Newspapers / The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, … / Jan. 19, 1908, edition 1 / Page 23
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7 H f Tr if Tl 0 Q ami the Demi BY: , ETHEL "THOMAS It wu Christmas night the night for regular prayer meeting services in the little Baptist church In a cer tatn cotton mill village in South Car . ollna. Just a. few yard away was a handsome school building with large hall uptalrs. which was used far various purposes. On. this par tlcular night he Devil ha it rented and had .nade great preparations for a fashionable da ice For a long1 time he had been plot ting and planning how he might .best manage the little band of worshipers who so faithfully attended the little fc Church every vVedneitday night. He naa own .rj'in;j r un ail nia mignt to disband tlK.n. but while there were foraa whom he could approach with impun,ty, there were a few two or , three trooi sisters, two on three breth ren and especially one old gray-halr-f d deacon, who :he Devil was actu ally afraid to talkie. This old deicon was one of the Devil's most powerful enemies. For years and years he had been night , watchman for the mill and seldom ....'missed' a church service. Mtnyvof tine church members could be tempt ed to stay at home, and were often absent from services,; offering the flimsiest klndof excuses. ' But this old man 'Who nad more reasonable .excuses, offered none, and nearly-al-ways and. at !ils ova eipentu hired some one to tae his place an hour or two,- whenever the Baptist church bell, rang for wrvleea. To-night the Devil had prepared . for a great display of his power. He had exerted all his energies to make the dance a great success, his one chief amnltlon being to so disturb , the church services that any thing , . line worship would simply be t-mpjs-sible. ,? Ha had been all over the village with Invitations to the dance; some were a little backward at ilrat attout accepting, but having left his hoofs, horns and tall at home and being In the guise of a handsome young man. tne uevu son persuaded them that a little recreation was absolutely necesi sary to their well being; that if they presmted in dragging out such a dull, ,, slow.- daJ existence all work and no play that they , would soon be physical wrecks and fill premature graves. "To live long, one must en joy living," h argued. ' In this way -members of the differ ent churches were caught like file In a spider's web, and persuaded to sanction the dance by their presence, while the Devil laughed triumphantly.- 'Ah! wouldn't he Bhow these canting Christmas who had ' most power on earth, light or : darkness? Wouldn't he clothe the churches In sack cloth and ashes and make that saintly parson, across the street hang ! his head In shame? Hat ha! Wouldn't It be nice if a. prayer should happen to be offered by that stubborn old deacon, to drown his voice In the noise of fiddling and dancing and the talis for cotillion! But , In his great ambition ' to make the dance a crowning success and to make himself recognized as the greatest powor on earth, the Devil made the very common mistake of over reaching himself. He had dis tributed lots of mellcine that was la beled -be-JoyfuI," a well-known, tried and true remedy, recommended for" faint hearts and pricking consci ences; In his haiet.he failed, to give proper directions for use, with the re sult that' the tiddlers took an over dose and instead . of playing the part assigned them, were quietly sleeping at home; while) the Devil in his rage and disappointment used some very indiscreet lanyuags. Many left the hall thoroughly disgusted and went back home, or to church, thankful ror a narrow escape; while some stay ed on, not caring to do either. Recognizing nls defeat, the Devil decided to attend, prayer meeting himseir. 'at might be that he could llnd aomsthln to do there, and he was anxious to know what would be said about him, any way. So he started to the church soliloquizing: . "If it had all turned out as 1 had planned; if thoso fool tiddlers had not gone beyond the bounds of reas on and decency; if I only could have succeeded In inurestlng mre of the leading church members the kind that go deep down in their pockets for the churches' benefit the public would not have denounced me ao em phatically." You see that the Devil was very far sighted and argued from the point that: self ' was mother? to blame. Who was - hist earth and had lived among sinners Where was bis home?' and had at last died for the sins of Could It be that he had once been a shining light in some church and in the exuberance of youthful '.spirits, committed some act of indiscretion? and had lying and . tattling tongues magnified the fault to an unpardon able -sin?' Kad he been thrust out from a fold that should have hedged him lr. with brotherly love and wrap ped him in a mantle of charity had his name been voted from the church roll, had he been stoned by others more guilty? If so, God pity him! But of one thing only could we be assured he. had once been some mother's darling -now he was on the road to destruction. Guilty of many dark and loathsome deeds perhaps. Jblack with sin an outcast or an outlaw; yet, Christ died for sOTTrWEe7andi: we so often forget it and "pass by on the other, sido," instead of trying tto help them to a better and higher life. The Devil Was a little uneasy over the tramp's attitudeuuiiJeanlng over he whispered in his ear: "Ain't this . a sanctified locking show? They come here every Wed- nesuay nigni ana raise. cam. inai "r-'uecess llk. seme soft fairy voli Covers tho ihf (is of men, It makes the ugliest wrong lo;k well Tl'e dark seem fair again." Entering- the) church and slipping Into a seat hear the door so that he could get out easily If the atmosphere happened to be too spiritually warm for comfort, the Devil was disagree ably surprised to find a larger con gregation than usual. But outside a crowd of youngsters were keeping up a most terrible racket with baby wakerx, cannon-crackers, pop-sticks and so on, and he smiled triumphant ly ' as he lUtened. Surely such a disturbance would distract and con- fuse this1, preacher and people, and put them to flight. He was decided ly uncomfortable as the people sang: "Tlur were ninety and nine that tufiiy ly In tlin shelttr of the fold, I-ut.one VKi out in the hills t.wny. For off from the gates of gold" A tramp was passing and paused to listen "God!" he exclaimed, "that's me! That was mother's fa vorite song., too,'' and strangely af fected he prep-id In at a window; seeing- some vacant seats near the door he pulled off his dirty cap- and softly walked In, taking a seat directly In front of the revil. Andther song- was sung: "Glory to God in the Highest. On Karth Beaoe and God t. Msn." which made the Devil - restlens. The tramp listened witS throbbing heart, wondering viJut was the matter with him,' and why he had come into this house of worship. No one cared whether he went to heaven or he!! no one ever had cared except a little woman in a far off State who believed him dead his mother. Why had he Jeft her he wondered. -t ' To look at him now, his face a veritable a.'gntoarj procliiming. his dissipation, hi ?va bleared and rest less, his clothes ragged and filthy. It wax hard to rea'lze that he was once .an Innocent bibs, held in the arms f a lovlng;Chrl;!n mother and per 'lapi Cradled in the- lap of luxury, lust another prodigal! What . had aured M.-n to roam? Ilai he traveled -o far and t uch break-nerk speed down the hill toward destruction, that now it. w. impoasibie to "throw on the brakes?" Who besides him-1 believed It ail; pious looking .woman over there on the front seat. Is the biggest tattler in town. - tsne done some wonderrui things In the way of raising disturb ances, and tearing down character. Tou just ought to hear her religious experience and her high-flown senti ments concerning san:tiflcaton,, which she claims, her life is such that to have her. get up and 'testify' is enough to give one chills." They are all hypocrites," en cere i the Devil. , . "I hope not, pleaded the tramp, Oh, I hope not." "WelL my friend, suppose we put them to the test, and give you. the proof of my assertions. That' big book that the parson pretends to love so much, la said to be the Christian's lamp to guide Mm, In the right way. It says 'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers.' And again, 'Remember them that are In bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also In the body. Doesn't that mean. . 'put your self an his place?" Have you ever read this scripture? 'My breth ren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Ixrd of glory, with respect - of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with gold ring, In goodly apparel, and there come In also a poor man in vile, raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth - the gay clothing, and say unto him, sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor. tand thou there, or sit under my foot stool: Ar ye not then partial In yourself In his place?' Have you Vvll thoughts?' And again: ''If ye fullnl the royal law, according to the scripture. Thou shalt love thy neigh bor as thyself, ye do well; But If ye have respect to persons ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as trans gressors.' Now you knew very well that If the mayor of the city had come in here and took a back seat, that parson would have come straight after him and took him to the front. Now you are a tough looking custom er, and you can sit here If you will behave yourself but they would all ratner you nad stayed out. No one will speak to you, wish you a merry Christmas or care what becomes of you after you get out of here. You are no 'Spring chicken' that's plainly evident and you know all that I say Is true. From your looks I think you had the proof 'ere this." What's my I looks to you?" growled the Impatient tramp. "I didn't come In here to be noticed,-and don't wish or expect It. Let me alone now; if the first time I've been In church for years and I don't know what made me come y in here. But I am and I propose to see and hear the whole performance,' and the Devil saw it would be no use to say more. The song was finished and the young preacher rose with a welcoming smile enining rrom his eyes, and for a mo ment looked over the large congrega tion, his face glowing with a spiritual light that awed one and all Into breathless silence and reverence. He had only been pastor of this lit tie church a short time, but the peo ple were not slow to understand that he was unusually full of the Christ like spirit and possessed great mag netic innuence. Meek, gentle, patient, tender ' and loving pleading that the church put on tne wno;e armour or raitn, with more of the forgiving spirit and bro'h erly love; ever ready to look with charity on the" fallen, and still more ready to' lift them up; preaching the gospel m an its purity, living it in all its beautiful simplicity: plcturlnsr the Ideal life In such attractive coloring. explaining Its beauties in such a per suasive and winning way that none could hear without longing to get upon a higher plane of Christian living and with every service, his congregation was growing. Truly this was a man of God called to preach His Gospel.j na was mrectea oy wis Holy Spirit. If he saw the Devil back there near the door, he gave no sign of recogni tion. He made no reference t.-i h dance across the street, or to any other work that the Prince of Dark ness was directing; he spoke entirely on me love or toa ana nis Idea as to now oest to defeat the Devil, seemed to be, to shine him out. He never one time mentioned the Devil, but show ea rortn tne beauties and the great peace which were the fruits of pure ana unueuieu religion, ana in such a way that any other than the right way. was awful by contrast. This was new. The Devil was non plussed. To be shlned out was the worst and most dreaded defeat Tru ly here was a preacher depending more on tne power or una than oi the gift of gab. After the preacher had talked awhile and knew thnt the hearts of the people were in a receptive attitude, he turn ed to the second chapter of Luke and read rrom tne stn to the 50th verses. and spoke especially from the 10th and 11th verses. "And the angel said unto them. Fear not: far, behold, I brirg you good tidings of greit Joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day. In. he cltv of David, a Savior, which is Christ the world. But he had sinned beydnd pardon, there was no hopa for him, he thought. How wretched he was! How - he wished he . had ''gone some other street and not strayed here and been lured la by that half forgotten 'song. The services were nearly over. The jgood old deacon had prayed a touch ing prayer: others had sent up sweep ing petitions that tOJk in the whole world and no one in particular but as If impelled by an Irreslstable power, the tramp, had each time gone down on his knees and burled his face in his arms. "I want us to sing a song oUnmy-boyi- I am thinking of your souL vltatlon now," said the preacher, look ing straight into the eyes of the tramp, "and If ' there are any here who want to turn back and take the road that .leads to heaven, we want them to come forward," and there w-aa a tender tone and', touching cadence la the words. "God knows my heart I .want to be a help to this people. Ido wish that this nighX I might be the Instrument in. His hands that by which some poor soul could be made to see the Light. Anything that can do, any word that I can bring. anything anything, but oh! let me do something to ' glorify my Father this nignt. Young man. young lady, sin- ner, will you come to Jesus to-night?" The choir sang: "WIjV do you wilt, dear brother Oh, why do you tarry so long? lour gavlor is waiting to give you A claco In Ills sancttlied throne. Do you not feel, dear brother, His Hpirit now striving within? Oh. why not accept his talvatlon. And throw off thy burden, of sin?" Many eyes were wet with tears and many went up for prayer. The tramp wretched and undone, touched as he had never been before, half rose t-j go forward, forgetful of his filthy ap pearance. But the Devil poked his head In at the door in the guise of a cigarette fiend and spoke in a loud whisper: "Look at that darned hobo, will you! Blamed if ho ain't fixin' to start on the hunt fer religion, an he's rigged up fer the occasion, 'too!' And the poor fellow sank back on his seat, wretched and undone. "Ha! ha!" laughed the Devil, he's changed his notion and concluded that he ain't the 'dear brother that they are fishin' fer. Gosh! wouldn't he have been a purty spectacle In the altar. Wonder how many petitions would have been sent up in behalf of slch a filthy bundle of rags?" The preacher had seen and under stood It all.' It was nothing unusual to see a man weigh his soul dn the balances with ridicule, but oh. It was awful. A little widow, too, with sweet sad face and hair streaked with gray, glanced at the tramp occasionally, her heart filled with plryi "Somewhere In the wide world her first born was roaming and was perhaps in Just such destitute circumstances; perhaps he, too, was dirty, ragged, wretched, penniless, friendless- and a stranger in a strange land. Perhaps he was sick with not a soul to minister to his needs. ; ' .. - . Oh, hbw her 'heart had bled how she had prayed for her wavward hov. J trusting that in he ad school of ex- int-iiuB ii wouiu learn mat nome was the best place after all and that he would repent and return. She had heard nothing from him now In al most a year, but she waa sure that he stin lived; had he died her heart would have told her, she believed. He was now twenty-one an had been gone five years. And - some where,--if living, some other mother's heart was aching for this lost tramp, praying that God would protect and sove mm.- He, too. looked to be about the same age of the absent Jamie, oh, why would young men, the hope of the country, fall so low? she wondered. How was it that a man made in the Image of God, and created' but a little lower than the angels given every advant age of Intellect, conscience, hope and aspiration -now was it that he could fall so low? The little woman slghedr Ah, me, we don't know how' they were tempted or what we would have done had we been subjected to the same temptations." All who have read the Biblehave perhaps ben puzzled over the strange fact that bits of Scripture read years ago and seemingly forgotten, will at times return to memory, with startl ing distinctness and exactly fitting the subject under thought or discussion. Just now these words came to Mrs. B sas she sat and pondered: "But when Jesus heard that, he 'said unto them. They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that mennerh J will have mercy, and not sacrifice; ior i am. not come to call the right eous, but sinners to repentance." She gl&noed again toward tho tramp and was prompted by the Holy Spirit to do an unusal thinar. For n moment she was startled and held her Dream. ".Dare I da it?" she whinner. "Oh, no, I can not. J would be than any earthly friend." sympathet ically. . He made no answer but nervously fingered his cap, painfully conscio'is and ashamed of his unkempt appear ance. Mrs. B continued: "Well, then, If you are not visiting mends I will tie glad to have you go home, with me Just a few blocks away and spend to-night and longer If you will. Now don't object for I want you." . "Madam," utterly, dumbfounded "take your eyes from my face for an instant and look at these rags! don't believe -you have noticed how filthy I am.'' I care nothing for your clothes. this fellow.- any way, he wondered, while Charlie toolc from hU pocket a little comb and smoothed his hair. They return; J to the dining room to find Winnie preparing ham and my companions, I cleaned my fists and dared him to lay his Stands on me again, declaring I, would fight him to the death," pausing In deep emotion. "Father , paused, folded bis arms turkey sandwiches. "She a working i across his breast and looked me Somewhere in the wide world I have a boy who may be in a far worse condition; aa I JieirlendypuJL pray that some mother will befriend him this blessed Christmas night. Will wou come?" "Madam, if . you really wish It I will." .eagerly scanning her face, still doubting the thing that had happen ed to him, "and if there -be a God, may He reward you for this kindness, ror l can not. . The crowd was now streaming out at the door and many eyes were turned wonderhigly toward the little wJow In earrest conversation with the tramp. Tho old deacon, heaven bless his warm heart, and cheery manner, approached and shook the stranger s hand with a hearty grasp: "How do you do, my brother. Glad to see you here. Hope you'll have a happy Christmas. Come out- to our prayer meeting, again. Preaching Sunday nornlng and at night. 'Come thou with us and we will do thee good.' "Amen," fervontly ejactulated the preacher grasping the tramp's hand as the old deacon dropped It. and sending a .strange magnetic thrill to the poor fellow's heart, making him long more intensely for that higher life, so beautifully pictured to him that night. The vilest reptile that crawls, the baiest wretch unhung, will recogniz and rewpond to tho voice and touch of genuine heart felt sympathy and kindness. 'I 'own in the human heurt, crushed by the tempter. feelings He umled that tfrac can re store: Touched by a Icving heart, wakened by Kindness, Chora that wer! brcken will ilrat t'nee more." ed. the Lord. Oh. the beautful Christmas story, j t'wch him, speak to him read and studied In thousands of ' nlle at him! He eoa: homes and churches e-ery blessed Christmas Day. The Devil could not bear to listen and had slipped out like a' whipped cur. The tramp listened and trembled Memories of home and mother caused days. cruelly criticized I can not. Whv 11 It that I am alwavs nromnta a (.rungs mat orners never do? thin that would make people look at me in a cold, cruel, fuetlon:ng way?" What was it that wriispered In her .ear: "Blessed are they which' nr. pernecuiea Tor righteousness sake; for their's is the. kingdom of heaven. cicBsea are ye wnen men shall revue you. and persecute you. and say all manner of evil against you falselv for my sake. Rejoice and be exceed ing giaa; ror great is your reward In heaven; far so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Suddenly the little woman's eyes filled with a happy light and her face glowed with a heavenly purpose as she whispered: "Jesus. Master thy servant heareth and will obey. Teach me thy will." The services' were closed with a prayer and benediction and as the tramp hurried toward the door hoping to get oux unnoticed, a hand was lam on his arm and he turned In surprise to look Into the kind face of a moth erly looklnr little wnmnn .v ... eiylng. " "My friend, you are a .stranger here are you not?" smiling. ' ' He was at first dumn w:th astonish ment. To . think that . ;,rtv -,..n nd actually a nardly be lieve the evidence of his own ey nad ears. At last he trprje- an J Mrs. ' w quick to notice his respect ful attitude and sneecn and .t r,- decided that he had seen much better his eyes to grow dim. Oh. If he could oniy can DacK in years or nis wasted life! Oh, If he could only have a clean heart and a clear conscience before God! Oh. for that sweet rest ful peace, that trustful repose that th preacher had said -wss the portion of beilerers. DH he believe? Yes he Christ ' had come to Jes. madam, th'.s glimpse of this city." 1 fny. first Poor tr.imo: oo unaccustomed to kindness or friendly Interest from any one, ne was half choked -with emotion, his haids trembled and his eyes were wet with unshed tears, as he thanked them for their kind words. x "We will go now. If you are ready." said Mrs. B , explaining that the young man whs going home with her. "Well," declared the deacon. "I al most envy him the treat that Is in store for him.' Then to the tramp: "Say my boy, "I ask as a special fa vor that you cat enough of her good Christmas rations for you and me both; will you?" ; "I feel that It would be easy to grant the favor, sir; but the lady might object." smiled the tramp. "I'm dreadfully hungry, myself," declared the little woiman, quick to see that the young man was really in need of food, "and if you'll come home with us deacon, you shall have the chance of another supper to night, for I am going straight to the table." 1 The preacher understood and smiled his approval. The old deacon nodded hln heaJ two or three time emphatically, happy over the prac tical turn he had given the conversa tion, then repllal: "Thank you, my sister B , but I can't go. Am sorry. My time will be out now In about ten mlnutes and I must hurry on to my duties at the Mill. It was early, only 9 o'clock when they. reached the home of Mrs, B ;lthe tramp In the meantime had told , her that his name was Charlie Baxter, and that his home was in Florida. He was kindly in troduced to the family, which consist ed of Winnie, aged 18, Claud, aged 16 and it neuhe-.v, Dick Osborne, aged 25 and Jqlly good fellow, full of fun and froll.;, yet kind land tender hearted. There was a quizzical light In his laughing eyes and an expres sion on - his genii! fa'-'e'that 'Mrs. B plainly understood. He - was longing fur an opportunity to tease his aunt about her escort "Mr. Baxter was at our prayer -meeting to-night, and Is a stranger in the plac.?. o I bagged him homo with me, hoping to make him enjoy Christmas," she iaid, laying aside her wrap and casting a sly look of en treaty toward hef nephew. "I hope some one will be kind to my absent boy to-night,'! and her voice trembl ed.: That icttled'- J1ek, and he vowed that his aunt should not out do him In klii1nssi toward the stranger, running over in hU mind the things he Intended to' do for him, while his big heirt throbbed Joyously over the happy Christmas thoughts that filled It. Charlie was made to feel at- home and welcome, and soon Mrs. B led the way to the dining room, de claring that she was "hungry as a bear," and wanted every one to help her eat another supper. The snowy ..'over was removed and Charlie saw a table heavily laden with good thing, so like he had seen at home In year gone by, that a fl.wd of tender -.nemorles surged over his soul and :ie turned his head to hide his emotUn, There was a nice ham, baked and dotted the same way with, black pepper; the turkey w.i the same dell.ute brown; the cakes too, were Iced n1 prettily dressed In candles: the plea and custards crimped the u-ne way around the edges; tho Jelflos were the same rosy pink; the wmer rotlon rind pre serves were jut Jn the same pretty shapes - and notched around the edges; the butt-;r wss actually mould ed In the same design; two large standi of differant kinds of fruit and two of candy, enough of every thing to last several days, and the table set for six. "I'd like to wuh." whispered Char ge to Claude, -vho led him ja'at to. the sink ' on the buck porch. - While washing he said to the boy: "Claude. your mother is an angel. Don't ever give her the troubls that I have given my mother. Lok at me and take warninj; keep good company and stay at hone, I am going to change a scheme to keep from washing dish es," declared we- brother, at which they ainaughed. "Well we'll compromise affairs, this .way." said Dick; "every one wash his or her own plate," and he neipea, nimseir to a generous slice or juicy .pie, and winking one eye com ically.' 'Agreed." laughed Mrs. B . "Now, Charlie, you are to feel at home . with us. Just help yourself; don't wait to be helped, or you are sure to get left a thing you have found out If you have ever been around cotton mill people," she de clared, "Have you ever - worked In a cot ton mill, Mr. Baxter?" ventured Winnie, not knowing what else to say at present. , "A Uttl In the weaving idepare ment." he returned, pleased that she had spoken directly to him. "Bet you can get a Job here If you want It," fcald Claude, who was very much Interested In heir guest, and believed that he had a history. "I'd be glad to get work, for I am dead broke; but I had my suit-case and clothes stolen a few weeks ago and have been sick, and am la such a plight that I am actually ashamed to apply for work ?pw that Is the truth yet, work I must have." "Never mind old fellow, a lot of Bternly In the face for a long time be fore he spoke; then he sard: 'Charlie, go home and tell your mother good bye, then leave the roof that has sheltered and protected you from your Infancy! Go! Go quickly ere I lose control of myself. Don't ever write' to us and don't dare to darken a handsome young man -with golden halrand laughing blu; eyes: "As r saw a licking In store for me at the hands of Cousin Dick, I thought bet ter of my little Joke and " "Jamie, my boy!" cried Mr. B with ouutretched arms, "Oh. my darling boy, h-tmt again at last at , last! - Than God!' And the young man knelt by her sid' and folded her m his arms, tenderly. . - - "Yes, mother.:: your boy yonr Christian tsoyl Your prayers have foi- my doors again until you' can come (lowed me everywhere, mother, and t work does noteemmBce again till next Monday. No. telling 'what will turn up before th?n." said Dick, Riv ing his aunt a 'sly wink. . . "After to-night, nothing that can happen will surprise me very much," declared Charlie, looking gratefully toward tho kind hostess. "A few hours ago I cared for nothing in the world, and had almost dftermlned to break Into some house and steal food, for I had eaten nothing since yesterday morning and was starving. Now, here I am, a guest in a Chris tian home, unworthy of the least kindness which Is being so freely lavished upon me. But the rest of my life shall ue one earnest endeavor to redeem the mistakes of the past. earnestly; and Mrs. B beamed on him Joyously, - mentally ssylng: "Thank God." When they, rose from the table. Winnie had a kettle of hot water ready, poured It In the dish pan and placed it on the "jack table laughing: "There. ' I've :line mv nart: now. everybody wash his own plate; I won't excuse even you. Mr. Bnxter," she de clared shaking her yellow curls and skipping out Of the. dining room. leaving them to repair as far as pos sible, the damage that had been done to the table. CharHe was sent up stairs with Dick and Claude and given a bed In the same room, and late In the night Mrs. B- heard them still up mov ing about and talking In low earnest tones. Next morning when tncy came down to br?akfast, Charlie had been transformed Into a decidedly re spectable looking and very, handsome young man. Di -k and H'laude naa cut his hair anl shaved him. and af ter much nloall ig and coaxing. Dick had persuaded him to accept and don oomnlcte suit of clean underwear and a nice suit of clothes, coimr ana tie. Kelnir a bdchelar and fond of good clothes Dick was well suppnea and would mls the things. Claude nresented a nlre cap and polished tne soiled but nice shoes, and 1t was al most impossible to believe that this was the same dirty tramp or tne night before. He was really hand some with his ttarK nair ana cj", and there was a subdued and thoughtful expression on his face that added to Ms attractive appear- on.- h nai everv biiiu'hi mur being weIlboru and weil?bred and Dick was no ! proud of him than Mrs B ft he good niituredly shoved Charlie Into a seat at the breakfast table, greatly pleased over the astonishment and glad surprle of his aunt and cousin . Winnie. After breakafst they all repaired to the small but nicely furnished parlor and Winnie gave them some sweet music on her new organ. ' All were surprised to h"ar Charlie's rich voice as he Joined In the sinains-. ana sun more so to find that he could play "a little." After a little coaxing from Winnie he sat down to the organ and exquisitely rendered several pieces of music, singing and piuytng "Home, Sweet Home," wltn such touching pathos that every eye was wet with tears and each heart more sure that the young man must have a history. 'After thut, the silenco v.as unbroken for awhile, until Claude, unable to longer restrain his ciinostty, laid his hand gently on Charlie's shoulder and asked softly but eagerly: "Charlie. It seems that we have known and loved you ever so long; it you dan't mind, -won't you tell something came to leave home and "And how I happened to be a tramp?" sadly. "Claude, .t am Bitter ly ashamed of It all and wish It could be blotted from my memory. Per- Lhaps my experience will benefit you. o I will tell you about it." "You needn't If you don't wish," spoke up Winnie, though she too, was all curiosity and almost expected to learn that he was a prince In disguise. Charlie bowed and smiled his thanks to Winnie, continuing: "One thing certain, you are not entertaining an angel." Drawing a dep breath hs commenced the painful recital, paui Inir occasionally t.t ennlrnl his Innhl. Ing voice: 'My father Is a wenlthy orange grower living in Florida. I am thei youngest ot four children and at the things can happen In a few days, "df niT,.5l 7 i7ii j . ,iTtraiM ana In two instances belrw lull- prepared to take the punishment you ' now . resent . For X warn you that even though you have reached he age of manhood, if I still live, you will take a whipping before you enter my house or sit at my table again!" " Thank you sir, I will never re turn.' I declared hotly, - 'not even if you were oa your death bed and should send for me!' ."Mother cried as If her heart would break.' but said father was right and begged me to submit to a. whipping and remain at home; but I had begun to have visions of a fortune that I was going to make In the future, and already saw myself rich and prosper-, ous and father longing to teg my for giveness for his bars mre St men i, yet dreading to approach me! And my mother gave me one hundred dollars and kissed me good-bye. TKaf 'S-asTtV Vears ago last summer and since then I .have 'been all over the Vnlted States and Mexico, work ing at anything I could find to do, getting enough In one place to pay my -way to another, or, falling In that. beating ed and made to work the streets for the offense. I have on several occa sions left board bills unpaid, but I have all the addresses and Intend to pay them yet. If I live. Oh. I have sinned beyond pardon, I fear." " No, no, Charlie, never that." whispered Mrs. B ner eyes wet with tears. After a moment the young man continued: "Never until last night, did I ser iously consider the thought of re turning home and begging my father to rorgive me.; but once every year 1 have gone there secretely and peeped through the window for a glimpse of mother; each year she nas grown more gray and sad looking, while father looks more ste,rn and uncom promising. Those occasional stolen glimpses of mother have kept me from many contemplated misdeeds, but It took absolute want and degradutlon, poverty and helplessness to bring me to my senses, and make me willing to submit to fHther's switch. I am 22 years old, now, but as soon as I can get there, I am goln;; nome and take a turn of switches with me, and tell ratner to give me all he thinks T can bear, which won't be ihalf w hat I de serve." Then Charlie turned to Mrs. B his eyes shining with gratitude. "God only kn.ws wnere I would have stopped hsd It not iwen for vour timely sid; perhaps never, till I landed In the hottorniew pit. Truly my lines have fallen In pleasant places; the kindnesses tnaf you have all shown me shall -r.oi te thrown away, r will let my future life -r"e my grntltude." "It was trad enmnay fiat led Jamie astray. t v." said Wlnnfe sadly. "Oh, I do wish he would come home," al most In tears. "See here, now, heart aches and wet eyes are not for Cnrlstmas." declared Dick. "We are not gomg to grieve over -things we can't help. The things we might have done and didn't, and tine things we did and shouldHS. are the only things worth crying over and they ought to he forgotten at Christmas so there. Jamie Is com ing home soon, rich as rroesus In ex perience, will be a regular encyclo pedia of useful knowledge and Infor mation to we stay-at-homes .na know nothings and will entertain us with many rich stories of his adventures In foreign lands, thereby making the Jon evening pass plenssmly for us nn. Then bantering Winnie with one nana snd swinging her around as he played a waltz en a ten cent mouth harp, he soon had them all laughing Just as he Intended that they should. " 'Christinas ernes hut once a year let every bo.y Kit his shear I'll git mine If vouil lt yourn, Never sH-n stah a Urn sinco I been born.' " He laughed a he nt last released the protesting Winnie, who with her tous led hair and flushed cheeks, was pret tier than ever. Charlie thought., That night about 9 o'clock, they were all seated around a wary fire listening with great Interest to Charlie as he told of his Ufa and work as a cow puncher, while In Texss and Mexico He had Just finished telling of a great stampede of esittle In which a Mexican lost his life, when there came a knock at the door. With a grimace of Im patience, Claude answered, and a tall, well-dressed, mlddle-agea stranger stepped Into the room after Inquiring If hs wns at tho horns or the Widow B , He came forward with ii in u-Chand, a tall athletic form with Iron about yourself? how you ' Bnl nj,r na nuwe mustache, his so on? I"., simnsi Toucmng te floor. iwjr u-tiii is tvrreu.' ne said, offer ing his hand to Mrs. B and bow ing low. "and I came to see von .it the earnest request of your son, Jamie, w ib a near inena or mine. last made such a wall around me that I could not climb it, so I was bound to look up to heaven as my only way of escape." Claude was Dravely try ing to keep from boo-hoolng right out, Dick was vigorously punching the fire, and Winnie was -kneeling on the other side. of her mother, her arms around her brother's " necK and the happy tears rolling down her cheeks. Oh! who can describe a scene like thls It-seems sacrlllglous to attempt such a thing. Who can express the feelings of poor Charlie,-who felt un worthy to witness such a sacred meet ing? Unnoticed he slipped- from the room and out into the back yard, and there in the shadows and silence of the night, with heart almost bursting, he bowed his head and prayert as he had never In his life before: "God be mer ciful to me a sinner." Over and over ; again he prayed the publican's prayer, with air the earnestness or his heart . and soul, mind and strength, until that sweet peac which passeth all undertsanding came to him and he sat down on the back steps, alone with his great happiness. How he longed, to be at home again wl,th his gentle motner, a comfort and blessing to her In her declining years. She. too, would be Just as glad as this mother, to know that he was saved through the goodness and grace of the God she worshiped. But he must wait,, he thought. for It would b some lit tle time before he could earn enough money for the trip and to pay his board In the meantime. And he did not yet have a Job, even. At last they missed him snd Dick went to look for hfm. "Say, now, what did you run for?" he growled, slap- ping Charlie on the back. . "I Just couldn't stand to fee those tears; and Dick out here In the silence- of the night I have found peace with God, and am happy us can be, even If I haven't a cnt snd am out of Job." Dick swallowed h-ard. gripped Char He's hand and said: "Old boy, I am glad, though I don't know anything about such feelings, and never had a hankering thst way untnta-pnst few day. Come back in the house Char lie, out of the cold.'' "Forgive us for forgetting you for a moment, Charlie." said srrs. n as he entered the room, his eyes shining through a trace of tears. "He is anothe.r sttr In your crown, aunt." said Dick in a nusky vole "and I hope to be another:" and then he bolted up stairs. "What else in the -wnrM. hsvs I to wish" for to make me the happiest wo man nvln" Dick Is in th hands of the Lord ud will soon have his soul 'anchored n the haven of rest' all my child .n are no- saved, and you Charlie. What a glorious Christmas we are having!" Then Charllo was introduced to J.imic, who soon found that he knew of his family, In fact had spent a night there while traveling through Florida a few years previously, and de clared he had never been entertained , In a more princely style. Mrs. Bax ter had spoken to him secretly about Charlie anci bade him watch out for him In his travels, begging that If he ever saw her boy he would write and let her know; and he had promised to do so. Dick and Jamie held a secret confer ence -with the result that they begged the privilege of lending Cnariie mon ey to pay his way home. Ja mis knew the family to be far wealthier than ( harlle had represented them to be. and knew that If once he returned, he would be restorer to favor and set up In business. Jamie had been work- Ing In North Carolina in the lumber business for two years ana had saved a neat little sum. It was New Year's night and old Mr. Baxter and his faithful wife sat by their lonely fire plac. gazing thoughtfully Into the few glowing em bers It whs a little cold for riortda weather. The three rr.ami children with their families had taken dinner at the old homestead and were now gone. The old gen trepan's face wore and unusually soft expression and tear gathered In the wife's eyes as she thought that if Charlie had only com to-day. all would have been forgiven and forgotten. Thus, In deep thought, the lonely old couple sat until startled by ttuT ringing of the front door pen. All the servants were away and Mr. Baxter h.i . .?'d hU re"ntnt . who held In his extendea hands a bunch Of StOUt Switches mn,1 M,mKI.. v J Kor a thra.hlns snd tar.i.r"" "My. son! to have you humbls yourself is enough! God bless you my boy. embracing him and leading him nrm on,haU moth ers room, where a-iotho. meeting too place, while Charlls toM ' . " ---..v villas i jf luid ! her of the things that had happened j ' hl" 'luring the past few days Of "Hm , H4 t r .... v. , . , -". unyimar matiiuu ne was soon taken to th. n brrngs news of Jamie -Is welcome un- Ing room and made to "at a hear der this vine and fla- tree." eichiim.,i surir ih. .w.,- Brtr Claude, while the mother gasped: "Oh been absent so many ng Tyera wT teil me of my hy. I, he still living?" the father stood by Wrlya5wil!2 leaning forward and, looking Into the every word that fell from th. nl man's eyes entreatlngry. the returned Drodl! ,lp of Dick surveyed him w-th cold, crltl cal eves half hollevlna- thm ra . i officer in search of poor Charlie, and mentally deciding to kirk him out on the smallest provocation. "Oh, yes. madam, he is very much alive or was a few days aro." , "But where Is my boy?" almost a5 of 17 had never worked a day In ! creamed Mrs. B slnklag back In my life. What time t wan not In j ner rhalr, pale snd weak. School I was loaflnz With other Mtr i "Ve. Where la mv ,hrnfhr K- and of course fell into bad company, onlck about It'.." demanded Claude. j I'-arneu 10 smoxe cigarettes, took an "Don t yna see that mother Is on the occasional drink with my comnahlons and often played cards. Of course my parents never nreamen that I had fal len so low. Those with whom 1 bo- clatert were all of respectable families and none but members of our "gjng" knew how desperately wicked ws had grown. My mother Is a sweet gentle woman and a devoted. Christian nrodla-al On the day he was 1 years of are one thousand dollars hatnJn paced in the bank to Charlie s credit , and .KKPt y hi. father, who was know that his hard heart was soften ing toward his absent son. " Cbsrlie was soon established as his fathers partner In a payin business! restored to Dick and Jim the bT whToh n",Y ?lth 0d"loni.m ? . te ,U'1 "rt" and lo ths . t uimrri nina k-j ending with th." mo unpaid. father, too. Is a Christian, but veryjiuest. snd came, to dellvi stern and ' uncompromising, never ! of lve and remembra Are you visiting friends here dur-! m" WW of Hv'iU fan tell you that with an air of dng Chrlwmas? friendly Interest. "Fr;end! madam. i have , .' no friends and deserve none." bitterly - "My boy, don't say that: I am your friend sad there Is One other rreater nd if I ever amount to anything I will owe It to your good Christian mother, who has restored my faith In God and mm." Claud opened hi eyes In astonish ment. What kind of a tramp was verging one lota from what he conald ers his duty, and when mice his mind is made un nothing on earth ran change him." I inherited from him a very high temper and passnnate na ture. - One Aunday afternoon, we bovs war having a regular meeting n the woods; we had been reading Jessie James." "Liberty Boys of '71." and other trashy literature calculated to send many to destruction, and h. thrown them aside for rnme of caros. we were seeply Interested In a gams 'of "seven up" when my fa ther appeared on the scene with a large switch In his hand. Jerked me from the ground and started to give trie a thrashing, thers In the presence of my companions, who stood dumb founded before his wrath. "H gave me one lick, f caught the rwucn anl wrenched It from his hand throwing It far from me. Then In furious burst of basslon. feelin gentlemanly letter of XTUn,u" .or n e In i ,u(rp,cl0UJ . ln Christmas "tramn" iiavi . "r to locata hr , ' enougn , ,nc" ner treasure, sad will 'lay make a raid hich ,i7l!L Cef ul nSh.. J- Oirlstm.,' 'Ull 1 verge of hysterics "ih. do be calm, now Mrs. B or I shall forget Irt m nervousness the very things he wanted me to say." pleaded the stranger. "I have nothing out goon news to unng and am sure you need not 1 the least bit worried about Jamie, pleas calm yourself I snail ih sorry I listened to his er his mes- nce." Then rising; "I believe I will remove my overcoat: It Is quite warm In this cosy little room." removing it and hanging it and his hat bv trie door - k JU w i i . ' . . . U1" "' jun a una practiced eye .., ,, ."j9 r-iy hearts to ch-rih of Charlie, discovered that he wore ''" ,h d-y are mi I,y- ' a wig oer light hair and knew that ! i '"t w'"r5' oul" parish, the big mustache wss atso false. What fit J tmw. '"In h- rursj,-, . may dn. tht she .1 rlnr ml Ih. - ' . " " fascinated. her hands nervously J WfciJ Ve &t iZ ? cjasped together. ' L-l voi.r f hi x.1 12 y: Did we leave the Tront dobr pm mv wmu the dVye .ri jrins-'hu,r bo ? seoms to me I reel a gust of air." '- worU l.i UU 7 .T.h, said the stranger, xteppmg out into :., 1,1 of u"i vl rpi e. the hail as If ta Investigate, All were i !V,lp. 5r,'"' fn"n brother, li beginning to feel suspicious ani grew ! u" d-,y goins ir. nervous, and Dick rose to his feet Alt ih- lovlns inks that bind vi with determination written all : over h's '"le 'he dav r gene l-y; face, for Charlie had whispered to"n b-v om" 1 behind 'as, him of his dlscoverv. labile til dys are going bv; "No. It la closed." he railed. Then i Ill.Vr lf. T'1 ".re entering, minus wig .n mu.t.che. h, ' , 1" could it mean? Was this one of Miss I As n,,?''!. V.", Winnies lovers, come to steal her from the ir-od v aii ."mr , unjiiK b n-r, v name mv " IUW ini u:iyi that I w dlsgracefl-i a the eye, of 1 stood before the astonish fiIni!y. j wuut "the d-j-s ire S' bT'v"
The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Jan. 19, 1908, edition 1
23
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