The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-10-15
AT THE GATE OF MERCY
BY WALTER HARPER.

years ago l killed a man-tbe best friend l had-a neighbor It was in the heat of passion with which nature had cursed me and which had been cultivated. q murdered him and laughed as his glazing eyes turned on me with mingled pity and reproaeh. Oh. Cod l have never been able to forget that look!
 His 10 year old boy was the only wit ness to my crime and when 1 turned to ! flee from my murderous work l caught sight of the horror in his innocent face. As 1 stopped to look again the boys ex- pression turned to one of determined hate. Looking into that face for a moment I realized the full weight of my deed and that if the law did not oVertake me with just punishment the boy would.
 "I fled from the place, hurried with my wife and you hundreds of miles to hide in this wilderness. Within few months my wife died and left Us alone you and l. My wifes grave is there on the side of the mountain. The memory of her sad, sweet face reproaches mo tonight. For all these years l have wait ed-T for that boy and his vengeance to overtake me and my child.
 All these sixteen years the boy has searched the world for me. I have never seen him since that dark day but have heard from him often. He Is as tire less in his purpose as the winds that sweep the forest tonight and should I live he would find me some day. Though I feel that I should die at his hands l this death is mercfu to me and I am glad that my end is approaching. I hope he will know some day how I have suf- fered in life and was tortured In dying ,"
 
 For several minutes I sat speechless. l Cold perspiration stood on my brow and ] my limbs were numb with strange pa | ralysis Without a word of response or f..ta Nod ax.d 4Jna old m "a story through and had gazed into those 1 wild eyes as if facinated The girl had 1 looked first into Ter fathers face and ! then into nine with awe-stricken won- l der. Inconscously her hands had stolen into mine and were clinging to my fingers as for protection
 Contending emo ions warred in my | heart and right there I fought the fereest 1 battle of my life and won the victory. l Pity for the broken life before me and the 1 girls desolatiGn worse than death pie ad at the tribunal of my conscience and I yielded. reinquishing the ambition of a 1 lifetime.
 The old man attempted to speak again. l placed my ear close to his lips He seemed to rally for a time. Young man, I know you are good and kind. Your face tells me that. See that my poor ehil Is l ta'-"n e7re of Wil you promise me?" The storm outside seemed to renew It's fufy. Far up the gulen heard the roar of contending clements. The cabin trem- bled. The girls eyes that had dried through terror were again fearful and she chung closer to me
 l readily promised all that the dying man asked and leaning close to his ear l whispered. John Harmon, you are dy- ing. Within an hour your soul will be on 1 its way to the judgment where justice is true and certain. I pray that the Great Judge will grant you mercy. Before you go I want you to know that the boy who has sought vengeance all these years has forgiven you. and more than that. will care for and protect your child. As that boy would plead for mercy for himself he asks mercy for you"
 The wretehed man struggled violently as he realized the full meaning of my words. First there was a look of terror. then peace came over his countenance and he died ...-.., z. tsft.f
 
 Ohio, are visiting Mrs. Jennings parents, hlr, and Mrs. Goodman.
 Miss Nell of -.rmingham is visiting relatives. ........0.
 Miss Augusta Gibson is in Marion