Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1858-10-08
THE PRISONERS CHILD.
by MRS. MARY A. DENIsoN.
tFrom Arthur's Home Magazine for September

Is this the way TO oinS Sing!
Yes roughly replied brown faced
countryman, and passed on.
1t was afternoon. The child was
somewhat fragile in her appearance.
Her bonnet was Of broken straw; her
shoes were very much torn and the sun
played hosly on her tender forehead
s he walked on and on an hour longer.
is this the way to Sing Sings'
Yes, little girl; but what are you 60
ing there for?
The child trudged on, her lip quiver-
Ing. not staying to answer the pleasant
faced old man, who had stopped the jog
ging of his horse to note her hurried man
her, and who liked that little face, anx-
lon, and depressed as its expression was.
The dew was falling: Katy had fallen
too, almost. A rough stone by the way
imbedded in moss received her tired lit
tie frame. Sc looked SO weird and
aged, sitting there, her tangled hair fall
ling on the hands that were clasped over
her face. BY the shaking of her frame
the tears were coming too, and she
was hravely trying to hold them back.
why, what is this dear little girl do
ing herc:'
The exclamation came from an eager
pair of young lips.
"A curiosity declare. exclaimed a
harsher voice, and Katy looking up sud-
denly, covered away from the sight of
the pretty young girl and her agreeable
looking companion.
What ever are you doing there, lit
tic girl:' asked Nell haywood. moving
little nearer the frightened child.
Going to Sing Sing, sud Katy, in
scared way.
did you ever, George. this child is
going to Sins Sing; why its ten miles
Off Child, did you know it was so far
of >
Katy shook her head, and wiped away
the hot and heavy tears one by one.
Why, yes, you poor little goose
What are you going to Sing Sing for
Have you not had your supper :
Katy shook her head.
Have you had any dinner:
Again the sad child shook her head.
Nor breakfast Why, George. the
POOR little thing mus, be almost starved
Il should think So, mechanically re-
piled her brother, Just recovering from a
yawn and showing signs Of sympathy.
Look hcre; what's YOUR hume. Well
Katy you must come up to the house
and get something to cat. Going to
Sin. Sing on foot dear me how ridic-
ulous; follow me Katy and we'll take
care of you to night somehow, and see
about your going to Sing Sing to-mor'
row.
Katy followed. What glorious vi
sion burst upon her view. The palace
house; the mountains and rocks rc1den-
ing in low western san; tho shining
river, the signs of luxury on every hand
They walked up wide avenue
Films and oaks threw their pleasant
branches on each side; here and there a
flower bush might be seen; vines grew
around the noble pillars, twisting up to
the glittering windows.
Susan, give this poor child good
supper: she is hungry. and tired to,
immagine. After that | will see what
can be done for her.
Susan wore mild fac,. She looked
pleasantly down at the poor tired little
one, and taking her hand. which trem-
bled now, led her to the kitchen.
Meanwhile her story, or that part OF 4
which We know was being told in the
drawing room. The syl phi figure in
white. lounging gracefully in the midst
of delicate cushions, accompanied hel
narrative with expressive gestures. and
now and then little laugh.
u should like to know what she was
going to Sing Sing for she said, lean
ing languidly back. we must get her
something to wear; bonnet, pair o;
shoes, and then. maybe, we can manage
to have her carried some way, il her mis-
sion is OF any importance. Oh. such al
odd looking little thing.
who is that, my daughter
.Oh, papa, you are come home; why
was talking about the mite Of child;
she can't be more than ten, if that
saw her out here sitting on moss rock
tho forIorn object. She says she is go
ing to Sing Sing.
Il met her on my way, SAID the pleas
Ant-faced OLD man: 'Snc a. keu thc aoou
It, and would have stopped her, but she
trudged on, Where is she 1t was moot
when saw her.
in the kitchen papa. Susan is tax
ing good care of her, expect, ard wher
she has had hearty supper we will talk
with her.
A gay trio ofyoung girls came: The
nettings were put up; the gass burned
brightly, and music and mirth banished
all tho ught of care. Suddenly Mel
haywood remembered the little odd fig
ure. and clappins her hands. cried ooh
I've something to show you girls, ant
disappeared.
Susan was picking gooseberrles neal
the pantry in the kitchen
where is the child, Susy asked Mel
haywood.
On the door step, Miss Susan re-
piled. picking away.
why, no. Susan there's nobody here
nobody to be seen.
Yes, Miss Susan placed her pal
down; held her apron up to receive tn
stems of the berries, and walked delib
crately to the door
why she sat here some time aite
supper. l turned and came in; she wa
sitting there looking up the stairs,
Al skn