The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-07-04

follows him everywhere"
Mrs. Burns was right. Mark loved the child
passionately. Chris would not be pushed away He
climbed about the newcomer, Rugged him with
his plump arms, stroked his face and covered it
with Kisses taking the solitary lads heart by as
sault.
One day, speaking carelessly, the mother said
to Chris: Take this cup to brother" meaning
Mark. That moment marked an era in the boys
life Chris dubbed him 'brother;' his was
dropped by the household after this and he be-
came one of the home circle.
'He's quiet chap, but reliable" wrote Cousin
Joe to the matron. "Wife says he's real smart
He some scared of the animals at first, but
he's got over that, and never neglects them. Chris
follows at his heels, and calls him brother,
for the matter of that, the rest of us do.
To Mark it seemed that the a
key that unlocked the last of the prison shackles
from his limbs. He Rugged the thought that he
could live in this lovely home with the rest, and
that no one knew what he'd He learned
every day how good it to dwell with people
absolutely true. From the first he was accepted
at that standard-no doubted his word. They
should never have reason he resolved, cnging to
his Chance" drowning to a straw.
Gradually the sullen look vanished, the beetle
brows unbent, the eyes dark eager, full of life
came into evidence. The pure air and good fooo
began to take effect on his miserable body and
Mark grew in every ay-physically, mentally
and morally Like a child, the present became
the reality to him, the past bad. evil dream Yet
sometimes Mark would read a question in the
farmers eyes, and those words he never could
forget would rise and haunt him.
81 could forgive a lad most anything, if I knew
from his lips the worst he'd ever done"
Sometimes he'd start up in the night, thinking
voice shouted these words in his Then he
would resolve to tell all-everything; but the
risk was too great. The he learned how to
appreciate his home and surroundings the more
he dreaded to lose them.
If Mr.. Burns knew he'd been a thief he would
keep Chris away from him. To live now with
out Chris-nothing, nothing should ever MAKE
him tell!
"He's real good boy" said Mrs Burns.
He has nothing to try him." said her husband
Hes so reliableP'
"Still-he is living lie He thinks we don't
know"
December set in with frosh and snow. Chris
began to chatter about Santa Claus and the Christ
mas stocking Mark lapsed into thoughtful
mood, his one desire to get a present for the
child.
Mrs. Burns took him into her confidence, told
him about the tree that was to be surprise which
brother must bring from the forest and let him
drive her into town and help choose the brilliant
nothings that go to make the magic glamour of
a Christmas tree
Mark, with parcels heaped about him in the
buggy, mentally fixing upon the tree he would
find which would rival the one in the TOW shop
absorbed in this happiness, utterly forgetfu1
of the past, suddenly brought to abiect con-
fusion and misery.
AS he drove past saloon near the outskirts of
the town, two men staggered out into the street
Mrs. Burns felt Marks sudden jerk to the reins
DO you know these men, Mark? They are
pointing at you"
No" muttered Mark frowning sullenly
Did he know them? He had endured their bru-
tai company for six months in the Jail. Why were
they here? Their presence terrified him He
shuddered, remembering their boosted evil deeds
for which had they been discovered they must
have hanged MARI becor,e doeoo-.4o - =