The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-07-21

One evening in the month of July 1925,
schIld about ten years old, badly dressed,
and with bare feet, was driving flock OF
sheep across plain in Picardy. Young
as he was, his countensnce was grave and
pale, and his large dark eyes were intently
hIed on book, which he held in his open
hand; while, but for the wstchful care Of
q dog that accompanied him, his feecy
charge might have strayed in every direc
uon without his being conscious Of it. He
walked slowly on, still looking at his book
unul' as he vas passing cottage, voice
from It's door recalled him from his abstrac
ton.
"hat Pierre, are you going to pass by
your old friend Louison, without saying
good-eyeningP
These words were spoken by an old
woman, whOwas spinning at the threshold.
No, good Louison, replied the boy with
very serious air; Il intended to call and
embrace you
How say you that, Pierrer said the old
woman. One would think you were 90.
ing away, and that we were never to see
you again.
4 hope, whenever / see you, to find you
well and happy, replied the child.
And always ready to share nv luncheon
with my little Pierre, who on Sunday has
the kindness to come and read prayers for
me, since L have become too feeble 10 go 10
church myself. Here, Pierre, take this lit
tie NICE white loaf which the baker gave
me this morning, and these fresh nuts[.pd
stay, pat this in you pocket. What's the
child afraid ofi-'ts only silver sixpence.
All, Pierre, yol have fine eyes, and a large
high forehead. Do you know often think
you are not destined to keep sheep ali your
life: something tells me you will be great
man one of these days. Still one thing
puzzles me: il you remain here in this vii.
iage of ST. Gobain, how are you ever to
become great?-a man whom every one
viii talk of and say, DO you know that
he was once little La Rance, the son of
La Rance the charcoal-b burner, and Cali
nette bis wifeP
Indeed, Louison, | don't think / shall
remain long at St. Gobain. Who knows
better days may come; and them added
ne, throwing his little caressing arms rousd
The old Somsn's neck, when you don't
see me here, you will pray to God for nae?
Farewell, dear Louison, shall never fo4get
you
why. what do you mean by that, Pierre?
Pierrotp
But Pierre was already out of hearing:
ant having oysrtaken bis sheep, drove them
towards farmhouse which stood at some
distance, surrounded by piles OF charcoal. |
On his way be stopped at an old oak tree, |
and climbing its lower branches, he placed |
IN deep hollow among them the bread
the nuts, and the silver coin which Louison |.
had given him. As he was getting down,
he ielt ms leg grasped by q powerful hand.
'Ah, little robber OF birds nests, have I
caught you? said loud, good-natured
voice.
oh, Richard, is that your said Pierre.
you startled me: ] thought at first it was
my father
'foDs father came home long ago; and
when your mother went to the fold, she
found very sorry account of her sheep.
oh, my mother wont be very angry.
Yes, but that's not ALI replied Richard;
while she was looking for the sheep, she
found something elsa book! and you
never saw such fuss as she made about
it,
i hope she will give me back my book,
said Pierre, speaking more to himself than
to his fathers servant.
As he entered the house after putting up
the sheep. bis mother met him, and said
coldly, Go in; your father wants to speak
TO you
A rough-looking man was seated at a
table laid for supper, his eyes were fixed on
the fire, and his hand rested on the book
found in the sheepfold.
Husband, here is Pierre
La Rance looked up. What has hap.
psnsd TO keep you so late''
Nothing, father.' +; e'stE
TO whom does this book belong!'
10 me, father
Who gave il your
Il did, sir said Richard; Il gave him
money 10 buy it,
And what do you do with it. childYl
ssked his father.
4 rad it, father