Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 6, Number 34, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 19 February 1876 — Page 2

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FOR THE PEOPLE.

TERRE HAUTE, FEB. 19, 1878.

THE OLD MAWS DREAM.

BY OLIVEK WESUKLL Uol.XES.

O, for one hour ot youthful Joy (Jive back my twentieth spring! I'd rather laugh a bright liatrcil boy,

Thau rwlgu a gwy-hairwl king.

Off with the wrlnklinl polls of age, Away with leariituK's crown Tear out lift's vrlsdoin-writteu t»age,

Aud cast Its trophies down.

Ono moment let my life-blood stream From boyhood'* fount to tome Cllve raw one Kiddy, m-Hug dream

Of life, and love, and fame.

My listening angel heard the prayer, And calmly smiling, Raid: "If 1 but touch thy silvered hair, j. -.

Thy hasty wish bad

KJXHI.

",But is there nothing in the track, To bid thee fondly stay, While the swift seasons hurry back,

To find the wished for day

Ah, truest soul of woman kind. Without thee what were life One blliw 1 cannot leave behind-*

I'll take my precious wife.

The angel took a sapphire pen, And wrote in rainbow hue, The man would b*» a boy again.

And bo a husband too.'*

And i» there nothing yet unsaid, Before the chauge appears? Remember all thy gltt»« have fled

With these dissolving years."

Why, yes, 1 would one favor more: My fond parental Joys— I could not b-ar to ls them all 111 take my girls and boys."

The smiling angel dropped his pen, "Why, this will never do The man would be a boy again,

And be a fa her too!"

And so I laughed. My laughter woke The household with its noise I wrote my dream when niernlug broke. To please my girls and boys.

Letty's Tramp.

I.OUI.SE M. AT/xvrr.

Jetty sat on the doorstop one breezy summer day, looking down the road and wishing with all her heart that something pleasing would happen. She often did this and ono of hor earliest delights when a lovely child was to sit there with a fairy book upon her knee, waiting and wat2hing in all good faith forsomething wonderful to happen.

In those days Cindrol la's golden ceach dashing round the corner to carry her away was the favorite dream. But at eighteen ono thinks more of the prince than either golden coach or splendid ball. But no prince had as yet cut his way through the grove of "laylocks" round tho gate, and the little* beauty still dreamed waking dreams on the doorstep, with her work forgotten in her lap.

Behind her, in the |tiaint, quiet room, Aunt Liddy dozed iu her easy chair, the clocked ticked, tho bird chirped, old Bran snapped lazily at the tlies, and nothing else brsko tho hush that brooded over the place. It was always so, and Letty ofen felt asifan earthquake would be a blessed relief to tho dreadful raonotonv of her life.

To-day it was peculiarly trying, for a slight incident nad ruflled the calm and, though it lasted but a moment, it had given Letty a glimpse into that lovely "new world that is the old." A carriage containing a gay young conpla on their honoymoon trip had stopped at the gate, for the bride bad a fancy for a draft from the mossy well, and the bridegroom blandly demanded that her whim be gratified. liOtty so nod hor, and while ono pretty girl slaked her thirst the other watched her with admiring eyes and a tender interest, touched by envy. It was all ever in a minute. Then bonny bride and enamored bridegroom rolled away on that enchanted journey which is taken but once in a lifetime,leaving a cloud of dust behind and a deeper discontent In Lotty's heart.

With along sigh sho had goue back to her seat, and closing her eyes upon a world that could offer her

little, fell

a dreaming until a rough voice startled her wide awake.

I say, mias, can you give a poor fellow a bite and a sup?" Opening her eyes, she saw a sturdy tramp leaning over the low gate, so ragged, dusty, worn and weary that she forgave the look of admiration in the bold black eyes which had been fixed ou her louger than sbo knew. Before she could answer, however, Aunt Lid dy, a hospitable old soul, called out from within: "Certin, certin. Sot right down on tho doorstep and rest a spell, whilo wo aco what wo can do about vittels." liettv vanished into tho pantry, and tho man threw himself down »n tho jfhady porch, regard less of Bran's suspicions growl, lie pulled off bis hat, stretched out his tired limbs, and leaned bis rough head back among tho woodbine leaves, with along breath, as if nearly spent.

When Lettv brought birn a plate of bread and in- »t he took it from nor so eagerly ar. with such a ravenous look that sh» shrank back involuntarily. Hoeing which, he aeid, with a poor attempt at a laugh:

You weedn be afraid. I look like a rough customer, but I won't hurt

^Lawful snkesf Wo ain't no.es 11 to be afraid of no ono, thongh wo be lone, women for Bran in better than a dozen men. A lamb to thfcUi he knows but let anv one try to poster Letty, and I never" see a liereer beast," said Aunt U4dy, as tb« girl went back for more food, seeing the stranger's need. u» know* I'm all right, and makes friends at once, yon see'*' answered the tramp with a satisfied nod, as Bran, after a brief investigation, sat down beside him with a pAdfiod wag of his

**"*Well, I never! He wen't often do thai to strangers. Oue** you're fond of durub critters," said Aunt liddy, much impressed with Bran's unusual oonde-

*«Th©v've been my best friends, and I don* fcrg* it," -WOW the dog a hone, though half starved

hlt2Imethingin

.*3gg8S& 1tes»»sSf

the tone, theact, touch-

ed I/*tv»s tender heart, and made her own vofoe very went and oordlal aa ahe Mkid 1 pleases have some nilk. It's nice

ftlThe

triMnp put up both hands to Ulte the bowl, and as he did so be looked into a fkee so tail of compassion that seemed like an angel's leaniac *°£nj*«wnfort a lost and weary soul. Hard as life had been to the poor Mkrm it had not spoiled him yet aa was plainly proved bythe change that softened Ms whole few, like magic, and trembled in the votoe that ssld, as if it wert sort of

"Qod bless you, miss," as he bent lis head and drank. Only a look of human sympathy and human gratitude yet, in the drawing of a breath, it oast out Letty

Eirl sat

81.6?»'

made the stranger feel as^ if ^he had found friends, for it was the touch of nature that makes the whole world kin. Every one seemed to feel its inliuence. Bran turned his benevolent eyes approvingly from his mistress to his new friend the

down oonfldlngly, and the old

lady began to talk, for, being fond of chat, she considered a stranger as a special providence.

Where be you travelin'?" "No wherein particular,"

Where did you cotne from then continued Aunt Liddy, undaunted by the short answer. .* "California."

Io tell! Juess you've been one of the rovin'Bort, ain't you Haven't done iiuuh olse. .v:,.-

It don't appear to have agrt^d with you remarkablo well," said th6 blunt old lady, peering at him over her spee-

hadn't bad the devil's own luok

I'd have been a rich ihan, iustead of a beggar," answered the tramp, with a grim look and an iroful knitting of his black brows. "Been unlort'nate, have you? Im sorry for that but it 'pears to me them asstavs to homo and works stuldy does better than them that goes huntin'after luck," observed Aunt Liddv, feeling it her dutv to give a word of advice.

Shouldn't wonder if you were right, ma'am. But some folks haven't got auy home to stay in and fellows of ray sort have to hunt after luck, for it won come to 'em." ..

Ain't you got no inends, young roan?" Not one. lxst the last yesterday."

Took sudden, I s'pose and the o,d ladv's ftice was lull of interest, as she put the (j jestion. "Drowned." "Merciful sakes! llow did it happen

Got hurt, couldn't bo cured, so 1 drowned him, and "What!" shrieked Aunt Liddy, upsetting her footstool with a horrified

Start

Letty'seyeswere

Only a dog, ma'am. 1 couldn carry him, wouldn't leave him to suffer so put him out of jmiu and came on

aJ0ne

The tramp had ceased eating, and sat with his head on his hand in a despondent attitude that told his story better than words. His voice was gruffer than ever as be spoke of his dog but the last word was husky, and he put his hand on Bran's head with a touch than Avon the good creature's heart entirely and made him lick the downcast face with a little whine of sympathy and satisfac-

full, and Aunt Lid

dy took snuff and settled her footstool, feeling that something must be done for one who showed signs of being worth tho saving.

Poor creter! And you was fond of him?" she said in a motherly tone, for the man of five or six and twenty as but a boy to her.

I'd have been a brute if I wasnfc fond of him, for he stuck to me when all the other fellows eut me, and tried to drag himself along with a broken leg, rather than leave me. Talk about friends. Give me a duuib acitnal if you want one worth having."

A bitter tone was in the man's voice and a wrathful spark kindled in his eyes as if wrong a3 well as want had made him what he was.

Rest a little and tell us all about California. A neighbor went there, and we like to hear news of that great, splendid place."

Letty spoke, aud the half eager, half timid voice was very winning, especially to one who rarely heard such now. Seeing her kindly interest, and glad to pay for his meal in the only way be could, tho man told some of his adventures in brief but graphic words, while tho old woman plied him with questionsand the young ono listened with a face so full of pretty wonder that the story tellers was inspired to do his best.

Aunt Liddy's cap frills stood erect with horror at some of the hair-breadth escapes recounted but to Letty it was better than any romance she over read to listen to talcs full of danger and hardship told by a living voice, and face to face with the chief actor in them all, who unconsciously betrayed that he possessed many oi tho manly attributes women mot-t admire.

After adventures like these, I don't wonder it seems hard to settle down as other folks do,"

S!JO

said warmly, when

the man stopped short, as if ashamed of talking so much of his affairs. I wouldn't mind trying it, though," ho answered, as he glanced about tho sunnv little room, so homelike and reposeful and so hannted by all the sweet in»u«mces that touch men's hearts when thev are most forlorn. "'You'd better," said Aunt Liddy, decidedly, "git work and stick to it and if luck don't come, bread and butter will, and in world of woe mebbe that's about as much as any ono of us has a right to expect."

I have tried to get it. But I'm such a hard looking chap no ono wants me and I don't blamo 'em. Ixok at that hat, now. Ain't that enough to MKil a man's chance, let alone his looks?'r Tho young fellow hold up a battored object with such a comical mixture of disgust and Indignation that Letty could not help laughing, and tho blithe sound was so contagious that the wanderer joined in It, cheered already by rest and food and kindly words.

It's slng'Iar what store men folks do set by their hats. My Moses couldn't never read bis naper till he'd put on his'n.and as for tlrivin' a nail bareheaded, in doors or out. he'd never think of such a thing," said Aunt Liddy, with tbe air of one well versed in tho mysterious ways of men folks,

But Letty dropped her bands as if a brilliant idea bad flashed upon her, and running to the back entry, returned with a straw hat, brown and dusty, but shady, whole, and far more appropriate to tbe season than the ragged felt tbe man was eyeing hopelessly.

It isn't very good, but It might do for a time. We only keep it to scare folks, and I don't feel afraid now. Would you mind if I gave it to you summered Letty, coloring up as she tried to offer her poor gift mrteously. "Mind! I guen I'a he glad to get it, tor no fit." And dropping the eld ..at, the tramp clapped on the new one, making his mirror of the bright eyes before bim.

It doee nieely. aad you're very welcome," said ibe girl, getting rorter atUJ, for there was something Deride gratitude In the brown

AM*

that had lost

tbe doggod, dangerous look it wore at first. "Now if you was to wash up and smooth that hair ofyourn a triflle, you'd be a likely looking young man and if yon're eivtt-apoken and willin* to lend a hand anywheres, you'll git work, I ain't a doubt," observed Aunt liddy, feeling a growing interest In the wayfarer, and, woman like, acknowledging tbe necessity of putting the best foot foremost,

I jetty ran for basin and towel, and pointing to the well, modestly retired

into the kitehen, while Aunt Liddy watched tbe vigorous scrubbing that went on in the yard, for tbe tramp splashed tbe water about like a Newfoundland dog. and Bran awrifctad at tho brief toilet with hospitable zeal.

It seemed as if a different man came out from that simple baptism for the haggard cheek had a glow upon it, the eyes had lost their hopelessness, and something like courage and self-respect shone in the face that looked in at the door as the stranger gave back ba-in and towel, saying, with a wave of the old straw hat: "I'm heartily obliged, ma'am. Would you kindly tell mo how iVirit is to the next big town?" "Twenty vniles. Tho cars will take vou right there, and tho deepo ain't Vtir," answered Aunt Liddy, showing the way.

Tho man glanced at his ragged shwes then squared his broad shoulders, as if bracing himself for the twenty long hot miles that hiswearv feet must carry him. Once his pockets were empty, and he could not bring himself to ask for anything but food enough to keep lile in

^"Vjood bve, ma'am, and CJod bless you." And* slouching the hat over his eyes, he limped away, escorted to the gate by Bran.

At tho turn of the road lie stopped and looked back as wistfully as ever Letty had done along the shadowy road and, as he looked, it seemed as if he saw a 3'ouuger self setting oil with courage, hope and enorgy upon tho journey, which, alas! had ended here. Ills eye went to tho old well, as if there hud been some healing in its water, then turned to the porch where ho hud boon ("ed and comforted, and lingered there as if some kindly memory warmed his solitarv heart.

Just"then a little liguro in blue gingham ran out aud camo fluttering alter him accompanied by Bran, in a stato of riotous delight. Rosy and breathless, Letty hurried to him, and, looking up with a face full of the innocent compassion that never can offend, she said, offeringa parcel, neatly folded up: "Aunt Liddy sends you some dinner, and this, so that you needn't walk, unless you like, vou are

The man stood motionless and watched her till she vanished, then turned and tramped sturdily on, muttering to himself, with a suspicious gruffness in his voice: "If I had a little mate like that alongside. I know my luck would turn." •y.'i yv-*s ,*?»

II.

A wild December night, with bitter wind and blinding snow, reigned outside the long, rude building, lighted only by furnace fires, that went roaring up the tall chimneys, whence poured clouds of smoke and showers of sparks, like beacons through tho storm. No living thing appeared in that shadowy

Eolt

lace except a matronly gray cat, sitting upright upon an old rug spread over a heap of sand near ono of tho fires. A newspaper and a tin pail were beside hor, and she seemed to have meunted guard, whilo the watchman of the foundry went his rounds.

A door stood half open upon the sheltered side of tho building, and suddenly, as if blown thither like a storm-driven bird, a little figure camo fluttering in, breathless, half frozen, and quite bewildered by a long strugglo with a pitiless gale. Feebly brushing away the snow that blinded hor, the poor thing looked about her with frightened eyes, and, seeing no ono but the cat, seemed to take courago and crept toward tho lire, as if suflerlng for tho moment conquered fear. "Oh Pussy, let me warm myself one minute, for I'm perished with the cold," she whispered, stretching two benumbed hands to the blaze.

Tho cat rpened her yellow eyes, and, ovidently glad to meet ono of her own sex, began to purr hospitably as who rustled across tho newspaper to greet her guest. There was something inexprossiblv comforting in the sound and, reassure'd by it, tho girl pushed back her drenched hat, shook her snowy garments, and drow a long breath, like one nearly spent. Yet even whilo sho basked in'the warmth that was salvation, her timid eyes glanced about the great, gloomy place, and her attitude was that of ono ready to fly at a moment's warning.

Presently a step sounded on a flight of

stairs

TERRE HAUTE »A'1URDAY EVENING MAIL.

lame."

As if more touched than he cared to show, the man took the food, but gently put away the little roll of greenbacks saying quickly:

Thank you for this, but I can take ymir money." We ain't rich, but we love to help folks. So you needn't be proud about it." And Letty looked ruflled at his refusal.

I'll take something else, it you don mind," said the tramp, pulling off his hat, with a sudden smile that made hie face look young and comely.

What is it?" And Letty looked up so innocently that it was impossible to resist the impulses* of a grateful heart.

His answer was to stoop and kiss the blooming cheek, that instantly grew scarlet with girlish sham« and anger, as she turned to lly. Catching her bythe hand, he said, penitently

I couldn't help it, you're so good to me. Don't begruage me a kiss for luck. I need it, God knows."

Tho man's real destitution and despair broke out in these words, and he grasped the little hand as if it was the only thing that kept him 1'IODJ the manifold temptations ol' a desperate mood.

It thrilled the girl like a cry for help and made her forget everything except that a fellow creaturo suffered. She shook the big hand warmly, and said, with all her heart:

You're welcome, if it helps you. Good bye, and g«od luck to you and she ran away as fast as she had cotne.

leading to some loft above. The

wanderer started like a hare, and, drawing nearer to the door, paused as if to catch a glimpse of the approaching face beforo sne fled away Into the storm, that bowled just then with a violence which might well dauut a stouter heart.

A tall man, lu a rough ooat, with griaried hair and beard undej an ow fur cap, came slowly down the steps, whistling softly to himself, as be swung bis lantern to and fro,

An old man, and the eat Is fond of bim. I guess I'll dare to ask my way, or I'll never got home," thought the girl as her eye scanned the new-comer with a Woman's quickness.

An Involuntary rustle of her dress caught his ear, and lifting tho lantern, he saw her at once, but did not speak, as if afraid of frightening her still more, for her pale face and the appealing gesture of the outstretched hand, tola her fear and need more than her hurried words:

Ob I please, I've lost my way and am nearly frosen. Could I warm myself a bit and find out where I am "Of course you may. Why, bices your heart I wouldn't turn a dog out such a night as this, much less a poor little soul like vou," aaawered tbe man ia a hearty tone, that tang true on the listening ear of the girl.

Then he hung up the lantern, put a stool neater the fire, and barkoned her to approach. But even tho kindly words

and act failed to win the timid creature for she drew back as he advanced, gave a glance at the door and said, aa if consciously appealing to the beat instincts of the man, whom ahe longed yet feared to trust.

Thank you but it's getting late and I ought to bo getting on, if I Knew the way. Perhaps you've got eome girls of your own, so you can understand how scared I am to be lost at night and in such a strange place aa this."

The man stared, then laughed, and, shaking the snow from his curly hair and beard, showed himself to bo a younat and pleasant looking fellow,with a merry oye, an honest brown face, and a hearty voice.

You thought I Was an old chap, did you Wish I was, if it would be any comfort to you. I've got no little girls neither, inore's the pity but you need not be afraid of me, though it is late and lonely. Why, Lord love you, child, I'm not a brute! Sit down and thaw out, while you tell me where you want to go."

The half indignant tone of the man made his guest feel as if she bad insult ed him and sho obeyed him with doeility which appeased his anger ai once. Seating herself upon the stool, she leaned toward tho fiie with an irrepressible shiver, and tried to keep ber teeth from chattering aa she told her little story.

I want work badly, and went along way, hoping to get some. But I didn't find it, and that discouraged mo very much. I had no money, so had »o walk, and the storm got so bad I lost my way. Then I was scared and half fro zen, and so bewildered I think I'd have died if I hadn't seen tho light and come in here."

I guess you would. And the bpst thing you can do now, is to stop till the storm lifts. Shouldn't wonder if it did about midnight," said the man, stirring up the red embers, as if anxious to do something for her comfort.

But that is so late, and I must be ever so far away from home l'or I came over the wrong bridge. Oh, me! What shall I do?" And thepoor thing wrung her hands in dismay.

Won't your folks go to look for you?" I haven't any one in tho world to care for me. The woman where I board won't trouble herself: or shell think I've run away, because I owe ber money. No I might be dead in tbe river, and no one would mind sighed tbe girl, leaning her head on her bands, while some bright, disheveled bair fell over her face as if to hide its youth and innocence from a world that seemed to have no shelter for either.

That's hard! But don't you be downhearted, child. Things often mend when they seem worst. I know, ft I'vo been through the mill, and had friends raised up to mo when I'd about done with living, as a bad job. I can't leave here till sunrise but I'll do the best I can for yow till then. Dan will be along earlv, and he'll see to you, if you can't trust me: for he is as gray as a badger, and he's got six girls of his own, if that's a recommendation. I've got nothing but a cat and sho trusts me. Don't you old lass?"

As he spoke tho man sat down upon the san(^ heap, and Sally leaped to his knee, rubbing her bead against his cheek, with a soft sound of confidence and contentment which seemed to af ford her friend great satisfaction. The girl smiled faintly, and said, in an apologetic tone, for there had been something like reproach in tho man's voice, as he asked tbe dumb animal to vouch for his character:

I don't believe I'd have dared to come in here if I hadn't seen Pussy. But I thought any one who was good to her would be good to me and now I'm sure of it."

That's right. You see, I'm a lonesome sort of a ehapand like something to pet. So I took old Sally, and we get on capitally. She won't let the other fellows touch her. but always conies and sits with me when I am alone here nights. And it's surprising what good company sho is."

Ho coughed as he spoke,'as if half ashamed of the amiable weakness, yet anxious to put his guest at ease. He evidently succeeded, for she stretched two shabby little boots towards the fire and leaned her head against a grimmy beam, saying, with a sigh of weariness:

It is very comfortable: but the heat makes me feel queer and diz/.y.'' You're just about used up andT'm going to give you a sup of hot coflee. That'll bring you around in a jiffy. It's time for supnor. 1 lej', Sally

As he spoke the man set his pail in tho hot ashes, unfolded a parcel of bread and meat, and laying a rude sandwich on a clean bit of paper, offered it with a hospitablo,

Have a bit. Do now. You've had a hard pull and need something to set vou up."

Leaning forward to give and take, two faces came into the clear rod glow of the furnace fire, and a look of recognition flashed into each so suddenly that it startled both man and maid into involuntary frankness of expression. "Why,it's little Letty!"

And you are my tramp!" A change so rapid as to be almost ludicious came over the pair in the drawing of a breath. She smoothed back her hair and hid the shabby boots, yet sat more erect upon the stool, as if she had a right theroaud felt np longer any fear. He pulled off his cap, with a pleasant mixtnre of respect, surprise and satisfaction in his manner, as he said, in a hnlf proud half humble tone: "No, mis?, for thanks toyoti, I'm a decent man now." "Then you did find work and get on?" sb* exclaimed, with a bright, wistful look that touched him very

Didn't you get my letter?" he asked, eagerly. *"I sent you the first dollar I earned, and told you and the old lady I was all right."

Letty shook her head, and all the light passed out of her face, leaving it pathetic in its patient sorrow.

Aunt IJddy died a week after you were there, so suddenly that everything was in confusion, and I never got the letter. I wish she had known of it, bocause It would have pleased her so. We often talked about you and boned you'd do well. We led such quiet lives, vou are, that any little thing interested us for along time."

It was a little thing to yon, dare pgy but it was salvation to me. Not the money so much as the kind worda carried nie through. I had had anch bad luck, that there didn't seem anything left for me but deviltry or death. Yea. That day it was a toss up between any bad job {hat came along first and drowning, like my dog. That seemed eort ot mean, though, and I felt more like being revenged somehow on the world, that had been so bard on me."

He stopped abort, breathing hard, with a sudden spark In his black eyes and a nervous clenching of strong handa that made Dotty shrink, for he seemed to •peek in spite of himself, as if the memory of that time had left its impress on his life.

But you didn't do anything Itad. Pm sure*you didn't for Aunt Uddy said there was the making of a man in you, heeatisc yon were so qnlrk to feel

a little bit of kindness and take good advioe." Tbe soft, eager voice of the girl seemed to work the miracle anew, for a smile broke over his face, tbe angry apark was quenched, and the clenched band opened to offer again all It had to give, as he said, with a characteristic mingling of fun and feeling in his voice:

I don't know much about angels, but I felt as if I'd met a couple that day, for tbey saved me from destruction. You cast your bread upon tbe waters, and it's come back when, maybe, you need it most as much as I did then. Tisn't half as nice as yours but perhaps a blessing will do as well as butter."

Letty took the brown bread, feeling that he had said the best grace over it and while she ate he talked, evidently moved to open his heart by the memory of tbe post and eager to show that he had manfully persisted in tbe well do ing bis angels had advised.

That was nearly two years ago, you know, and I've been hard at it ever since. I took anything that come along and was glad to get it. Tbe bat did that, I firmly beliove." And he .laughed a short laugh, adding, soberly, "But I didn't take to work at first, for I'd been a rover and liked it, so it took along pull and a strong pull and a pull together before I settled down steady. Tbe hat and the"—he was going to say "kiss but a look at tbe lonely littlo creature sitting there so confidingly made him change tbe word to "tbe money seemed to bring me luck and I followed the advice of the good old lady and stuck to my work till I got to liking it. I've been here moro than a year now and am getting on so well I shall be overseer before long. I'm only watchman for a time. Old Dan has been sick and they wantod some one they could trust, so tbey chose mo."

It was good to see him square his broad shoulders and throw back his bead aa he said that and pretty to see Letty nod and smile with sincerest pleasure in his success. "It looks dark and ugly now but I've seen a foundrj' when they were casting, and it was splendid to watch the men manage the furnaces and do wonderful things with great hammers and molds and buckets of red-hot melted iron. I like to know you do such things, and now I'm not afraid. It seems sort of romantic and grand to work in this place, where every one must be strong and brave and skillful to get on."

That's it. That's why I like it don't you see?" ho answered, brightening with pleasure at ber artless praise. You just come casting day, and I'll show you sights you won't forget in a hurry. If there wasn't any danger and noise and good bard work wrastling with fire and iron and keeping a rough set of fellows in order, I shouldn't stay, for tho restless fit comes on sometimes, and I feel as if I must cut away somewhere. Born so and can't help it. May be I could if I had something to anchor me but, as you say, 'nobody would care much if I was in the river,' and that's bad for a chap like me." "Sally would care," said the girl, quite soberly, for she sympathized now with the man's loneliness as she could not have done two years ago.

So she would but I'll take her with me when I leave—not for the river, mind you. I'm in no danger of nonsense now. But if I go on a tramp (and I may if the fit gets too strong for me) she snail go to, and we'll bo Dick Whittington and his cat over again."

He spoke in a devil-may-caro tone, and patted the plump tabby with a curious mixture of boyish recklessness and a man's sad knowledge of life in his face. "Don't g»," pleaded Letty, feeling that she had certain responsibility in the matter. "I should mind as well as Sally for if Aunt Liddy and I helped put you in a gowd way, it would be a disappointment to have you go wrong. Please stop here, aud I'll try and come to see vou work some day, if I can get time. I'm likely to have plenty of it, I'm afraid."

She began eagerly but ended with a despondent droop of the whole figure, that made her new friend forget himself in interest for her.

I'll stop, honor bright. And you come and look after me now and then. That'll keep me steady. See if it don't. But tell mo how you aro getting on. Little down on your luck just now, I guess? Come, I've told my story. You tell yours, and may be I can lond a hand. I owe you a good turn, you know and I'm one that likes to pay his debts, if he can."

You did p*ys yours but I never got the letter, for I camo away after Aunty died. You see I wasn't her own nieceonly sort of a distant relation and she took mo because my own ppople were gone. Her son had all she left—it wasn't much and sho told bim to be good to me. But I soon saw that I was a burden, and couldn't boar to stay. So I went away to tako care of myself. I liked it at first but this winter times aro so hard and work so scarce I don't get on at all."

What do you do, miss?" asked Whittington, with added respect because in her shabby dreas and altered face he rend tho story of a struggle Letty was too proud to tell. "I sew," she answered briefly, smoothing out her wet shawl with a hand so thin and small it was pathetic to see, when one remembered that nothing but a needle in those slender fingers kept want and sin at bnv.

The kindly fellow seemed to feel that, and as hiseyo went from his own strong rifiht arm to the sledge hammer it often swung the instinct of protection so keen in manly men made him long to stand lntwcen poor Iietty and the hard world he knew so well. The magnetism of sympathy irresistibly attracted iron to steel, while little needle felt assured that big hammer would be able to boat down many of the obstacles which now seemed insurmountable, if she only dared to ask for aid. But help came without the asking.

Been after work, you say Why, we could givo you heaps of it, if you don't mind It's Deing coarse and plain. This sort of thing, you know," touching his rod shirt with a business-like air. 'Our men use 'em altogether, and like em strong in the seams. Some ain't and buttons fly off juat looking at 'em. That makes a fellow mad and swearing comes easy."

But Iietty shook her head, though she couldn't help smiling at his sober way of explaining toe case and Its sad conse

I've tried that work, and it deean pay. Six cent* for a shirt, and sometime a only four, isn't enough to earn ones board ana clothes and fire, even if one made half a dosen a day. You can get them for that, and somebody growa rich while we starve."

Hanged If I ever buy another I See hero, you make me enough for a yenr, and we'll have a fair bareain between ua. That Is if you cant do better and dont mind," he added, ™ddenly abatinir his warmth and looking almost bMhful over the well meant proposal.

I'd fove to do it» Only you musn MV

too much," said Letty, glad °f anything to keep her handa and thoughts busy, for life was very bare and cold just then. ,,

nobody be tbe wiser," returned ber new emplover, privately reaolving to order a bale or red flannel on the morrow, and »ay fabulous prices for tbe work of the

Ittle friend who had once kept him from worse than starvation. It was not much to offer, and red flannel was not a romantic subject of conversation but something in the prompt relief and tho hearty good will of tb« man went to I jetty's heart, already full to overflowing with many cares and troubles. Sbe tried to tbank him but could only cover up her face and sob. It was so sweet and comfortableto find any o"e who cared enough for her to lift her out of the slough of despond, which was to ber as dangerous a mood as tbe desperate he had known. There wero bands enough to beckon tbe winsome creaturo to the wrong side of the quagmire, where so many miss the stepping stones but she felt that this was the right side, and the hand an honest one, though rough and grimy with hard work. So the tears were glad and grateful tears, and she let them flow, melting the latal frost that had chilled her hope and faitli in God and man.

But the causer of them oould not bear the sight, for the contrast between this forlorn girl and the blithe, blooming Letty of that memorable day was piteous. Manlike, he tried to express his sympathy in deeds, as well as words, and, hastily filling a tin cup from the coffee can, pressed it upon her with a fatherly stroke of the bent head and a soothing.

Now, my dear, just tako a sip of this, and don't wry any more. We'll straighten things out. Se cheer up, and let me lend a hand anj'where, anyhow."

But hunger and fear, weariness and cold had been too much for poor Letty, and in the act of lifting up ber wot face to thank him tho light left her eyes, and sho would have slipped to the ground, if he bad not caught her.

In a minute ahe was herself again, lying on the old rug, with snow upon her forehead and some one fanning lier with a newspaper.

I thought I was going to die," she whispered, looking abouthcr in a dazed sort of way.

Not a bit of it! You're going to sleep. That'/what you want, and old Sally's going to sit by whilo you do it. It's a hardish pillow but I've put my Jiandkercbief over it, and, being Monday. its spick-and-span clean."

Letty smiled as she turned her cheek to the faded silk handkerchief laid over the rolled-tip ooat under her head, for Pussy was nestling close beside her, as if her presence was both a comfort and defense. Yet the girl's eyes filled even whilo she smiled, for, when most desolate, a friend had been raised up to ber and, though tho face bending over her was dark and shaggy, there was no foar in hor own, as she said, lialf-appealing-ly, half-confidingly

I don't believe I could go if I tried, I'm so worn out. But you'll take care of me, and in the morning show me tbo way .home?'*

Please God, I will!" he answered, as solemnly as if taking an oath, adding, as he stepped back to tko stool she haa loft: "I snail stay, here and read my paper. Nothing shall scare you so make yourself comfortable and drop ofl" with an easy mind."

Sitting there, ho saw her lay hor hands together, as if she said some "little prayer then, turning her face from the light, sho fell asleep, lulled by tho drowsy purr of the humblo friend to whom she clung even in her dreams. Ho only looked a minute, for something that was neither the shimmor of firelight nor tho glittor of snow-dust made the quiet group danco mistily before his eyes, and forgetting his paper, ho fell to drying Letty's hat.

It was both comical and pleasant to see how tenderly he touched the battered thing, with what interest ho surveyed it, perched on his big hand, and how carefully be smoothed out tho ribbons, evidently much bewildered as to which was the front and whMi the back. Giving up tho puzzle, lie hung it on the handle of the great hammer, and leaning his chin on his hand, began to build castlcs in tbe air and watch tho red embers, as if he saw in them some vision of the futuro that was very pleasant.

Hour alter hour struck from the city clocks across the river the lantern burned itself out, untrimmed the storm died away and a soft, white silence followed the turmoil of the night. Still 1 jetty slept like a tired child still old Sally, faithful to her trust, lay in tho circle of tho girl's arm and still tho watchman sat before the fire, dreaming walking dreams, as he had often dono be lore but never any half so earnest, sweet, and hopeful as those that seemed to weave a tondor romance about the innocent sleeper, to whom he was loyally paying a debt of gratitude with such poor hospitality as he could show.

Dawn came up rosy and clear along tho east, and the first level rav of wintry sunlight, as it struck across the foundry walls, fell on Letty's placid face, with tbo bright hair shining liko a halo around it.

Feeling very much as if ho had entertained an angel unaware, tho man stood enjoying the pretty picture, hesitating to wako her, yot fearing that a gruff hallo from old Dan might do it too suddenly. Somehow he hated to liavo her go for the gloomy foundry seemed an enchanted sort of place this mornir g, with a purer Heaven and earth outsider and within the "litte mate" whom he felt a strong desire to keep "always alongside," for something hotter than luck's sake.

He was smiling to himself over tho thought, yet half ashamed to owti how it had grown and strengthened in a night, when I/Ctty opened wide a pair of eves full of tho peace sleep

she

All tight. I'll sew to It directly, and

brings

and

the soft luster that comes after tears. Involuntarily the man drew back anil waited silently for her to speak. Sho looked bewildered for a moment, then rememlered, and spraog

UP,

full, of the relief and fresh gratitude that camo with

her

first waking thought.

How long I've slept! How very kind you were to me! I can go now, if you will start me right." "You are heartily welcome! lean take you homo at once, unless you'd rather wait for Dan," he answered, with a quick look toward the door, as if already jealous of the venerable DanieL

I rather go before any one comes. But perhaps vou ought not to leave yet I wouldn't like U*

take

you from your

duty," began Letty, looking about hec for her bat.

Duty be—hanged! I'm going to sou you safe home, If you'll Tet me. Here your bat. I dried It but it don look quite sbip-sbape somehow." And taking the shabby, little object from the na. where it hung, he presented it with such respectful care that a glimmer of the old mlrthfulnesa came into Letty's fece, as

said, surveying it with much diafaTOT

It Is almost as bad as the one I gave you but it must do."

I've got that old thing up at my

Cid

sce now. Keep It for luck. Wish I one for yen. Hold on! Here's a tippet—nice and warm. Have for a hood. You'll find It cold optaide/'

He was so Intent on making her comfortable that Letty could notrefuae, and (bnchufari ou Tl.ird Pitffe.]