Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-03-26

we kin Jest now. but hope TO send him
some more bime by. We had some
money saved up for old age. but we've
been a-dra win on 1t for Tom. and this
Is all there Is left"
When she went out with her dra n
I found myself boiling with lndignn
ton at this WORT HESS scamp who was
sucking the lifeblood out of bis old
father and mother-even his sweet.
heart.
There was visit from the sweet
heart after this to ask for u draft Of
$3.50. which convinced me that Tom
had accepted the last amount she had
sent him. Then one day the old farm.
er came In pale aud trembling. evident
~ Just out Of sickbcd. with the
check OF mortgage company for ST..
600. He asked for draft IN exchange
for II payable 10 this vampire of son
We bankers make II rule To mind our
own business. but had reached a
point where could no longer refrain
from warning this poor old man.
$50 you have mortgagcd your farm
to send money to your SOM" said.
Yes: Toms In powerful need OF
money. The mine he thought was
goin' TO turn out so fine pctered out
lie says II closed up as he went down
instead Of openin'."
And you lost all the money you sent
him for the Development"
Yes. we lost It," replied the old man
with trcmulous voice.
AREN'T you afraid you'll lose this
too?"
Il dunno. Toms got another mine.
He says he's sure o. this"
"0f course It's no business of mine.
but don't like TO see you. an old man
mortgaging your farm to send money
to son who should be giving you
money instead Of you giving It TO him.
Suppose yon can't pay the interest on
the mortgage when II Is due. You will
lose your farm"
The old man stood wiping his face
with n bandanna handkerchief. the pic.
ture OF misery.
81 know what yer mean" he said.
ohh ohC MOb httD any.
thing the boy wants. She never did
! always told her she'd spoil him"
I'm afraid she has spoiled him.
You should know that your son Is not
wasting yonr money at gambling or
something like that and telling you
that he's on the verge Of making a
fortune In a mine before risking any
more money on him."
THAT'S what tell ina"
At this moment the draft was laid
before me. but instead OF handing II
TO him said:
Hadn't you better think this overy"
He stood. his eyes fixed on vacancy.
slowly swaying or lettering. and
knew there was great contest going
on In his mind. Ills love for his boy
conquered
I'm 'bliged TO you. Mr.. Cashier. and
mebbe you're right. but l allus believ.
ed In my Tom. aud can't go back on
him now"
handed him the draft. and he scuf-
fed slowly out of the bank.
The old man must have borrowed
all he could on his farm. considering
the transaction as sale. for he failed
to pay the first interest that fell due
on the mortgage. knew this. because
l saw In newspaper legal notice
OF foreclosure proceedings ON his
fsrm
Well" sighed. laying down the
paper. 'the old man has given his
home to his reprobate son: he has
nothing more TO give. shall not SUI.
fer again al seeing him come into the
bank TO do what | can't prevent his
doing"
The same day ] met the young girl
on the street whom | was sure was
Toms sweetheart. | stopped her aud
asked:
us Farmer Williams turned out OF
house and homc.
mot yet. sir"
"But he will be-"
Il suppose So"
HAS his son sent him anything to
help him?"
No. sir He wrote 10 say that ne
was awful sorry TO see the farm go.
but he could not help it,
HIN. DO You think y son who will
treat his father and mother like that
would treat wife any better:"
Tears came into her eyes. was
ashamed af giving her this useless
pain. ! walked on.
About month after this strapplng
young fellow with fine. manly face
came into the bank and said he wished
to open an account. | assented. ard
he made deposit Of $i9.5O6
"Will You please leave your signo.
turc In this book?' ! said. lie took
up pen aud wrote:
Thomas Williams"
You Tom williams?' exclaimed.
Yes. What do You know about
me:"
"Son Of Farmer williamsY"
Eyes"
sold your miner
"Yes; I've sold mine IN Colorado.