The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1907-11-22


youth away from the true God, but
now II vas all plain to him how the
taking Of wives from among b
Processes Of the heather nations
about had led to all manner OF evils.
not only In his own family. but In the
nation as well. Absalom had not the
fear OF the Lord before him. and he
knew now that be had failed to help
his son by precept and example 10
know and serve the true God.
Surely" he exclaimed again, they
will remember my charge 10 deal
gently with the young a Gladly
would ! give my life for him. oh, that
he were restored to me that ! might
help him into the right way. Gladly
will | forgive him all II he will but
turn and serve the God OF Abraham.
q Isaac. and Jacob"
Ills musings were suddenly cut O
by the cry of the Waterman upon the
tower tar above his head.
"A runner. my lord the ktngs" he
shouted.
"Cometh he aloue?' anxiously In
CURED the king. for II 30, there Be
udings Ia hts mouth"
Yea, he r%nnneti alone" was the
reply, and then after a ONE pause
he added. excitedly; Behold, ! see
another man running. and he is also
alone"
III that he so. he also bringeth It'd.
ings,' calculated the king. aud rising
from his seat he paced back and forth
In nervous expectancy.
Me thinketh," shouted down the
watchman again, that the running OF
the foremost IL like the running OF
AhiInaaz the son of Zadok."
God be praised cried David. 'he
ings."
And without waiting TO hear mora
he hurried through the gate and n.
most raa in the direction OF the man
who by this time was In plain view.
The sight OF the king caused the run
ner to redouble his efforts. and ~
he drew within hailins distance. he
shouted:
IAN is WE'LL"
And then as he came hear to the
king he fell upon his face TO tho
ground, exclaiming, as soon as he
could catch his breath:
blessed be the Lord thy God, which
hath delivered up the men that lifted
up their hand against my lord the
king"
The king leaned over eagerly. and
hastily. almost rudely forcing the man
to his feet, demanded. hoarsely:
is the young man Absalom safer"
A blank look OF confusion over
spread the countenance OF Ahimaax,
but he managed to stammer:
when Joab sent the kings serv-
ant Indicating the second runner.
who was o drawing near), and me,
thy servant. | saw a great tumult. but
| knew not what It was
impatiently the king thrust him
aside and FASTENED toward the sec
ond runner, who N no drew near,
shouted:
"Tidings. my lord the king; for the
Lord hath avenged thee this day OF all
them that rose up against thee"
The king lifted his hand with an I'm
patient gesture. demanding with In
sistent voice:
is the young man Absalom safe!
} Tell me! Is the young man Absalom
safe!"
All, what tenseness In that voice!
How the body Of the king fairly
shook with the anxiety which surged
within.
And Cushi answered, letting his
voice fall almost to a whisper, as he
realized the mood of the king:
The enemies Of my lord the king.
and all that rise up against thee to
do thee hurt, be as that young man is
The kings face bIanched, the light
died out Of the eyes, his limbs shook
so that he could scarce stand, and
then with a cry Of anguish he turned
and retraced his steps to the city's
gate. wfinging his hands as he went
lettering along. and crying In an
agony Of despair:
"Oh, my SOL Absalom, my son Abb
SALON.! Would God l had died for thee.
o Absalom, my son, my son!"
It, M4n TI