True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-09-01
AN EXCELLENT STORY.
The Prisoners Child,
By MIS-. MARY A. DENtsoN.
1t was early morning.

~ "uO Sai ~ lhhOIuL"k'
ais this the way to Sing Singl"
EYES," roughly replied brown faced
countryman. and passed on.
Itwas afternoon. The child was some-
5 what fragile in her appearance. Her
bonnet was Of broken straw; her shoes
were much torn; the sun played holly on
her tender forehead. She walked on and
on an hour longer.
'.Is this lhe way to Sing Slng?"
"Yes, little girl,but what are you going
there FORT"
The child trudged on, her lip pquivering,
but not deigning to answer the pleasant
faced old man who had stopped the Jog
ging Of his horse to note her hurried man.
ner. and who liked that little face, anxious
and sad as its expression was. .
The dew was falling. Katy had fallen
,oo, almost. A rough stone, by the way,
imbedded in moss, received her tired lit
tie frame. She looked so wierd and aged,
sitting there, her tangled hair falling on
the hands that were clasped over her face!
BY the shaking Of her frame, the tears
were coming too, and she was bravely
trying to hold them back.
...Why, what is this dear little girl do
ing here I"
The exclamation came from pair Of
eager young lips. 4lav
"A curiosity +! declare !" exclaimed
.harsher voice, and Katy, looking up
suddenly, covered away from the sight Of
pretty young girl, and her agreeable
looking companion. .o
.What ever are you doing here little
girli' asked Nell Haywood. moving a
little nearer towards the frightened child.
"Going TO Sing Sing" said Katy in a
scared way. Aslgt s
"Did you ever, George this child is
going to Sing Sing; why it's ten miles
off. Child, did you know il was so far
OFF, yFiri h.
Katy ehook 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 yon had your supper I"
Katy shook her head. ~ ,a
Have you had any dinner I"
Again the sad child shook her head.
" Nor breakfast! Why, George, the
poor. little thing must be almost starved u
"a should think So" mechanically re.
piled her brother, just recovering from a
yawn, and showing signs of sympathy,
- Look here; what's your az
Well, Katy, you must come up to the
house and get something to eat. Going
10 Sing Sing On foot dear me how ridic.
ulous = follow me, Katy, and we'll take
care Of you tonight, somehow, and see
about Your going toS Sing Sing tomorrow"
Katy followed. Whata glorious vision
burst upon her view! The palace house;
the rocks reddening in the low, western
sun; the shining river; the signs of lux
ury on every hand. ia4t aNd
They walked up the wide avenue. =
Elms and oaks spread their branches on
each side here and there flower bush
might be seen vines grew around the
noble pillars, twisting up, up to the gilt
tering windows.
"Susan, give this poor child good
supper; she is hungry, and tired too,
imagine. After that, l will see what can
be done for her."
Susan wole mild face. She looked
pleasantly down at the poor, tired little
one, and taking her hand, which trembled
now,sled her into the kitchen.
Meanwhile her story, or that brief parI
Of it which we know. was being told in
the drawing room. The sylph figure in
white, lounging gracefully in the mlds! Of
delicate cushions, accompanying her mar
ration with expressive gestures, and now
and then little laugh.
81 should like TO know what she is
going to Sing Sing for !" she said leaning
languidly back. We must get her up
something to wear; bonnet; pair ol
shoes; and then, maybe, we can manage
tolhave her carried some way, if her mis-.
sion is fany importance. Oh such an
odd looking little thing"
" Who is that, my, daughter 7" Il
"Oh, papa, you are come home; why
was talking abou, mite of child she
can't be more than ten, if that. ! saw
her out here sitting on moss rock the
most forlorn object She says she is 60
ing losing Sing" aaiI.1
81 MET her on my way, said the plea
sant faced old man; I" she asked me about
il and would have stopped her, but she
trudged on. Where is she? 1t was moor
when Isaw her.
"In the kitchen, Papa. Susan is ia.
king good care Of her, / expect, and
when she has had a hearty supper we will
talk with her" tl
A gay tito Of young girls came in. The
neltings were put up; the gas burned
brightly; and music and mirth banishec
all thoughts Of care Suddenly. Mel
Maywoodrcmembe The little odd 6gur,
and clapping her hands. cried, 'Oh.