A TOUCHING INCIDENT.

Southland Times, Issue 1195, 14 January 1870, Page 3

A TOUCHING INCIDENT.

♦ A few days ago, an unfortunate young man, who had seen better days, but had yielded to the ruinous influence of idleness and drink, fell into the hands of the police and was earned to the Up-town Guardhouse. As is usually done on such occasions, he was searched, and the articles, knife, pocket-book, watch, &c., found in his possession, were taken in charge by the officers, to be safely kept until he should be released. That night a stranger, an old greyheaded gentleman, well dressed and evidently well-to-do in the world, had occasion to call at the guard-house to look after some property which he had lost. While he was there, one of the police officers was amusing himself rummaging over the miscellaneous articles which had been taken from the prisoners, and were huddled together in a drawer. The stranger suddenly interrupted him, and seizing one of the watches in a very excited manner, said : " This watch belongs to my son, who ran away from home five years ago, and of whom I have been able to obtain no trace since. Will you let me see the man who brought it here ?" " How do you recognise the watch ?" asked the officer. " I bought it in this very city, ten years ago, as a Christmas present for my son, who was then quite a boy. See, there is the jeweller's name on it, * James E. Spear, Eang-street, Charleston, S.C " " Yes," replied the officer, "Mr Spear is a- wellknown and reliable jeweller of this city, who always sells a great number of Christmas presents. You shall see the man." The man was brought out, and proved to be the stranger's long-lost son. There was great joy, mingled with great sorrow. The father paid his son's fine, and carried him off to take him home, and it is hoped the prodigal will improve this opportunity to become a wiser and a better man. — Cliarleston News.