Year: 1875

his nephew had right to reveal them
and would they set this young inquisitor
at work upon a new clew2 We entered
the Office together. He opened his post
Office box, took letter out and read II.


"Good r. said he as il talking TO a friend,
"Im going to Europel My uncle writes
me to go at once. He will join me in New
York"


hoped that the excitement would hold
his mind, and make him forget our previ-
Gus conversation, but in a moment he ad-
ded:


"See II the handwriting is familiar"
glanced al the letter.


"Yes," 1 said as oarelessly as 1 could +,
"it might be his" Then 1 added: "You
will see your uncle in a few days7 am
not far from New York-at Bloomfield, in
fact. Give him this card" wrote upon
the back of visiting card, Thought is the
DEVIL" and handed it to Candido. "That
is a piece of nonsense" said I, laughing ii
of. "Ir your uncle is my friend, he will
understand it," l felt that l ought to leave
it to Ralph 10 do what he would in this
case.


A week after 1 sat in my study. was
reading my morning paper. My eyes fell
upon the list of passengers in one of the
Atlantic steamers. / saw the names OF
Ralph Ives and Candido Ives. l sighed /:
$50 it could not have been he. He never
would have refused the recognition" Yet
1 remembered that he had kept silence for
thirty-seven years. Why should he break
it now2 1 wondered, too, that Candido
| had not written yet / knew so little OF
him that saw the wonder came from my
own network OF speculation. 1t was
with heavy heart that l turned back 10
my work. The mystery seemed darker,
for the little light 1 had begun TO fancy
was thrown upon it. longed for some
sign that would show me the worth or
worthlessness Of the speculations which
had been forming in my mind. Twas not
left long without this sign. The next day
came a letter, which held long in my
hand before 1 could open it. 1 am not
ashamed 10 say that could not open it till
fhad first dropped upon my knees and
sked courage to bear whatever message
it brought 1t was without date and with
out signature. 1t rcad "Since sent back
that scrap of writing by Phillip, that
would write as soon as it was possible,
these years have passed and still cannot
explain it, cannot come to you. My neph-
ew wrote me of your being an examiner,
innocent of the sharp pain that would run
through me. 1t filled me with uueasiness,
and 1 have resolved TO take him for sever
al years stay in Europe. His mother is
dead. His father is dead. am alone
with him. God knows all. My lips are
sealed forever. Should die, and be re-
turn and seek you, be his friend, oh, be
his friend; but do not tell him that we
knew each other and loved each other"


The letter fell from my hands and the
tears rolled down my cheeks as 1 again
dropped on my knees and blessed God
that he had given me back my friend. Yes,
he had given him back, though 1 should
never see him more-given him back with
out stain, and with all his old nobleness
glori1ed III the light of these years Of
grand silence. 1t was all clear to me now.
These fragments came together, and ]
could see the noble life before me. On that
night when Ralph lay beside me, happy
and hopeful, his brother had slain man,
and fleeing, had sought this young man
for refuge. He had found him aud drawn
him away for counsel. Ralph had sent
him back with the note which he never
len, but in place robbed me as slept.
They had left, this strong, young man
throwing his arms around the weak and
erring one to save him for better life,
For him he bad given up everything
friends, home, hopes had sought the out
laws land and lived as an outlaw; had
seen his brother marry, die, leaving TO his
care this boy, aud ever since he had given
to the boy what he had given TO the father,
the sacrifice of silence, that he might grow
up true and honorable, ignorant Of the
crime whose shadow had been cast before
him. could understand the courage and
sense even of high duty which should lead
him to send Candido back to the scene ol
his fathers sin, and his own happy, light
ming life. could understand, too
the sudden fear lest all his protection of
the boys life should be swept away.


friend of my youth, it was a noble life
that you led, giving frankly and fearlessly
for others. The deep grave of the implanted
sea holds you and the youth for whom you
sacrificed yourself second time. The wa
ters roll over you, but in my heart of hearts
hold the image of your faithfulness.-Ap-
pletOn'S Journal.