Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-09
DAD

It was a. small Eare room in a little house on the outskirts of the town. At a tiny windew sat AIr. Ramsey look ing out into the narrow street. He was old and sriSsled. with Wrinizied cheek and dropping chin. EiA had lived here with his only son since DIS Wl1e s, oieu. seven years old. He idol4Eed his boy, who was his only stay. He was too feeble to do much work himself, but Mark brought in money and they man. aged to keep along.
 MT. Ramsey arose, Shut6ed across the floor. put a. few pieces of wood in the small stove and lit a fire. Then he set on the teapot and put over a few potatoes to boil.
 ssThe boy'u be coming in soon," he rnurnbled. ssan' he'll want his supper. He's 8 good boy is Mark. His ma d be proud of him if sine could sec him now
 Almost as he spoke the words there was a knock and the door was pushed hastily open. Two men entered, bear ing burden.
 ssae was hurt in a ball game" they explained to the frightened father. s<Wefve summoned doctor: he'll pe here soon Keep up courage" they ada ed. The may be only stunned.
 water and did all in thsar power till help arrived. The doctor made an ex- animation and shook his head
 Its one of those football accidents, ' he affirmed; it's a rough game. I'll do all can for your son, MT. Ramsey, but l must be frank and tell you the truth. The case looks serious"
 The doctor gave directions and left, saying he would send some one to help care for the patient. The old man left alone, came to realization of what had R-s~ -f.1R Ia He sank on his knees by the bed and moaned. Speak to me-" he begged; tits Dad-speak, my boy, speak to mel
 At the sound Of his fathers voice Mark reused and opened his eyes. "Father!' he called faintly, don't cry! I'm afraid-I've got to leave you I'm hurt bad-Dad! Twas g. fist. l felt it-Jim Brooks-We'd had a quar- rel-but-Tn pull through, Dad-if l can-
 He sank back exhausted and again lost consciousness. For few days the boy fingered. then died.
 Another football accident the pa per stated. When the father spoke of a blow no one needed but the word the boy had said sank deep in the fathers heart. Overcome by sorrow he lay for weeks on sick bed, but gradually recovered and the sense of his loss overpowered him He brooded more and more over his sons dying words. His boy had been murdered he was sure of it. He must avenge his death. Day and night it rankled ir his breast and he planned how he would accomplish his purposes. He must find the murderer and give hin the punishment due-Jim Brooks-ht knew him. He was two years older than Mark. Why had he wished tc kill him? He did not stop to think that there might. after all. be a mis- take. So the old man harbored his thought and lived only to have his re- venge. He watched for Jfn-why dic he not see him ?-and his heart grew hard and withered-
 I've getter find him-gotter hnt him. he muttered fiercely. At last he learned that Jim had gon' to distant town for work, and he fol. lowed He walked, for money wa! scarce. Trudging wearily by day, eat | ing little food, sleeping where he could find shelter at night. MT. Ramsey kep on. The sixth day found him with ach, l ing limbs and throhbing head, ready t