Year: 1871

my COluGeHCe Ill IlIl, anu Ule DTllllanI Ual-
entS which he early displayed were source
of satisfaction and pride to me. When he
had completed his studies and been admit
ted to the bar, was surprised and grieved
to learn his determination to try his fortune
in California, and only gave a reluctant
consentin the hope that after year or two
of travel and adventure he would settle
down more contendedly to the practice of
his profession. 1t was not until after his
departure | learned that q partial engage
ment existed between him and my daughter
Alice, and that his migration was promp-
ted by the romantic notion that he must
achieve his own fortune before demanding
the hand of an heiress in marriage.


"My wife never abandoned the hope
that her own son was yet alive, and latterly
she was strongly impressed with the idea
that he was in California. Before her
death, which occurred few months since
she exacted from me a promise that /
would seek him here. 1t is less with the
hope of finding him thanof rescuing Walter
leighton that Alice and l have made the
voyage hither; yet it may be Gods will to
restore to me my son. How it would re-
joice my old heart to find him, an honorable
and useful man but whatever he might be,
l would willingly give the remnant of this
old life for the privilege of throwing myself
your father asks your forgiveness for the
wrong he did you so many years agor'


The old man bowed his head and wept
AS for Tom Redburn, his naturally pale
cheeks became almost ghastly; his breath
came in short quick gasps as if he were
strangling; his hands gripped the arms of
his chair until the blood almost started
from his finger ends his heavy. .mustache
scarcely hid the tremor of his lips, and the
eyes that had often looked into the muzzle
of levelled pistols without blenching, were
strangely clouded. Accustomed as he was
to control his emotions under all circum-
stances of surprise or peril, he found it
difficult on this occasion to resume his self
| command. His strong will triumphed,
however and when Mr.. Goldbrook, having
overcome his outburst of grief, again look
ed up, he beheld Tom Redbun's face rs
placid as spring morning.


"It is perhaps foolish to ask the ques-
tion," pursued Mr.. Goldbrool, "but it can
do no harm-have you ever met or heard
of a man in this State named Thomas
Goldbrook He was in his thirteenth year
when he left home, and if alive must now
be near twenty-six. He had black eyes
and was thought to resemble me-but l
am sadly changed from what I was then"


Tom Redburn had expected this question,
and tried to prepare himself for it. Yet he
hesitated and stammered a good deal in at
tempting to answer it evasively, and at
length said:


"Mr. Goldbrook, find it impossible to
withhold from you the slight ground of
hope / am able to offer you neither would
l raise expectations that may be disappoin-
ted you must not, therefore, allow your
self 20 be excited by what I tell you, for
nothing may come of it. believe I have
seen your son."


"Where ? tell me where, that may 20
to him instantly o my God where is he P''
exclaimed the old man, springing to his feet,
and seizing Tom Redburn by the shoulder.
Tom, however, laid gentle hold of him and
replaced him in his chair, saying:


"My dear sir, warned you not to get
excited. didn't say knew where your
son was, or even that had seen him--only
that believed 1 had seen him. Be calm
now, sir, do"


"Pardon me-" said Mr.. Goldbrook, 81
could not help it. For years have believ-
ed my son to be dead, and now the faintest
assurance that he yet lives eIcites me be-
yond my self-control. But can you give
me no clue to his whereabouts 90


"Not at present." replied Tom, "but l
may be able to do SO soon. / suppose it
was your intention to to visit Mr.. Leighton
at Morrison Flat Immediately ?"


eyes l had thought of going there in a
day or two but Alice will remain here for
the present, with lady friend"


"Then let me advise you also to remain
here for the present---at least until you hear
further from me. shall return to Morri-
son Flat by this afternoons boat and
hope before many days to send you some
good news"


81 thought you would remain here
week or ten days"


al have changed my mind. "I return
today"


"Why cannot go with you P"