The Lost Father (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920 edition. Excerpt: ...my sentence, if it only be a just one, and if I may but learn with whom I have to deal. Sin Alas--poor father My constant companion in day-thoughts, in night-dreams. Yes, I know it. But I was too young. I knew not that hearts were made to suffer so. I did not know, that man could die of soul-suffering. But now I know it. Am I at fault, because it is too late 1 And now you, Army Pallidly arising to leave me. With flowing tears. And that last low word: farewell. And then to be beaten to death by a--cowboy I know it, Anny; I know it. Many an evil day, have I repented it sore. But what profits repentance? Huh--there they appear They press forward They crowd hither With bloodshot eyes--with blanched cheeks.--Hush, they mutter, they stare, they lift uncanny hands toward Heaven. In the name of Christ; I cannot help ye. Begone I was not responsible. I acted my part. Such was the world. I had to take thought of myself and my own. What else should I do? Had I been the weaker, you would have treated me likewise. Then they are silenced. They know it. They feel the truth of it. Back they slink into their shadows. But they reappear. Where shall I hide--whither shall I flee? Huh--these mothers in weeds of woe, with tear-swollen eyes, leading children emaciated with hunger. And there he is The blood-stained one. Away 'Twas not my fault. I was innocent. It was trade, trade And every man must look out for himself. And he who is not clever enough, nor strong enough must suffer, no matter who he may be. And he that succumbs ought rather to rejoice, because the one who succeeds, suffers longer and more intensely; and there is no longer any mercy. For the Father is gone, while the fires of Hell burn as blue and unquenchable as ever within the human breast....