The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-03-30
Continued from page 81
BEYOND THE LINES.

tina went into the next room and shut
the door upon herself and her prepar-
atoms, while Abner sat in despairing
wonder. Presently she returned, at
tired for her journey.
Producing an old, thin 'carpet-sack'
from it's hidden retreat in the attic,
she said sharply:
"Abner, don't set there gaping at
me. Go down to the store an buy
me place in the stage for Augusta.
It starts at four, an it's mos three
now. Dye hear?"
Abner heard and obeyed. When he
came back his wife sat on the little
porch, carpet-sack by her side, gazing
down the road where the stage would
be first seen. At last he ventured a
remonstrance.
Mother" She did not heed.
Mother! Don't you know it's mighty
far to Boston, an Charlie long way
from Boston,
Yes, know"
"Mother!" after minute Char:
lies a big piece from New York.
Don't We know" ....
Yes, Abner.'
Her husband waited while, and
then mustered his forces.
Mother, I reckon this here Fred
ericksburg's a hundred miles from
Washington, even. It's terrible
journey, an you've never been fifty
miles from home in your, life"
my boy, Charlie!" sighed Martha,
apparently not hearing her husbands
voice.
Abner got on his feet and went
over to her side. Putting trembling
hand on her shoulder, he said, finally:
Mother, it costs heap to go to
Washington. An you can't travel for
nothin'."
Martha looked at him sharply. Her
voice had ring in it that Abner knew
belonged only to special occasions.
Il know it, Abner," she said. 81
have got all the money in the old
stocking that I've been saving for a
rainy day ever since we were married
Lord have mercy! l reckon it's rainin
as hard this day as it ever will" Her
lips closed tightly.
Il hope the good Lord won't let il
rain any worse!' he calculated
gravely.
Then the stage came.
w.
On the way from the village to
Augusta, Martha Winthrop made the
acquaintance of kindly old gentle
man, and naturally told him of he1
undertaking. Her new friend advised
her to make some effort to secure
letters of Introduction, and asked il
she knew anyone of influence in Port
land and Boston.
mo, not one," said Martha, sadly.
Governor Andrews has a big
heart" remarked the old man. Sup
pose you try to see him in Boston
; Just possibly he may help you to see
the President in Washington
Martha gasped.
That's just what l was a-dreamin
about it," she confessed, 'but
couldn't see my way. I'll try the
Governor" ..
nor was at breakfast next morning
when his bell rang decidedly. The
butler, opening the door, saw an cid
erly woman in very modest dress, an6
at once began to say formally:
Governors at breakfast, CAM
see"
my boy, Charlie, is dying dow1
, there in Virginia." exclaimed the
; woman in a strained voice, pushing
past the astonished butler. 1--WE go
to see him!"
The way to the dining-room was
straight ahead, and in another moment
the door was flung open and Martha
entered. The Governor sat with his
face turned partly towards her, and il
an instant she spoke, holding out bott
hands imploringly:
Governor Andrews, my boy, Char
lie, is dying down there by Fredericks
burg, and I've come all the way from
Augusta. I must go to him, Governor
Won't you help me?"
The sad earnest face, the tearfu
eyes, and the touching appeal in the
broken voice went to the Governor!
, heart.
, my dear madam" he said, gravely
eff there is anything can do I will
do it. But, let me ask, is it wise fol
a lady of your years to undertake thi!
journey?"
, I'm going, Governor, if l have tt
walk"
Governor Andrews smiled approx
ingly. Il think you'll get there" h
said. 'All | can do is to give you
note to the President. If anyone cal
help you reach your son, Mr.. Lincoln
is the man."
= He rang for paper and ink an,
3 hastily wrote brief letter, which b.
! addressed to the President at Wash
2 ington.
r The thanks that Martha gave hin