The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1906-05-16

OGlleE Watcher naQ come. InlS was
the eldest sister, a maiden fair and
pure. This was her favorite hour,
when often her lover came in this
sacred haunt, and together they ex-
changed VOWS amid the roses and the
moonlight. How lovely was the
earth tonight. She stood still and
thought Of him. Her heart grew glad
and light again after leaving the sick,
she gazed up at the stars and weaved
many dreams. But death came sud-
denly up to her. She did not recoil
from the spirit. Eyes, [ know you,
she said. but see how young l am;
youth and hope are in my heart I am
betrothed; think of the many Joys
awaiting me; think of the dreams of
love, the hopes of maidenhoOd.
but your little brother-his life, "
the spirit said.
"True, [ love him we'll, but" and
she let fall tear on a white rose in
her hand, which dropped to the
ground from her trembling fingers.
No, she, too, was not ready. SO the
spirit left her, and she went back to
her room, where she buried her head
in the pillow and sobbed bitterly.
Midnight. Stiffness, darkness and
mystery. A watcher came out to
breathe the cool air. The brother, a
young man, handsome, strong. Are
you ready?" said Death, softly, to
him. But he had ambitious hopes; he
had the future of the world before
him. All the pleasures of life-the
dreams of happiness, the allurements
of the world-all were his. He could
not give them up. Il am not ready"
he said, and again death left. He
went further into the garden and there
unused long in solitude.
1t was dawn, cold and grey. The
last watcher left the bedside.
The mother silently stole down the
steps. Her pale face told of pain and
grief, even fear. But there was a
mark of resignation upon her brow.
The chilly wind cooled her, as she
watched the first streak of daylight
pierce the sky. What would daylight
bring? A prayer rose to her tremb-
ling lips. 'Oh, God, spare my boy!"
And Death came to her who are
you?" she said. II am Death. Are
you ready? Come with me and the
child shall live" She was vet young
and strong. She thought of all her
children, her dear husband-life was
yet but half begun for her. She had
so much to live fora happy home,
devoted spouse and children. Why
should she leave all behind? But her
little son-his life-was he not the
Youngest? Could she bear to see him
taken from her?
She did not hesitate. She bowed
her head. while single tear fell
from her eye. wv ait, 3" she said,
''Let me see him once more, and then
[ will be ready to follow you. She
left Death in the garden, in the grey
morning shadows. Quickly but noise
lessly she crept back to the little sui
ferer's bed. Tenderly, yearningly, she
gazed upon her darling boy A
pang shot through her heart. She
must leave him. Yes. But he would
live. He moved; his eyes opened for
a minute, and he smiled, whispering,
"Mamma. One soft kiss on his pale
cheek, then she was gone. But at the
door she met another spirit, beautiful
and fair, shining with light. Let me
pass" she said; Il must go with
Death. lr
"Stay," the spirit answered. II
am Life. Your son shall live. Go
back and be happy with him. You
alone were unselfsh, and God hath
sent me to reward your sacrifice "
Thus speaking, the spirit left.
The mother rushed back to her
room. The crisis had passed. Her
boy lived. With a cry of Joy she
feel weeping upon the bed, her face
pressed close to his. The sunbeams
Stole softly like gentle music into the
sick room, and with its pure, fresh
light bathed mother and child in
tender embrace.