THE SINS OF THE FATHER.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11279, 21 May 1902, Page 10

THE SINS OF THE FATHER.

Bt S. Wsir Mitchku., M.D.

James Carstairs, just home from Africa, was smoking in the Ti_ve_.ers* <_t_b in London. He felt a hand on his. shoulder, and rose to greet Captain Mafstou, an old comrade. . SaidMarston: "I hope, Jim, you are ail right. Heard you brought home a coast fever " "No, lam well. I have been up among your friends, the Mandingos." "Well, I suppose you have lots to teil us." "By George, yes! Will it suit you to have "mc dine with you to-morrow? I wj_l bring my photos. I shall be glad to show them to Mrs Marston. They have come out well." "Yes, of course; delighted to have you.' "Now I must go. I have to meet a committee of the Geographical Society. I lived with the Mandingos six months. I think you were there just twelve years ago." "Yes. I suppose the infernal man-trade goes on?" "Oh, worse than ever. After I left for the coast the hunters raided the poor devils." Said Marston: "I am sorry for that. They were kindly folk, and the women not ill-looking.'' "So-so," returned Car-fairs. "I saw.the lot of slaves later, at Loango, on the coast. I bought off a half dozen and sent them home. They were fellows who had been very useful to mc." "That was like you, Carstairs." "Oh, by the way, Marston, among those I set free there was a lad about eleven or twelve, rather light-coloured—had some white blood, I fancy. I bought him too because he took an awM licking and never winced. You will laugh, but my desire to buy him was increased because he reminded mc of you." Marston started. "Of mc? What do you mean?" "Yes; he had a white lock of hair over his left temple, like yours —queer, wasn't it?" "Yes," said Marston. "Unusual, very; but I know two people who have it." "Well. I never saw it before in a nigger. Oh, by George! it is so.jolly good to see you that I almost forgot." He lookid up at the clock. "Good-bye. At eight- to-morrow, you said." "Ye.,- at eight. We shaft be alone." "I will show you my maps; a_B, by the wav, I have a photo of the boy." He went away. Marston sat down, and for a half-hour remained moveless, with his unlighted cigar between his lips. Then he rose, went slowly down-stairs, took his hat and his top-coat, and passed out into the street. At the foot of the steps he stood still —and said aloud: . "My God! That's awful!"