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Show 143 come and go freely because of their good behavior, but never me...never me. And she knew I was coming...." The words were a reminder to Lathrop himself of the faith of Hannah. The guard started toward Lathrop. Upon seeing the guard's intention, Elise stepped forward. When she looked into his face, she had a recollection of their past association. "Please...." was the only word that came forth. The guard nodded agreeably and stepped back. Thomas rested his hands on the stooped shoulders of Lathrop. Knowing that from this moment on an even greater burden would be on his own shoulders, he needed the spiritual reassurance of his father. As father and son looked into one another's eyes, in an instant they were restored by the sacrament of their souls. Thomas went to his knees before his father in want of a blessing. Lathrop rested his hands on the head of Thomas . "Thomas...my son " Lathrop nodded his head approvingly at Thomas's action, for Thomas had reaffirmed to all that it was Lathrop who stood at the head of the family. One by one, the children went to their knees so that their father would also bestow his blessing on them. ' Follwing Thomas was Jane. Lathrop spoke only their names, but with great affection and esteem. |