Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 August 1895 — “Praying for Papa.” [ARTICLE]

“Praying for Papa.”

“Did you see that, mister?” said an elevated railroad guard to a New York newspaper man, who stood with him on the rear platform of the first car the other nignt “Yes.” “Well, then,” added the guard, “you saw my three little children. They were kneeling at a trunk in front of the window of that house we passed. Over them stood their mother. She was about sending them to bed, but before they go she teaches ’em to pray for me. Yes, and she brings ’em there so as I can see ’em. “And,” he added, with a manly attempt to stifle a sob that welled up in bis throat, “she has told me what she tells ’em to say.” “What is it?” inquired the auditor. “I do hope you won’t think me foolish. sir, but, as I guess you are a married man and a father, you may care to hear it. You see, it is this way. The kids—they go to bed at 9. That’s about the time my train goes by the house. It’s right on the line. So, just about that moment she brings the little ’uns up to the trunk in their nightgowns and makes ’em kneel down with their hands clasped on their faces. And then they pray and pray ” “For you?” was the interruption. “Yes, you’re right. They pray that papa will be good and kind, and keep sober, and bring home all his money, and the big guard’s voice trembled. But he continued after an effort: “I’m rough, tough and all that, but I love my wife and I love my children. They are the only ones on earth that keep me straight”