The Beaumont enterprise. [volume] (Beaumont, Tex.) 1904-current, 1904-09-12

There stood rude and dingy nut
leaning against the caves OF Knoll
and built of sticks and boards thrown
up by the tide. A ilaring light burned
within, and cleaned through the GREY
ices and the Jagged hole that served
the purpose of window man as
heveled, gray and decrepit, came out
and carefully drew to the rickety door
after him. He paused awhile In con-
temptation OF the night, and listened
TO the mournful breathing OF the SURF
Then he climbed TO the tOpmost point
of the knoll and ga2cd long over the
stretch of water to the distant harDor
where shone the myriad lights OF the
city, and in muslnS, said:
"Ye're there, somewhcre-l Know
yer must bc-drinkih' and rcvelin' ana
spendin' yer bit of money in 1901 =
paradise; while the neglected wife ana
wee one seek asylum of yer decrepit
father"
Then he clenched his bony hands
and muttered, while the night breeze
played about his tattered raiment' lie
looked away along the ribbon III wind
ing white beach and deserted an atom
moving at the waters edge, growing
larger as it advanced; and he watched
# until taking the shape OF man. II
bore around the foot of the Knoll ana
disappeared beneath the overhahgihe
craEs. The watcher descended by the
path he had, come; passing the nut ne
waited in the shadow until the man
again appeared, then stepped out and
blocked his way.
what do YOU want here?" His
tone was harsh and stern.
The other hesitatcd.
"What have We done with the WIG
and wee one?" he continued, harSh
and stern as before.
"She left my bed and board ana TOOK
the youngster with her
Because you neglected and Ill
treated her, aId because you VIII not
work. She came to me yesterday III
her trouble, not knowing otherwhcre.
cts lie--I can get no work to do"
and the younger man tried TO pass
"The lies your own" rcjoined the
elder, ever hard and stern moi so
fast!" and he gripped the other by the
arm. "She wants not you, shca Ill,
and wants rest and quiet, and she shall
not be disturbed"
81 will see hcr-see what she
means" and he thrust the elder man
roughly aside. you cannot harbor a
mans wife. There's law. Besides,
you quarreled with your own VILE
don't forget that" and again he made
to pass.
Stung by the taunt, the elder man
struck out blow, and yet again. Then
they grappled and struggled hercely
in the moan of the surf beneath the
stars until at last by mighty effort
the elder man flung off the younger
and stood alone.
I'm yet your master!" he cried,
breathing sharp and heavily. Never
yet had son the right to judge his
father, far less taunt him with what
he knows naught OF. You speak of a
law 'gainst harboring your wife.
know another law, and hide by it. II
You cannot do for them can, decreplt
as am-and will Go away and come
not nigh me, else perhaps no law may
save you!" And he waited.
Then rose the groveller to his feet
and turned TO go.
Stop" The elder mans tone grew
calmer. "Here, ye may see them, but
do not waken them" and he turned
and led the way into the hut and soft
" drew aside rudcly hung curtain
where the mother and the child lay
swectly sleeping Then they turned
passcd out. and the younger man huns
his head while the other spoke.
Go away and make yourself righ
with God. and search. and when th'
chance comes, though small it be. tak'