautiful thing for which forgav,
him much. he stopped over and kisset
the lips grown so white, and then tn,
brow. The light came back into tn,
eyes OF the dying man, he smiled onc'
more and smilingly faced toward tn,
great beyond. And the morning afr
fresh from the sun tipped mountain
and sweet with the scent OF the jun
roses, came blowing soft and coo
through the open window upon tn
dead, smiling face. And II seemed al
ting so. II came from the land OF tn
morning.
Again the Duke did n beautiful
thing; for, reaching across his dea,
friend. he offered his hand to the Pilot
mfr. Moore" he said with fne cour
tesy. you are brave man and a goo,
man. 1 ask your forgiveness for mucl
rudeness."
But Moore only shook his head Will
he took the outstretched hand and sal,
brokenly, Don't; can't stand it,
THE Company OF the Noble Sever
will meet no more" said the Duke witt
faint smile.
They did meet, however; but whel
they did the Pilot was In the chair an,
IL was not for poker.
The Pilot had got his grip" as Bill
said.
CHAPTER TX.
GWEN