The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1853-09-01
TIE WELL In THE WILDERNESS,
A Tale Of the Prairie, founded
on fact.
BY MRS, NOODLE.

BY MRS. NOODLE.
Richard Steel was the son of one o
those small landholders who are fast dis
appearing from merry old England
His father left him the sole possessor o.
twenty-five acres of arabic land, and 8
snug little cottage, which had descended
from father to son, through many gener-
ations.
The ground plot, which had been sufi.
cient to maintain his honest progenitors
for several ages, in the palmy days of
Britain's glory and independence, ere her
vast resources passed into the hands OF
the few, and left the many to starve, was
not enough to provide for the wants OF
our stout yeoman and his family; which
consisted at that period, Of three sons
and one daughter, lovely, blooming
girl of ten years or thereabouts. Richard
and his boys toiled with unceasing dill
gence; the wife was up late and early,
and not one moment was left unemployed;
and yet they made no Roadway, but ev-
cry succeeding year found them in ar
rears.
Jane, said the yeoman, one evening,
thoughtfully to lis wife, after having
blessed his homely meal of skinned milk
and brown bread, 'couldst thee not have
given US little treat tonight! Hast
thee forgotten that it is our Annie's birth
day!'
No, Richard, I have not forgotten;
how could forget the anniversary of the
day that made US all so happy! But
times are bad; l could not spare the mo-
ney to buy sugar and plums for the cake;
and l wanted to sell all the butter; in or
der to scrape together enough to pay the
shoemaker, for making our darling's
shoes. Annie knows that she is infinite
ly dear to US all, though We cannot give
her luxuries to prove it,
1T wants no proof, dear mother said
the young girl, finging her round, but
sunburnt arms about her worthy parents
neck. Your precious love is worth the
wealth of the whole world to me. know
how fond you and dear father are of me,
and l am more than satisfied
Annie is right said Steel, dropping
his knife and holding out bis arms for a
caress. The world could not purchase
such love as we feel for her, and let us
bless God that, poor though We be, we
are all here tonight, well and strong, ay,
and rich, in spite of our bomely fare, in
each others affections. What say you,
my bOys!' And he glanced with pater-
nal pride on the three fine lads, whose
healthy and honest countenances might
well be contemplated with pleasure, and
afford subjects for hopeful anticipations
for the future.
'We are happy, father, said the eldest,
cbeerfully.
The cakes and spiced ale would have
made US happier said the second
Mother makes such nice cakes'
so she does cried the third 1T
seems SO dull to have nothing nice cn An
MES birthday. ] should not care fig
if it were Dicks birthday, or Owens, or
mine; but not to drink Annie's health
seems unlucky.'
you shall drink it yet, said Annie,
laughing;
In whatp asked both the boys in a
breath.
In fine spring waterp And she filed
their mugs.
Better God never gave to bis creatures.
How bright it is How it sparkles l
will never from this day ask a finer
drink. Here is health to you my broth
ers, and may We never know what it is to
lack draught of pure water ?
Annie nodded to her brothers. and
drank off ber mug of water; and the good
natured fellows, who dearly loved her,
followed her example.
Oh, little did the gay hearted girl
think, in that moment Of playful glee, of