Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1859-09-01
duoked you, I'll break every bone in his

/ ed Bessie
"A little girl fell into the river,..and I
jumped in after her, he replied.
sWho?-and did ye save the child? Tell
us all about it, my brave lad r said Bessie.
sYe were not thrashed for saving the gal,
I hope,' said Pete.
of course be was not, said Bessie Let
the boy speak for himself-go on, Jim.'
Jim then related what had taken place
during his absence; for the particulars Of
which, we refer the reader to the first chap
ter.
Pete and Bessie grew very angry upon
hearing of the cruel treatment which Jim
had received at the hands of George Van
dry, and it was fortunate for that gentleman,
that his name was not known. The migrate
full manner in which Rosa's mother had &C
ted towards Jim, in allowing him to leave
the scene of action without rewarding him
with even her thanks, struck the worthy
pair as zone of the most infamous things
which they had heard of in 'all their born
days.
The strange interest which old Loo had
manifested in the welfare of the boy, to.
gether with the mysterious language in
which she had addressed him in relation to
his future life, seemed to give Pete and
Bessie much uneasiness, and to beget pain
full apprehensions for his safety.
sAnd she actually told you, that she
knew who your parents are?' asked Pete.
'Not exactly So replied Jim; ; sbut, as 1
told you before, she said, that I didn't know
my own mother and father-told me to
be careful in the choice of my friends; to
stop selling matches, and leave the place
where I had been living; to try to get
an education, as my position in life would
one day be far different from what it now is ,
'Devilish strangeY said Pete, scratching
his head, and looking into the fireplace.
sMercy on us ! said Bessie, wiping her
eyes with the corner of the table.cloth 'what
does she mean by saying that your life is in
danger
why Bessiep said Jim, reprovingly,
don't you think me old enough to take care
of myself?'
Bravo! exclaimed Pete, wiping a tear
from his eye; Il suppose he would have Wi
ped both, provided he had more than one)
'brayo that's the kind of talk, JIM
Now, Pete-dear Pete whats the use
of crying?' said Jim, placing his hand upon
the broad shoulder of the worthy man, and
looking afectionately into his honest old
face.
you amt going TO leave us Jim ?-are
you p asked Bessie.
Il ha-hate to do so,' replied the boy, with
a quivering lip; 'but, somehow or other, I
feel like ought to-
Wouldn't leave old Pete ?-would you,
Jim p asked Pete, as be brushed tear from
his cheek.
'Old Loo says that I must, replied Jim.
The devil fly away with the senseless
bag what are you to do for living after
you leave us p said Pete.
Il can get something or other to do,' re.
piled Jim.
You get something to do AS if them
white hands were made to work like COM
mon folks = said Bessie.
G'm not ashamed of working for a living,
dear Bessie said Jim. Il am ashamed of
depending for support upon two such good
people as you and Pete. What do I care
about my hands being white !-pshaw !
that's nothing to boast of!-that wont keep
me alive, unless I use them
sJim,' said Pete, you shouldn't talk about
depending upon us for support, because
you know that aint the truth. Aint you
been selling matches for the last FIVE months !;
and didn't you make Bessie take more than
half of the money!
sYes; but that don't pay for almost thir-
teen years board, said Jim.
Board haven't We adopted you as our
own son; and don't We love you enough to
share our little with you?' asked Pete, pres
sing the boys hand.
sAnd don't I love you and Bessie enough
to learn trade, so that can support you
when you get too old to keep the Inn p as
ked Jim.
sGod bless you = exclaimed Bessie, kis-
sing the flushed cheek of the beautiful boy ;
Il shall live to see you proved as gentle
mans son yet
A loud rap at the door here interrupted
the conversation; and before Pete could
arise from his seat, who should stalk into
the room but old Loo, herself.
peace to all under this roof said she,
seating herself upon the bench beside the
window, and placing her basket upon the
table.
Pete and Bessie involuntarily crossed
themselves; and being completely dumb
founded at Loo's sudden, and unexpected
appearance, could not utter word.
DO you want to die boy p she asked, fix.
ing her large black eyes upon Jim.
Pete and Bessie started, and looked un'
easily upon Jim.
If you want to die, just keep on them
wet clothes, said Loo.
Coup stairs, jim, and change your clothes
Il ought to have thought of that before,
said Bessie; glad of an opportunity to gel
him out of the room.
Jim gladly obeyed not, however, without
, whispering to Bessie, as he passed beside
her: Don't speak harshly to her.
sOur Bessie cid not use to be afraid of ole