The log cabin Democrat., 1912-05-02

peasant twirled his cap, as if he were about to go.
 Then the priest rose. There is yet this, however" said he, and walking toward Thord, he took him by the hand and looked gravely into his eyes: God grant that the child may become blessing to you!"
 One day sixteen years later, Thord stood once more in the priests study.
 q have come this evening about that son of mine who is to be confirm. ed tomorrow 'I did not wish to pay the priest until I heard what number the boy would have when he takes his place in church tomorrow said Thord.
 "He will stand number one"
 "So have heard; and here are $1O for the priest"
 "Is there anything else can do for you?" inquired the priest, fixing his eyes on Thord.
 There is nothing else"
 Thord went out.
 Eight years more rolled by, and then one day a noise was heard outside of the priests study, for many men were approaching, and at their head was Thord, who entered first
 The priest looked up and recognized him.
 You come we'll attended this even- ing, Thord," said he:
 T am here to request that the banns may be published for my son; he is about to marry Karen Storliden, daughter of Gudmund, who stands here beside me-"
 Why, that is the richest girl in the parish"
 50 they say" replied the peasant, stroking back his hair with one hand.
 This is now the third time. Thord, that you have come here on your sons account"
 But now I am through with him" ," said Thord. and folding up his pocket book he said farewell and walked away
 The men slowly followed him.
 A fortnight later, the father and son were rowing across the lake, one calm, still day, to Storliden to make arrangements for the wedding.
 This thwart is not secure" said the son, and stood up to Straighten the seat on which he was sitting
 At the same moment the board he was standing on slipped from under him; he threw out his arms, uttered a shriek, and fell overheard.
 Take hold of the oar!" shouted the father, springing to his feet and hold ing out the oar. But when the son had made a cou- pie of efforts he grew stiff. Wait a moment!" cried the father. | and began to row toward his son. Then the son rolled over on his back, gave his father one long look, and sank.
 Thord could scarcely believe it; he held the boat still, and stared at the spot where his son had gone down, as though he must surely come to the surface again. There rose some bub- bles, then some more, and finally one large one that burst; and the lake lay there as smooth and bright as a mir TOT again.
 For three days and three nights people saw the father rowing round and round the spot, without taking either food or sleep; he was dragging l the lake for the body of his son. And toward morning of the third day he found it, and carried it in his arms up over the hills to his gard. It might have been about year l from that day, when the priest, late | one autumn evening heard some one l in the passage outside of the door carefully trying to find the latch. The priest opened the door, and in walked tall, thin man. with bowed form and white hair. The priest looked long at him before he recognized him. It was i Thord.
 Thord laid some money on the table. | The priest counted it.
 Tt is a great deal of money" said he.
 Tt is half the price of my gard. sold today"
 What do you propose to do now, l Thord?'
 Something better They sat there for a while. Thord with downcast eyes. the priest with his eyes fixed on Thord. Presently the priest said, slowly and softly:
 q think your son has at last brought l you a true blessing
 Yes. l think so myself said Thord, looking up, while two big tears l coursed slowly down his cheeks.