Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-14

in the darkened room, and they heard her cry out
for her boy. The man staggered with emotion; but
presently he flung himself on his knees by her bed
side and leaned over her in agony of despair.
Mother' he whispered.
And the magic in that whispered name brought
her back once more to the life that was so quickly
ebbing away. My boy!' she cried wildly. oh!
Thank Godl My little boy!' And with an effort
that sorey taxed her feeble strength she threw her
her breast. She talked to him with loving words,
queer prattling baby talk, and tender names that
she had called him long ago. And while she still was
speaking her head dropped back on her pillow and
she fell asleep. His head was beside her, his brown
hair and beard close against her silvery locks So
for long time they STAYED in silence, while or
the other side of the bed the physician stood holding
her pulse and reading in its feeble autterngs the
coming of the end.
At last, when it had almost come she stirred I'm
easily. but did not open her eyes. Robert she
breathed,-" my bonnie, black haired Robert"
The physician fell back. Slowly the raised
his brown head until he met the others stare with
eyes in which great horror rested. And while the
two men faced each other across the bed the woman
died as quietly little child falls asleep.
When her head fell back the young turned
from Martin and reverently kissed her facial
radiant and beautiful with the great peace OF
death Then, still holding her lfeless hand in his
he raised his eyes to the other
Why did you tell me that she was my mother"
he asked in queer lifeless voice
Good God, mani returned Martin. Why did
you Gomez You must have known | the
name Robert Gilroy in the Bible. and thought"
Was she Gilroy's mother, There strange
light in the others eyes.
Yes answered Martin
g He died in prison. continued the man in his
lifeless. Unconditional way. He died unrepentant
He gave me the Bible He paused and turned
again to look the dead face before him.
The physician stepped to his side. 81 But why
did you come here?' he asked. You must have
known
The man raised his eyes. No" he answered
quietly, Il did not. You see. he went on. and his
voice changed queerly, Il thought hoped that
you were messenger of God.
Martin fell back step The strangeness of the
mans words, his odd expression frightened him.
The other did not observe this. but continued in
voice which thrilled with the intense sup
pressed excitement.
Most of my life has been spent in prison. l
what YOU cali iailbird Ever since childhood [
and mother were, and until Gilroy gave that
Bible Christ was only name to mean oath But
in the long loneliness of those prison days read His
promise. and my heart awoke. l who had never
known a friend. had found One-One who forgave
the thief upon the cross, and surely would forgive
too And with His sweet promise in heart
came from prison different l was redeemed"
For moment he stopped speaking. He WIS
one transformed. The care, the pain, the sorrow,
had fled from his face, which now shone with great
light. His words tervently.
:" | came from prison, resolved to live new life.
With all my heart meant to wipe out the past and
be straight and true. But could not get chance.
No wanted to hire convict, The only chance
that people will give Them, he said bitterly, is
chance to steal
But 1 read the book and trusted Him. At last
was starving, and it was all | had left. had to
sell tiny comfort, my friend-for food-to live
But before did so l knet down and told Him why
and asked Him for His help. Lord 1 cried, YOU
see my trouble. Save me, save me! Show
sign Lead me to the right path! Then took the
book and sold it, and afterward YOU came up be-
hind me-"