Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1852-12-30


guide. had not yet dropped my line into
the tempting pools around me-for was
looking earnestly at the wan face of the boy
at my side.
How long have you lived here, Dick y
inquired q, Ieng,h-lor felt conviction
that that rude hut was not the fair ch!ld's
home!
six year, think, NIaister.'
'And how old are you, Dick ?
Il don't know that he said, rather un
concernedly. And then he added quickly,
as noble trout broke the water below us,
'look ee, look ZEE master! But that araS
good 'un, thought
sWho is 'NIaisler Tom at the Int, yond-
er?' continued, scarcely noticing his en-
lhusias,ic exclamation.
sWho:' be responded, vacan,ly-sw'y.
ee's Master Tom, arm, zee ?
But you have no, always lived with him,
have you, Dick ?
oh, MOP replied the little fellow, quick
Iy. q come 'ere WI him, long time SINCE
who lives with you, else p
sWho? Master Tom and me-
Nobody else ?
mo-
sAnd how do you Iive?'
sW'y-in the house, you see.'
Exactly. But what--how do you get
your living, Dick Your bread, mean
sBreadn
'Yes-your food, Dick
81 don't know there. There's another,
mais,er! Where's yer moth? They're 'ere
in plenty. See, see There's more, yond-
er-let's ave the MOTH
Poor lille fellow! lie knew not the
meaning Of the word bread, probably; and
than in asceraining what was aiming at.
Docs Master Tom take good care1oi you:'
! continued, determined 10 know all about
the boy.
'Yes-yes. That is, he-he-'
The liuIe fellow faltered, and seemed un
willing or afraid TO GO further. But urged
him, and put silver coin into his hand
He evidently did not clearly understand
what it was.
Now Dick said, ssit down by me here
and tell me if you love Master Tom, and
and how you get along with him. Is he
good to vou?'
No. He beats me- said the child in a
whisper.
Beats your
Yes, every day.
Every day For what ?
Cos he wants 10. He says Manson cheot-
ed him
'.Wamon! who is he p
j don't know
sWhere is Manton:'
4 don't know that. did know Manton
once-a good while ago.
'WelI, who was hep
'.My Father, think y continued the little
fellow, softly, placing his thin lips close to
my ear, lest he should be overheard, appar-
emily.
started back, astounded at this innocent
reply, and ye. ! was prepared, messurably,
for some such disclosure. finally ascer-
tanned that the boy had been in his present
wreiched quarters some seven years; that
be came there from long distance, in charge
| of 'Maisier Tom as he called him tha, he
mus, have been eleven or twelve years age;
and that the owner of the miserable cabin
where they dweii, had plainly stolen the
child, (out of revenge upon its parents, pro-
baby j and for years, the poor boy bad
been halfssarved and most brulaly y mallleal-
ed. Ny mind was quickly made up-after
our conference-and said:
Come, Dick! You shall 60 with me, if
you will
'Where? - he asked, with stare ofincre-
dulity and surprise.
'Where they won't beat you any more,
Dick,' answered. Il will find friends for
you; and you shall be made comfortable
and happy sAnd will Master Tom 60 too ?
| Move will leave him here.'
'Whai will Master Tom do, wi,hout Ill
tie Dick p
Never mind, comen Insisted.
'Oh, but he'll kill me!'
sWho?'
'Maister Tom
'He shan't hurt YOU
'But-when come back he'll beat me SO
for it =
you won't come back,' answered.
mot come back =
Mo-
'Never?'
sNever'
And no. be beat any more ?
No
sAnd not see Master Tom no more? he
continued, cluching my arm, and gazing