The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1911-11-09

had splendid workshop in the rear
Il wonder how the house looks at
moonlight" Emil thought the first
night after it had been finished, and
although it was very late, he went
there to have a look at it
He opened the door and went inside.
1t was strangely quiet and silent there
as he went through all the empty
rooms. The moonlight flooded the
floor and made the shavings near the
door look like silver. Emil went to
window and looked out. He thought
little Of his parents poor little
house, but forced himself to think OF
something else and went home.
Just before daybreak ne was awak-
ened by hearing the fire bells ringing
He put on his clothes and rusne0 OUT,
a strange fear gripping his heart. AS
soon as he came out in the street ne
heard that it was his own new house
that was aire, and he reached there
just in time to see the walls cave in
When he came to his parents house
next day his mother looked pale and
worried as she came out TO meet him
Il happened to think, Emil" she
said, that you are in the habit OF
throwing away your cigar without put
ting it out"
What do you say, mother? Do you
want to get me into trouble?' ne cried
angrily, but her words worried him
considerably. Had he been smoking
the night before? Yes, he remembered
that he had lighted a cigar as he went
out to look at his house.
After a while a policeman came.
You will have to come TO court
again, Knudsen," he said; I'VE think
we are on the right trail now"
Emil" called his father from the
bed, come over here Bow down your
head, my boy, and we will pray to
God that he will guide you today"
Emil did so reluctantly.
When he came into the courtroom
the judge nodded to him encouraging
ly. AT the bar stood one of the brick
layers he had discharged, who stared
at him with an evil expression in
his eye.
A witness testified that Sivertsen,
the bricklayer, had been seen sneak
ing around the house at o'clock.
Two men swore he had threatened to
get even with Knudsen.
Emil stood very quiet. He was
deadly pale. Two forces were strug-
Cling within him. Then he suddenly
remembered his fathers face as he
was praying.
Between 8 and TO-" he said in a
clear, distinct voice, but l was there
later, about IL. And there is another
thing which l happened TO think OF
after l left here. / was smoking when
L was inside the house and l may
mic
some shavings l remember seeing near
the door. That is ALL"
There was deep silence in the court
room. All eyes were riveted on him.
This testimony will of course eff
feet the question Of insurance" the
judge said.
"Of course" Emil said MAY / go?"
Outside in the hall he felt strong
hand on his shoulder and Eriksen,
the painter, whispered. God bless you,
my boy. You did the right thing.
am sure you will soon get a new
house on much firmer foundation
He felt greatly relieved himself and,
as he threw himself down at his faith
er's bedside, be thanked him tor hav-
ing shown him the way.
A moment later Ingeborg came in.
Father has told me everything,
she said. ut is as if you had returned
from a long journey. Emil, I an
proud of you"
Il called it our house, Ingeborg.
She blushed and said:
i never liked that house 1t wa
as II what ought to have been brea,
had been turned into stone"
And you were right, Ingeborg. Blu
now L have only two empty hands
so you dare, Ingeborg."
Now l dare, Emil, for now know
what is in you"