Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-03-14
CHAPTER XXI.
The Judges Grandson.

In that bare upper room tney na0
shared, the Judge, crushed and bro.
ken, watched beside the bed on which
the dead man lay; unconscious OF the
flight OF time he sat with his head
bowed in his hands, having scarcely
altered his position since he begged
those who carried Mahaffy up the
narrow stairs to leave him alone with
his friend.
He was living over the past. He
recalled his first meeting with Ma
haffy In the stuffy cabin Of the small
river packet from which they had
later gone ashore at Pleasantyille; he
thanked Sod that it had been given
him to see beneath Solomon's forbid
ding exterior and into that starved
heart! He reviewed each phase or
the almost insensible growth Of their
intimacy; he remembered Mahatfy's
fine true loyalty at the time OF his ar
rest-he thought OF Damon and
Pythias-Mahary had reached the
heights OF q sublime devotion; he
could only feel ennobled that he had
inspired It,
At last the dusk OF twilight IN
.vaded the room. He lighted the can
dies on the chimneypiece, then he re-
sumed his seat and his former attl-
tude. Suddenly he became aware OF
small hand that was resting on his
arm and glanced up; Hannibal had
stolen quietly into the room. The
boy pointed to the still figure on the
BED.
Judge, what makes Mr.. Mahaffy lie
so ouiet--is be dead?" he asked in q
whisper.
YES. dear lad began the judge in
a shaking voice, as he drew Hannibal
toward him. your friend and mine is
dead-we have lost him" He lifted
the boy into his lap. and Hannibal
pressed a tear-stained face against
the Judges shoulder. "How did you
get here?" the Judge questioned gent.
ly.
Uncle Bob fetched me-" said Han
IlS tON uUI NC
didn't tell me Mr.. Mahaffy was dead"
I'VE have sustained great loss,
Hannibal, and we must never forget
the moral grandeur of the man. Some
day, when you are older, and | can
bring myself to speak OF 1t, will tell
you OF his last moments" The Judges
voice broke, thick sob rose choking
~ In his throat. Poor Solomon! A
man of such tender feeling that he hid
1t from the world, for his was rare
nature which only revealed itself to
the chosen few he honored with his
love" The judge lapsed into a NO
mentary brooding silence, IN Which
his great arms drew the boy closer
against his heart. Dear lad, since l
left you at Belle Plain very aston
fishing knowledge has come to me.
1t was the Hand Of Providence see
it now-that first brought us togeth-
er. You must not call me judge any
more; I am your grandfather-your
mother was my daughter"
Hannibal instantly sat erect and
looked up at the judge. his blue eyes
wide with amazement at this extraor-
binary statement.
1T is u very strange story, Hanni-
bal, and It's links are not all in my
hands. but am sure because or wnat
. airsSuy hDOT. /, TnS thought tnaC
mot 8 drop or my blood flowed IN any
veins but my own, live again in you.
DO you understand what ! am telling
YOU? You are my own dear little
grandson" and the judge looked
down with no uncertain love and pride
into the small face upturned to his.
II am glad If you are my grand
father, judge said Hannibal very
grayely. Il always liked you
Thank you, dear lad" responded
the Judge with equal gravity, and then
as Hannibal nestled back in his grand
fathers arms single big tear drop
ped from the end of that gentleman's
prominent nose.
There will be many and great
changes in store for u.s. continued
the Judge. But as we met adversely
with dignity, I am sure we shall be
able to endure prosperity with equani,
mity-only unworthy natures are al
rected by what is at best superficial
and accidental. I mean that the
blight of poverty is about to be lifted
from our lives"
do you mean we amt going to be
pore any longer, grandfather" asked
Hannibal.
The judge regarded him with In
finite tenderness OF expression; he
was profoundly moved.
Would you mind saying that again
dear lad?"
DO you mean We amt going to be
pore any longer, grandfather" re
peated Hannibal.
II shall enjoy an adequate compe
tency which I am about to recover. II
will be sufficient for the Indulgence OF
those simple and intellectual tastes
propose to cultivate foT the future