The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-01-23

He took the train to the metropo-
lis, and from there local to taunton
He reached the town an hour Delolo
sunset, and hung about the outshirts'
He could not face the people Wholh Nc
had known. He felt little shame on
his own account 1t was for the sahe
of the boy. And no sacrifice was too
great for him.
It was about an hour before dark
when he crept up to the lawyer
house. which stood in extensive
grounds in fashionable nelshpoi-
hood. Nobody had recognized MN ne
breathed more freely when he reacheu
his goal.
Through the window he saw MS
father-in-law seated at a table read-
ing a newspaper. But ever and anon
the old man would put the paper down
and pace the room nervously' ne
was evidently laboring under a severe
strain. Was it because this was tue
day Of John Dunton's freedom!
The watcher looked up. A Hght
shone in room on the second story'
the blind was drawn. Dunton sur
missed that this was the room in when
the little boy was lying. Johnny the
child had been called, as though there
was to be only one of that name III
the family thenceforward. Al hrs'
Dunton had taken the naming as
mark of remembrance; afterWard ne
understood
He could no longer resist the over
towering craving. Quietly he passed
through the grounds and rang the
bell.
It was his father-in-law himself VINO
opened the door to him, and Duhtoh,
in the midst of his own distress, couid
not fail to be struck by the distress
on the features of the older man.
The lawyer recognized him, put
evinced no surprise. He led the way
quietly into his library.
Il don't want to trouble anyone.
began Dunton. But | am on my way
West, and | want to see my boy before
| go. l shall never come back. Re
member that | have never seen MIN,
sir. You will understand, won't YOU?
The lawyer looked fixedly at the
haggard man before him
Does Lola know that you are con-
ing?" he asked.
No" answered Dunton. i nave
not seen her since her visit to me TWO
weeks ago. accept her decision ana
yours, sir. But let me see my boy
again"
Yes, you shall see him the Ia
yer answered You have 5000
: deal to answer for, John Duntgn, but
now-now- He turned away and
his voice seemed to fail him.
He led the way up the stairs, and
as he went Dunton read no pity in
the old mans step. He knew his ia
ther-in-law to be inflcXible where he
had made up his mind. The broken
man followed him.
Up the stairs they went, and into
the lit room. The room at first seemed
empty. The gas was burning dimly,
and at first Dunton could see only the
outlines of the bed, with its white
counterpane.
Then he saw the outlines OF a lit
tie figure lying between the sheets.
And the lawyer turned up the gas and
stood looking fxedly at him.
This was his son, but Dunton start
ed back. and cry of agony burst from
his throat
The little eyes were closed, but not
in sleep; the little waxen hands lay
heavily upon his breast. There was ii
peaceful smile upon the face of the
dead child
John Dunton flung himself upon his
knees beside the bed and wept as
though his heart was broken.
Presently he was aware that there
was another figure in the room. A
krobed woman glided in and
kneeled at his side. Her arms sought
his neck and drew him toward her.
and together they mourned over their
child.
The lawyer came quietly toward
them.
This is the beginning of your new
life, john he said quietly. Your
new life-together'
(Conyright 1914 hy w q Chonmap,