tears. An electric spark of sympathy flashed
between them. They rose as if moved by one
impulse, and were clasped in each other's arms.

"John, my John! It IS John!"

"Mother--my dear old mother!"

"I didn't think," she sobbed, "that I'd ever
see you again."

He smoothed her hair and kissed her. "And
are you glad to see me, mother?"

"Am I glad to see you? It's like the dead
comin' to life. I thought I'd lost you forever,
John, my son, my darlin' boy!" she answered,
hugging him strenuously.

"I couldn't live without seeing you, mother,"
he said. He meant it, too, or thought he did,
although he had not seen her for ten years.

"You've grown so tall, John, and are such a
fine gentleman! And you ARE a gentleman now,
John, ain't you--sure enough? Nobody knows
the old story?"

"Well, mother, I've taken a man's chance in
life, and have tried to make the most of it; and