The log cabin Democrat., 1912-05-28
The Father

told was the wealthiest and most in fuential person in his parish; his name was Thord Overaas. He appeared in the priests study one day, tall and earnest.
 T have gotten son." said he, "and wish to present him for baptism"
 What shall his name be-"
 "Finn-after my father.'
 And the sponsors?"
 They were mentioned, and proved to be the best men and women of Thord's relations in the parish.
 ''Is there anything else?" inquired the priest, and looked up.
 The peasant hesitated little.
 T should like very much to have him baptized by himself" said he, finally.
 That is to say on week day?"
 Next Saturday, at 12 o'clock noon."
 ''Is there anything else?" inquired the priest There is nothing else;" and the 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 T 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 heard what number the boy would have when he takes his place in church tomorrow" said Thord.
 He will stand number one'
 'So 1 have heard; and here are s10 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 well 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 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. Thoru couid 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 l surface again. There rose some bub- l bles, then some more, and finally one l 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 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 from that day, when the priest, late one autumn evening, heard some one in the passage outside of the door carefully trying to find the latch. The priest opened the door, and in walked a tall, thin man, with bowed form and white hair The priest looked long at him before he recognized him. It was Thord.
 Thord laid some money on the table. The priest counted it.
 Tt is great deal of money" said he.
 Tt is half the price of my gard. I 1 sold today"