The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-03-20

Uncle Toms Cabin" The visiting
troupe carried their own scenery and
had their own property man, so Ga
briel simply supplied helpers in set
ting the scenes and the like and had
leisure.
At just nine o'clock stranger, the
attendant from the children's home,
came behind the scene leading wan
faced, bigeyed little fellow by the
hand. Gabriel had provided an easy
chair at quiet part of the stage. The
attendant placed little Humphrey in
this and departed with the words:
Back at noon, sharp
| Gabriel Dyke drew a deep breath
and gazed with tremulous, fearful
longing at the little mite before him.
The child was peering anxiously all
about him. AS his glance fell to the
face of Humphrey those marvellous
eyes expanded, he put out yearn-
ing hand and seraphic smile crossed
his face.
Why he cried joyfully, you are
my father!'
What! what" gasped Gabriel, lost
in overpowering wonderment.
Aren't you?" went on little Humph-
rey. Why, I knew you at once, for
pray for you every night, just
as dear mamma told me to, and be-
sides, haven't / your picture-see?'
and the child drew forth locket. II
held the picture of husband and wife
taken many years before.
: A yelling sense of hope and Joy
thrilled Gabriel. 1t seemed as though
some plying angel had come with gen
tie balm for his wounded heart. He
swayed as in some rapt vision as the
little one prattled on. He learned
how faithful the mother had been IL
caring for him, trusted of necessity
but tenderly, to the charge of others
The new dramatic troupe went OF
with its rehearsal. Little Humphrey
exhausted with excitement and ia
tigue, fell into gentle slumber. Ga
, briel did not disturb him, but sa
: devouring with love and longing tn
sweet cherubic face.
Gabriel paid little attention to tn
actors and the scenes about him. TIL
grand transformation scene of ''Uncl
Toms Cabin" was just finishing whe
the child awoke. Humphrey rubbe
his eyes and stared in ecstasy at tn
| wonderful picture that had Away
| dazzled youthful eyes.
| Mammal" he suddenly screamed
| and put out his arms. "Oh, you sal
that some day among the angels W
should meet dear papa again. 1t is tru
it is true!"
Was the child in delirium? Gabri,
I started up, alarmed. Then he say
stepping down from her place Q
\ an angel in the transformatio
scene, woman fastening tOwaI
| Humphrey-indeed, his mother!
u How did you come here?" 81
]; cried, EMBEDDING the child in gla
embrace, and then with wild sta
she recognized her husband.
| MY soul was hungering to 81
him!" cried Gabriel incoherently
: as IL mas DeeH lOT YOU, IueSe ioil
Iy years." and Gabriel stumbling
explained, and the little one snuggl'
up close to both of them.
j And both were in tears, contrit
-. glad of tho reunion, happy to revi
the old love that had glorified the
lives.
ne "Oh, mammal" cried little HUM
st rey, Its come Just as you said
M would-the beautiful gold suns, a
le- the angels! You said we would me
dear papa there, some day. Is
ty heaven?"
ne Myra Dyke fell into her HUSBAND
es outstretched arms, subdued, contri
ng like weary bird of passage into
oh home nest.
or 1T is, indeed, heaven" murmul
Gabriel Dyke, reverently, and with
ial soul filled with new-found happine
ng
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