Hillsdale Whig standard. (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1846-1851, 1851-03-11
From Chambers Edinburgh Journal.
THE BOG SHAMROCKS.

j land. Their father ard mother died with fe-
yer within few days Of each other when
the boy was fourteen and his sister twelve
years old. Their only near relative was a
cousin, who lived IN a neiehboring village,
| and who, on Murphy's death came over TO
arrange their affairs. He iound that when
the stock. crops and furniture were sold, and
the rent and other debts paid, five pounds
and iolerab!e supply Of clothes were all
that remained for the orphans, Tom Hand
ley was a good -uaIured man. but his own
circumstances were far from fourshiug, and
he bad wife aud family to maintain. He
therefore felt rather embarrassed as 10 what
could be. done with his young cousins; and
calling Charles ts,nm on IHe muruIuS mat
the farm was surrendered. he said, We'll.
Charley, boy, what do you think would be
best for you and Nelly to do?'
The boy sighed deeply. j don't know,
Tom he said; I'D like 10 work. and try 10
support her. il knew how--ii you'd put
me ir the way Of doing it,
"'Tis little you'd earn for good while
! yet, I'm thinking, replied Tom. You're n
slight young fellow, not over strong; and
believe you were brought up more 10 the
book learning than anything else
Yes; my poor father was giving me
good education, thinking Ia be fit for clerk
| In counting house. in case the bad times
would oblige him TO give ur farming; or Sat
any rate he would say, 'leainiog is no bur
then to any one.' But now that's all over,
/ and know have nothing TO look TO but my
own work TO support myself aud Nelly
| WELL said Tom. after pause, you and
your lille sister can come home with me -
{ | know herself This wife) will be willing 10
/ give ye both The run of the house. I'll put
your five pounds into the savings. and we'll
I find you something TO do in the fields. and
! Ellen might make herself useful miDding the
/ young infant.
Charles thanked his cousin; and then with
| hearts full Of grief Tor he kind parents, they
had lost he and his sister accompanied Tom
Handey TO his home, about six niles dis
tant.
Il was = long. low, thatcbed cabin, with a
potatoe field at ;he back, cabbage garden
at one side, pig sly at The other, and in
front the filthy, green. stagnant pool vhlch
| 'mpedes the entrance 10 many an Irish ,ene
mept. IN il and about il were dispouing
/ themselves a motley crew OF quadrupedsa and
! bipeds; ihe former consisting Of pigs Ind
dogs. The latter including ducks. geese, AID
children. Al the door stood Mrs. Iandley,
| hpltIGg piggin filled with bruised POTATOES
/ and bran, and busily engaged iD feeding
| e1ody company Of cock hens, anh chick.
eos. Her eldest son, fine rosv, dizzy bog
OF eight, stood armed with furze laeut, lus-
I tiv trPvliios ,is nnI~.~f..3 -'-eu.sians Df ihs
before named animals Of the pool. who ~i,il
| the exception Of the children. seemed 10
J think thai ne favored rivals Of Inc roost
I were getting (ar more than tbeIY share o. the
eood hlngs o. this Iie; aod lhat it was fe-
! ais worh isl zoe something ios = portion 10
I The mess II not potatoes deiicafe'y ml0gie
! with bran.
Here We are. Klyi said Tom, come
aome o 500, lIlsut goodness, safe and soun 81
nope he pra'ies are nearly boiied, Tor I'm
snre Nelly aud Charley must be starving
hungry.
They'll be ready 10 less than no time,
Tom; aod have foe howl If huueruila
aud fresh egg for ycu 10 DE bsfgarn.--
You'fe NeloouIt, children smdiy NeichWe,
cb.dren' she continued 'klndly WeiCoue;
only had / d better place for ycu. And wi
ping her hands on her checked apron, she
gave them hearty salUyarion, and tea them
iulJ he cabin. Althnugh heir home had
been humble and tboir ciOiIl0e coarse,
Charles and Ellen had always been accGs
TONED 10 strict cleanliness IN both. they
therefore felt shocKsd al the first view or
lheII iuuIe dwelling. Fne mad hOor was
damp, dry and worn into rust; the wooden
furniture. although sOt6eienry abundant and
Substantial, looked as il 10 we're rarely seour
cd; and wheoever the haif-door nsppr0ed 10
be elt open the lving creatures before eoa
IN, ta.. Il
them 90 small portion Of rhe lacusuipe de
Posils 81 lhe dons Charles perceived the
painful expression Of las sis,ei's face. and
draWiog her hand within his he whispered,
We ought to be thankful to be here, Nell,
and not IN The work-house.
After supper, they were taken into very
small room, sOu vi den parItIOned off the
kitchen, containing Two good soft looking
beds, la cue Of these beds Ellen was 10
sleep with two OF her liule couslns-Ihe OH
er was occupied by Mr.. aud Mrs. Hsndley
snd their younger child. An old stuff cur
lain was drawn between the two bedsteads-
piece OF delicate refinement very uncom.
mon in an Irish cabin. For Charles and the
eldest boy. straw bed was made IN settle
in the kitchen. Despite The novelty Of their
situation. both brother and sister slept sound
y, aod awOke next morning with hears
ihsugh sad, yet grateful to God for giving
them even this shelter.
Aiier breakfast. Tom Handley said, Nov
Charley, come out Into the field, and drive
the cows toto the lower inch. You can
stop there and watch ihem; and mind, don't
let them get into the meadow.
Here, Ellen,' said Mrs. Hsndley. take
this child from me, and good luck TO you;
he won't LEI me do ha'porih but dsndllng
him all day; twill be foe thug for me il
YOU can mind him.
Both brother and sister expressed their
readiness TO do whaleve, they could TO assist
their cousins, Tor they had been well instruc
ted. and knew that they ought not cal The
bread Of idleness. Yet they could moi help
feeling their situation iiksome. for besides
the physical discomfous of their abode, Ell
len was kept all day in close attendance on q
cross child, which was also so fat and heavy,
that the slender growing girl was bowed be-
neatl n Ueiohf Chatlaa foo shnf