White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1857-10-22


WITCH nor did she even now escape suspicion of
belonging to that worthy sisterhood. As no light,
however dim, was ever seen cleaning from these
dingy paRes, it was ayerred by certain knowing
ones thsf the nights Of poor Nelly were passed
In the ciety Of the Old Scratch" and more
than one person testified that she had been seen
sitting upon the top Of the fence in the shape of
alatge black cat, glazing 50 fightfulIy that the
whole marsh became illuminated BY her 6ery
eyebals. Others said the q ca ca Scratch, }" with
proper pOliteness, occasionally returned these
visits inec9, and might be heard in dark stormy
nights, when the wind howled and che thunder
rolled, growing around the gate. That she had
made league with this same respectable gentle
man, there was no doubt; her rags were assu-
redly transmitted to gold and silver, fer the chink
Of thehard dollars and guinsas was said to be
heard0s plainly as the ten-pin balls of neigh
boring alley. Sportsmen affirmed that frequently,
when they had come snipe-shoeting in the vicin-
ity Of the old Rag-gathersr's house, the snipes
had acted as if they were bewitched-payingn no
regard whatever to their shot, but merely turn
ing tail, with hit me-ifyou'san air, few lazily
over the old fence.
As guilt is always more or less superstitious,
these very reports rendered the Rag gatherer
probably more secure in her castle; for even if
she had the luck Of changing rags to gold, the
thief preferred knocking gentleman genteelly
upon the head in Broadway or the BOwery, to
venturing into the den of one so near to the dew
il; for although performing his business in the
most faithful manner, he seemed to have a strong
rerugnance to facing his employer.
1t was chilly day in Autumn that, as Nelly
was returning from her daily toll, her attention
was attracted by a young woman who seemed
nearly fainting upon the damp ground, her
head reclining against a rough stake or post,
while crOuched shiveringly at her feet was lit
tie girl, apparently about six years of age. Nelly
was not unfeeling; the heart which beat beneath
that Wretched covering was more alive to pity
than many which thrOb beneath siIken zone; so
she stopped, and in kind voice demanded the
cause Of the poor woman's distress. In tones
broken by grief and pain, her little story was
told in few words. She was dying, she said,
of WaDt-her husband, after long sickness,
had been buried only week before, leaving her
friendless and forlom-and that, unable longer
to pay the rent Of wretched cellar, the cruel
landlord had thrust her forth with her child into
the pitiless streets to die-for die she knew she
must, there was such a load upon her heart, and
we're it not for her poor little child she cared not
how soon she was laid at rest in the quiet grave
yard. Nelly spoke words Of comfort to her, and
assisting her to rise, babe her lean upon her; and
then, taking the little attenuated hand of the
child in hers, she led them to her miserable
abode. That shelter which the rich man denied,
the Rag-gatherer freely gave, and with it-kind-
ness!
In her work of benevolencs it seemed as If
renewed strength and agility were given her
She placed her en- her straw pallet-coarse, but
clearly; she chafed her hands and poured her
out q cup of water, which she succeeded in get
ting her TO drink; nor, in the meanwhile, had
she forgotten TO give into the hands of the fam
ishing child generous slice Of bread. How ten
DERBY she smoothed the pillow Of the poor young
creature, and bathed her throbbing temples!-
But all would net d0-life was evidently ebbinR
fast away. Remembering there was physician
not far of, she hastened with all speed to sum
mon him. There was apparently Struggle with
this disciple of Galen at crossing the Threshold
Of one so miserable, for on tiptoeing careful
steps he entered-just glanced toward the bed
/ aaI gG.a.H arr,A - ~
would have retreated, but the long fingers Of
Nelly seized his arm with the grip Of tigresl
her black eyes flashing both with anger and
contempt as she said
"Ssay, and fear not your services win go IN
paid. Here is gold for you! Save this poor wo
man, II in your power, for the sake of that help
less babe!'
Although the eyes Of the doctor suddenly
opened wide at the EFFICIENCY of the case, and
although he felt her pulse, and administered
some soothing stimulant, it needed more thar
the hand Of man to strengthen anew the " silve
cord" Ere morning she died, with her las
breath commencing the orphan to the protection
of the old woman. GAS God reads my heart,
promise you your child shall be as my own
whispered Nelly. bending over the dying woman
I" will protect her and keep her from harm
All that one like me can do, / will"
The mother fixed her eyes upon the good crea
ture, tried to speak her thanks, and then claspin
her child 10 her bosom, her wearied spirit sanl
70 rest. The Rag-gatherer then prcFred tn
hodv for its final bed-from her boarded gain
she purchased decent coffin, and then when al
was ready, she called in q clergyman to perform
! the last mourufnl rites. In an obscure corner o
" Potters' Field" theyoung stranger was burie'
l-uRsctpt-
As the hearse disappeared, Nelly again bolte'
, her door, and taking the weeping child upon he
knee strove to comfort her She gAzed long an
tenderly upon the sweet face Of the little orphan
and !. was one which well repaid the scrutiny
! She was gentle, timid child, with great delisa
: cy of form and feature. Light, golden hair
waved in silken ringlets over brow and necl
of dazzling fairness-eyes of beautiful dee
, blue, seeming, from their nounful cast, to Be
speak at once your love and pity, and rosy III
tie mouth, inviting the kiss it so sWeetly return
{ ed. Her mother had called her Violet, and Mel
2 " had asked no other name. And now this poo
old creature, 80 long an object Of contempt an
o even contumely by the crowd, had found some
{ thing upon which to lavish her pent up affection
q "a being more AelpIess dan aeTseB 70 cherish
, che 90 long friendless and unsightiy to the eye