Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1904-04-26
"Thunk God that you did not do ttp

/
on his sons knee. "Yes. want to talk
to YOU" lie said softly. Il heard to-
day of your election to the captaincy
of your company. am very glad OF
1t. and-and am proud to know that
they thought so much Of you"
II was the only one that knew-that
had studied military tactics" STAN
mered the boy.
"Well, that may be. but If they had
not wanted you they would have Sc
lected some one else. don't know
when | have felt so good over any
thing. 1t has made me a boy again. |
have been thinking Of my young days
ever since | heard Of your success.
could never have taken such an honor
as calmly rs you do" The squire was
silent for moment. Then he pressed
| his sons knee tritle nervously and
went on: IL am afraid, son. that have
neglected YOU little lately; that | have
not been in sympathy with your aims
and plans. as was my duty. have let
my own affairs run away with my bet
ter Judgment
"Why, father
mo; wait till | have finished. When
you spoke of your uniform, the other
| day | was busy and did not realize its
| Importance TO you. | am sorry | did
not listen. Jake brought the suit from
| town this afternoon. 1t is very nice.
1t is in your room. have put some
thing in the pockets for you. You will
need money. AS captain Of your COM
pany it would look well for you to en-
tertain them here often. should like
to see you drill your men Oh this lawn.
like all those boys-the last one Of
them. They are fine. manly set. You
ought to be proud to be their command
ing officer"
The young captains eyes were down
cast. He started to speak. but hesitat-
ed. The squire looked at him In sur
prise and laid his hand affectionately
on the boys shoulder.
"Why are you so quiet, sonT
"You are too good to me, and I don't
deserve it after
The words were spoken almost with
sob. Melville rose abruptly, walked to
he end of the long veranda and stood
half hidden from his fathers sight by
the low hanging honeysuckle vines.
From the negro quarter came on the
gentle breeze the soft. faraway twang
Of a banjo. the jingle Of tambourine.
the clatter Of dancing feet. Mrs Howe
sang softly as she came down the
broad stairs and went into the parlor.
"Son, come to me-"
Slowly the boy retraced his steps and
stood beside his fathers chair.
II want you to tell me what Is the
matter with you" said the squire.
The boy sank on to the railing of the
baluster and swung his foot nervously
to and fro. Mentally he was fighting
something. and he soon conquered.
"Father." he began. 81 must make
confession. If don't shall not 90 to
sleep tonight. ] was ashamed to nc
knowledge to the boys that ! could not
tdlSe the GiOlty u puS ioi NY uh'ioi h1'
and | was going to sell load Of our
wheat. Nanny saw me when ! was
filling the sacks in the barn and per-
suaded me not TO do it."
The boy paused. His father started
suddenly. and an expression Of bewil-
dered pain darted across his fine face.
He seemed unable to speak for "a mo
ment Then he leaned forward and
clasppd his sons hand impulsively. His
eyes were moist. and his voice qua
vered.
"Thank God that you did not do it"
he said fervently. ut would have been
unworthy of our name. ! am very
glad you did not do 1t; very glad. You
would not have been tempted so far II
| had been more thoughtful. There; !
hear your mother at the piano. Don't
think any more about 1t. I'll tell you
something. Go put on your uniform
and come down and surprise her IT
will be a good joke. Hurry up. before
she leaves the parlor.
NANNY saved him" said the old
man to himself as the boy turned away.