Courier Democrat., 1904-12-29

The eager appeal in his voice and
the wistful longing in the wide open.
Startled eyes were too much for
Moore. He backed behind me and
could hear him weeping like baby.
Bruce heard him too.
"Is that the Pilot!" he asked. In
stantly Moore pulled himself up, wiped
his eyes and came round to the other
side of the bed and looked down. smil-
ing.
"Do you say am dying:" The
voice was strained in its earnestness.
felt thrill Of admiral ton go through
me us the Pilot answered in u sweet,
clear voice: They say so. Bruce. But
you are not afraidT
Bruce kept his eyes on his face and
answered With grave hesitation:
Observation-Disclosures I'd like to live
q little longer. I've made such a mess
Of it I'd like to try again." Then he
paused and his lips quivered little.
''Theres my mother, you know" he
added apologedcally, land Jim" Jim
was his younger brother and sworn
chum.
"Yes, know. Bruce, but 1t won't be
very long for them. too. and it's good
place."
Eyes. believe 1t all-always did
talked rot-you'll forgive me that?'
"Don't, don't" said Moore quickly.
with sharp pain in his voice. and
Bruce smiled little and closed his
eyes, saying. I'm tired" But he i'm
mediately opened them again and
hooked up.
"What Is it?' asked Moore. smiling
down into his eyes.
'The Duke" the poor lips whispered.
"He is coming" said Moore conf
dently, though how he knew could
not tell. But even as he spoke, looking
out Of the window. l saw Jingo come
swinging round the bluff. 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 to my heart.
Neither man said word, but Bruce
took hold Of the Dukes hand in both
Of his. He was fast growing weaker.
I gave him brandy and he recovered
little strength.
Il am dying, Duke" he said quietly.
"Pro::iise you won't blame yourself"
II can't. old man." said the Duke.
with Il shudder. would to heaven I
could
You were too strong for me and you
didn't think. did you?" And the weak
voice had a caress in it
no. no. God knows" said the Duke
hurriedly.
There was long silence, and again
'.The Pilot
Moore came to him.
Read The Prodigal.'" he said faint
ly, and in Moore's clear. sweet voice
the music Of that matchless story fell
upon our ears.
Again Bruces eyes summoned me. l
bent over him.
My letter." he said family; lin my
coat
brought to him the last letter from
his mother He held the envelope be-
fore his eyes. then handed it to me.
whispering:
Read"
I Iopened the letter and looked at the
words My darling Davie." My tongue
stuck and not sound could l make.
Moore put out his hand and took it
from me- The Duke rose to go out,
calling me with his eyes. but Bruce
motioned him to stay. and he sat down
and bowed his head while Moore read
the letter.
His tones were clear and steady till
he came to the last words. when his
voice broke and ended in sob:
"And. oh. DAVE. laddie, If ever your
heart turns home again remember the
door is aye open. and its joy you'll
bring with you to us all
Bruce lay quite still and from his
closed eyes big tears ran down his
cheeks. Il was his last farewell to
her whose love had been to him the
anchor to all things pure here and to
heaven beyond.
He took the letter from Moore's
hand. put it with difficulty to his lips,
and then. touching the open Bible. he
aaid between his breaths:
'Its-rery ,ike-there's really-na
fear. Is there:'
'No, no.' said Moore. with cheerful.
confident voice. though his tears were
flowing. mo fear OF your welcome"
His eyes met mine. bent over him.
Tell her and his voice faded away
what shall tell herr asked. try
ing to recall him. But the message
was never given. He moved one hard
slowly toward the Duke till 1t touched
his head The Duke lifted his face and
looked down at him. and then be did
q beautiful thing for which forgave
him much. He stopped over and kissed
de lips grown so white. and then the
brow. The Hight came back into the
eyes Of the dying man, he smiled once
more and smilingty faced toward the
great beyond. And the morning air.
fresh fsem ths san typed mountains
and sweE with fhs scent Of the June
Eusss, eans b,sWfng soft and coo1
ehnaA - o WfndoW mon ~