Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1917-12-01

through IN" "mhrasurc. Gresham
found himself IN small room con
tanning II bench some broken chairs
and stools. hroolns, maps and the like
lie lay down on the bench aud went
10 sleep
II was two hours later when Settio
Dean unlocked the door of the school
house, to be soon joined by a dozen
or more little ones. once n week she
made ii custom to meet her scho
ars and pass an hour or two In their
company. aud the little group were
glad To be with the devoted teacher
they loved.
ON this special morning Nettlc had
brought with her to read simple,
touching story. II covered the history
Of IA maynard youth. growing into
careless man. who took the downward
path. II depicted all he had forfeited
that was best In life. Ii told OF the
mother love, of her influence and pre-
cepts coming back to the culprit az
the darkest moment Of his life. The
sweet, impressive tones Of the reader
awOke the sluinbercr. He sat up, he
listened. he seemed part of the pic
turc drawn. 4 clcurness of vision no
longer blinded by drink. revealed all
his wicked acts In their true light
For a time he sat with his face buried
In his hands. Then. trembling all over,
he stole out through the window.
mighty purpose in his mind aroused,
one sentient word on his lips:
Regeneration
Burt Gresham went back To the city
and To work. For two successive
years, upon the anniversary Of the
day when Ncttie Dean had come into
his life as resculng angel, he shut
himself into his room through all the
twenty-four hours. living over that
blessed one when the sweet tones of
fair young girl had started him on
new career. lie devoted all his
energy to business. lie was made
partner in Il thriving firm.
The money received from the rail-
way company he had returned. The
man he had wronged. Nate Dolby, by
lnvelgling him into his dreadful plot,
he reached through n lawyer. who put
Dolby on his feet. and reformed. All
his old debts Gresham llQuldutcd, with
interest.
Then. one day, the new Burt
Gresham made pilgrimage. Its goal
was the little old schoohouse where
his regeneration had begun At the
nearby village he learned that the
last session of term was on. and
Joined the men and women on their
way Ia commemorate "the last day Of
school" lie sought u retired seat.
For the first time he gazcd upon tn"
beautiful face of his hitherto unseen
guardian angel.
a pretty juvenile program was ear
ricd out. The hcnd of the school
board delivered the usual annual
speech He complImcnted Miss Dean
upon her success as teacher lie
told of the need of library for the
school, not within the power Of the
board Ia donate lie suggested voIun.
tary contributions. Burt Gresham
stood up electrically.
Il will take the responsibility 81 the
entire subscription, he said, and sat
down again
The occupants of the little room
stared AT this muniliccnt stranger
wondcrlngly.
The children had trooped out. not
impressed in business meeting Their
CHEEKY voices outside made music for
the heart oi The redeemed man.
This Is unusual. unexpected, "
spoke the head school commissioner.
approaching Gresham and speaking
with warmth.
Il would like To tell II story to you
good people. Snid Gresham modeStly.
again arising TO his feet.
There was Il solemn hush IN thc
room as he began his narration-thc
story of his own life. When h. cam,
TO tell of the hour of his redemption
Miss Dean uttered II quick gasp. SHE
approached him when he had con
GUIDED Her little hand lay within
his own.
iou "I' h""ic Hl""' CIV S"'"
and her tenr-stained eyes were lifted
TO his. And. oh the JOY of knowing
that In my little, humble sphere my
words have been blessing to you"
lie had won back honor, probity
and place among men. How he
longcd for her us the GROWING glad
ness Of his life, She read the asplra-
tlon In his earnest face. an. with true
and tender regard returned his hand
pressure.