The man could not
speak. I saw there was something on his heart and mind, and wondered
what it could be. I've had lots of men come and tell me all about
themselves, how they were going to give up stealing, drinking, and all
other sins, but here was something different, so I waited. He tried to
speak, but could only sob. Finally he cried out with a choking sob,
"Sister!" The minister's hand went out to his shoulder, mine also, and
we tried to comfort him; I never saw a man in such agony. After a little
he told this story:
"Mr. Ranney, I am sure God sent you here to-night. I had a lovely
sister; she may be living yet; I don't know. Seventeen years ago she
went out to take a music lesson, and we have never laid eyes on her
since, and have never had the first line from her. Oh, if I only knew
where she is! She was one of the sweetest girls you ever saw, just like
the girl you spoke about to-night. She was enticed away from home by a
man old enough to be her father, who left his own family to starve. I've
hunted for them all over. I've never passed a poor girl on the street
without giving a helping hand, always thinking of my own sweet sister,
who might perhaps be in worse circumstances.
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