The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1903-04-22

over the events that had become h1s-
tory after the fire, he at last came to
Barton's desk and the disposal OF its
contents. There was almost no cor
respondence. \ simple formal note ad-
dressed to Miss Andrews asked her
to accept the furniture, pictures and
books and use them in whatever way
seemed best to her. Any stranger
might have written it. AS Gordon read
the cold, formal statement he said to
himself, "She will never know-I sup
pose it's all right-but oh, David, to
think Of dying OF hunger"
One Of the letters from Mrs. Efang-
ham had been opened. 1t was dated
eight days earlier than the other, which
had come to Barton on the day Of his
death, and still remained unopened.
The first lettel was written in a fine,
close style, but remarkably legible and
free from waverng or uncertain end
ings.
Mr.. David Barton:
Ny Dear Sic-The promise made to
your friend Mr.. Gordon that would
write you after seeing my grandson is
promise take pleasure in fulfilling here
with
My grandson has recovered his health
to a large degree, but the physicians say
he must remain in this climate or he Will
be in danger Of a collapse. This IS dis
appointment to me personally. as hao
hoped to take him back with me to Sa-
lem. The Lord and sometimes the physi-
clans know better than We do. and I am
resigned to the Lords will anyhow and
to the doctors unless this is scheme
on their part to make something out Of
my grandson's case. I shall stay here un-
til find out.
Mr.. Barton, sir. words Of mine cannot
say to you the deep gratitude I feel for
the great kindness you showed my poor
wandering grandson. When you stopped
him that night and put your hand on his
shoulder and said a loving word to him.
you saved him from something worse
than death Of the body. He was ,on the
point of cursing God and dying. The Lord
bless you. sir, and give you peace.
Now, realize Of course. that you are
not one to desire reward other than that
which comes to every brave soul that does
its duty, but am rich old woman, with
no relatives except this boy out here, and
7 would count it a great honor to be priVi-
legged to do asnethinS with a portion Of
my means in some way that you might
suggest. In city Ike yours there are. OF
course, very many causes that appeal to
your humanity. What makes your heart
ache the hardest? Let me know where
few thousand dollars will do the most
good. I have looked into your face. sir.
though you never saw mine, and know
full well that the time here with you IS
brief Thank God, sir, it has been brave.
When you and I meet on the other side,
the fifty and FIVE odd years difference IN
our lives will not be any gulf between US,
for my heart has never grown old. and
shall be rejoiced to count you among the
noble friends who have made llfe worth
while. The captain will be glad to meet
YOU Tell him 7 have not forgotten how
he looks and hope he has not changed
oveTmuch! I am, sir. with great respect
and gratitude. faithfully yours.
MRS CAPT. GEORGE EFFINGHAM.
The allusion to the captain made
Gordon smile little. But his face re-
gained its usual quiet seriousness as
be took up the second letter and slow
ly opened and read it.
Mr. David Barton:
Ny Dear Friend-I hasten at once to
answer your reply to my letter, for your
words assure me that the days are few
for you on the earth. God grant you
peace, sir, both Of mind and spirit.
What you say about your friend Mr..
Gordon and the work he is doing interests
me exceedingly. have read a little about
Miss Andrews. and believe in what she
IS doing. If either she or Mr.. Gordon will
write me stating the immediate needs OF
the settlement. I will send something.
The only condition I make is request
that my name be not used anywhere In
connection with the gift. I don't want to
see my name over a doorway, The Mrs.
Captain George EftaSham Retreat or
THE Mrs. Captain George Efhngham
Free Reading Room and Library Aside
from that don't care what is done Win
the money; only I want to know how
mucn will do something real well. like
the idea Of putting it into something that
will help children. Why on earth any
one wants to live in city II he can IlFe
anywhere else is a puzzle to me, but after
they once get there I suppose we can
ask too many questions about IT; at
least asking the questions will not relieve
the situation that has already been made.
am sure the captain Will be pleased
with the use made OF his money. If he
ASKS You al! QuesliOl4S ABOUT II, lel1 G4AiA
I have saved enough 10 bury my poor old
BODY decently and left .he house and fur
nishincs 10 the East India Marine nnu-
scum. He need not worry about any
thing!
II YOU are rot able to answer this. turn
+ha whole matter over to your friend. I
shall await letter from him or from
Miss Andrews The Lord bless you, Sir.
and NAV he meet you himself as you pass
over. With respect and affection, your
MRS. CAPT. GEORGE EFF1NGHAN.
John Gordon reread this letter with
glistening eyes. The hand of David
Barton seemed to reach out Of the
shadows and grasp his Own With MS