The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1912-06-13
The Father


( Il have gotten son" said he, IAN
l wish to present him for baptism"
What shall his name be-"
"Finn-after my father"
and the sponsors?'
, They were mentioned, and proved t
be the best men and women of Thord'
relations in the parish.
us there anything else?" inquired
the priest, and looked up.
The peasant hesitated a little.
Il should like very much to havt
him baptized by himself" said he
finally.
That Is to say on week day."
Next Saturday, at IL o'clock noon.
rs there anything else?" inquired
the priest.
There is nothing else;" and Il
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
a blessing to you'll"
One day sixteen years later, Thord
stood once more in the priests study
Il have come this evening about
that son of mine who is to be confirm
ed tomorrow" 81 did not wish to pay
the priest until heard what number
the boy would have when he takes his
place in church tomorrow" said
Thord.
HE will stand number one"
$50 | have heard; and here are $40
for the priest"
is there anything else I can do for
your inquired the priest, fixing his
eyes on Thord.
There is nothing else"
Thord went out.
Eight Years more rolled by, and then
one day 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 well attended this even
ing, Thord," said he.
Il 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"
so 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 | 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" sale |
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
shrek, 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.
ttJUoit a |
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
.hough he must surely come to the
surface again. There rose some bub
1les, then some more, and finally one
arge one that burst; and the lake lay
here as smooth and bright as a mir
or again.
For three days and three night.
PEOPLE saw the father rowing round
md round the spot, without taking
ither food or sleep; he was dragging
he lake for the body of his son. AnG
oward morning of the third day he
ound it, and carried 1t in his arms
p over the hills to his gard.
1t might have been about year
rom that day, when the priest, late
ne autumn evening, heard some one
4 the passage outside of the door !
arefully trying to find the latch. The I
riest opened the door, and In walked {
tall. thin man, with bowed form and
'hite hair. The priest looked long at
i'm before he recognized him. 1t was !
hord. {
Thord laid some money on the table. Z
he priest counted 1t.
1T is great deal of money" said !
2. (
1T is half the price of my gard. l s
I'D today" I
What do you propose to do now, 5
hord?' Z
Something better" s
They sat there for while, Thord I
18th downcast eyes, the priest with )
s eyes fixed on Thord. Presently (
e priest said, slowly and softly: 5
II think your son has at last brought
NJ true blessing"
Eyes, l think SO myself" said I
lord, looking up. while two big tears )