The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1904-04-22


Ellen the husk! Wen see."
1t was revelation to the man. The
tavern keepers brief speech, meant
no. for his ears, had come upon his
senses as fell the voice of the -iisen
One upon Saul of Tarsus.
We'll seer lie replied, setting his
foot firmly upon the ground, and then
he wendell his way homeward.
On the following morning he said to
his wife,
ELLEN, have you any coffee in the
houseY
Yes, Tom" She did not tell him that
her sister had given it to her. She was
glad to hear him ask for coffee instead
of the old, old cider.
Il wish you would make me a cup
strong and good"
There was really music in Toms
voice, and the wife set about the work
with strange futter at her heart.
Tom drank two cups Of the strong.
fragrant coffee, and then went out
went out with a resolute step, and
walked straight to the great manufac-
tory, where he found NJ. Scott in the
office.
'AIr. Scott, I want to learn my trade
over again"
"Eh-Tom-what do you mean?''
Il mean that it's Tom Darcy, come
back to the old place, asking forgive
ness for the past, and hoping to do
better in the future"
TOM cried the manufacturer
Starting forward and grasping his
hand, ARE you in earnest? Is it really
the old Tom?"
Its what's left Of him, sir, and We'll
have him whole and strong very soon
If you'll only set him at work"
Work? Aye, Tom, and bless you,
too! There's an engine to be set up
and tested to-day. Come with me-"
Toms hands were weak and I'M
steady, but his brain was clear. and
under his skillful supervision the en-
CINE was set up and tested; but it was
not perfect. There were mistakes
which he had to correct, and it was
late in the evening when the work was
complete.
How is it now, Tom?' asked Mr..
Scott, as he came into the testing
house, and found the workmen ready
to depart.
"She's all right, sir. You may give
your warrant without fear.''
GOD bless you, Tom. You don't
know how like sweet music the old
voice sounds. Will you take your
place again?"
wait till Monday morning, sir. If
you offer it to me then 1 will take it,"
At the little cottage Ellen's futter-
ing heart was sinking. That morning
after Tom had gone, she hs found a |
y note in the coffee cup. She knew |
that he had left it for her. She had
been out and bought tea and sugar,
and -four and butter, and bit of ten
der steak; and all day long a ray of |
light had been dancing and shimmering !
before her-a ray from the blessed /
light Of other days. With prayer and |
hope she had set out the tea table and |
waited, but the sun went down and no
Tom came. Eight o'clock-and al
most nine. Oh. was it but a false
glimmer, after all?
Hark! The old step! quick, strong,
eager for home. Yes-it was Tom,
With the old CRIME upon his hands, and
tle odor Of oil upon his garments.
II have kept you waiting, Nellie?"
"Tomr'
81 didn't mean to, but the work
hung on"
TON. ToraI You've been to the old
shop?'
Eyes, and Tn to have The old place,
and
"Oh, Tom
And she threw her arms around his
neck and covered his face with kisses.
Nellie, darling, wait little while,
and you shall have the old Tom back
again"
"Oh, Tom, I've got him now-bless
him! bless him! My own Tommy
husband!- my darlingv'
And then Tom Darcy realized the
full power and blessing Of woman's |
love.
1t was banquet of the gods, was
that supper-of the household gods all |
restored-with the bright angels of |
peace and love and JOY spreading their
wings over the board.
On the following Monday morning |
Tom Darcy assumed his old place at |
the head of the great machine shop, |
and those who thoroughly knew him
had no fear OF his going back into the !
slough and the joylessness.
A few days later Tom met Peter Tin
dar on the street.