Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-05-24
CHAPTER xxx.

TEXT morning Trove was ol IN his way to Quebec Y long y hard Journey in the winte time those days. Leblanc hat
 moved again, so they told him in Que
 bee: this time to Plattsburg. in Clin
 ton county, \. Y. There, however Trove was unable to find the French man. A week of patient inquiry; then
 leaving promises of reward for infor nation, he came away. He had yet an other object of his travels--the prison at Dannemora- and came there of s Sunday morning late in February. Its towers were bathed in sunlight; its shadow lay dark upon the snow. He shivered in the gloom of this shadow as he went up driveway and rang 8 bell. The warden received him kindly
 T wish to see Roderick Darrel-he is my friend" said Trove as he gave the warden letter.
 Come with me-" said the official presently. He is talking to the men, ?
 They passed through gloomy corri- dors to the chapel door, Trove halted to compose himself, for now he could hear the voice of Darrel.
 Let me stand here awhile; I can not go in now," he whispered.
 The voice stopped There was mo- ment of deep silence. Then a stir in the audience-a stir of hands and hand kerchiefs. Trove entered; the chaplain was now reading hymn. Darrel sat behind him on a raised platform, the silken spray upon his brows, long and white as snow, his face thoughtful and serious. The reading over, he came and sat among the men. singing as they sang. The benediction, stir of feet, and the prisoners began to press about him, some kissing his hands. He gave each kindly greeting. It was like the night of the party on Cedar hill. A moment more, and the crowd was filing away. some looking back curiously at Trove, who stood, his arms about the old man.
 Courage, boy" the latter was say ing. .'I know 1t cuts thee like sword, an would to God I could have spared thee even this. Look. In yon high window can see the sunlight. an. be- lieve me, there is not a creature 1t shines upon so happy as l. God love thee, boy; God love thee!'
 He put his cheek upon that of the boy and stroked his hair gently. Then a little time of silence, and the storm had passed.
 "A fine, fine lad ye are" said Oar rel. looking proudly at the young man, who stood now quite composed. Let me take thy hand. Aye, 'tis a mighty arm ye have. an some day, some day, it will shake the towers"
 You will both dine with me in my quarters at l." said the warden.
 Trove turned with look of surprise.
 Thank ye, sor. An mind ye make room for Wit an Happiness" said the tinker.
 Bring them along-they're always welcome at my table," the warden an- swered, with a laugh.
 Know ye not they're in prison now for keeping bad company?' said Dar- rel as he turned. "At 1, boy" he add ed, shaking the boys hand "Ah, then, good cheer an many a merry jest"
 Dar-el left the room, waving his hand. Trove and the warden made their way to the prison office.
 "A wonderful man, said the latter as they went. We love and respect him and give him all the liberty we can. For a long time he has been nurs- Ing in the hospital, and when I see that he is overworking I bring him to my office and set him at easy jobs"
 Darrei came presently, and they went to dinner. The tinker bowed politely to the warden's wife and led her to the table.
 Good friends" said he as they were sitting down. there is an hour that is short O minutes an yet holds a week D pleasure. Who can tell me which hour 1t isy'
 q never guessed a riddle" said the woman.
 Marry. dear madam. 'tis the hour , thy hospitality" said the old man.
 When you are in It." she answered with good humor.
 Fellow travellers on the road to said Darrel. raising his glass. St Peter is fond of smiling face"
 And when you see him you'll make , jest" were the words of the warden.
 For I believe he is a lover O good said Darrel.
 So the dinner went on, others talking 'nly to encourage the tongue of Oar 'el. Trove. well as be knew the old nan. had been surprised by hls forti- ude. Far from being broken. his spir- | was happy. mssterful. triumphant.
 DarreI and Trove went away with he warden. who bade them sit awhile D his ofsce. Tinker and young man were there taking until the day was ,o1e. The warden sat apart. reading. Sow and again they whispered ear lestly. as If they were not agreed. Oar el shskins his forefneer and his head Trove came away ss the dark fell . ad snd thoughtful look upon him
 CHAPTER XXI.