The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1863-04-22

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must be pretty things behind those win
dows. | shouldn't wonderland bis
cheeks were glOwing-if it was like q
fairy house. Why can't go3"
Poor Willie The temptation to know
was too strong Co be resisted SO he hunt.
ed up candle, for he was thoughtful
little fellow, and would not leave his little
sister to the only danger that could men.
aoe her. that the fame might acnrA aray
the rats and mice, should they sally out
ere his return.
~ won't stay long, pretty DEAR" said
he pressing a tender kiss on her sleeping
lips, and drawing the blanket close over
her fair arms. "No, III come back soon,
but l do want to take one peep"
Swiftly his little feet bore him over the
pavements, and in trics he stosd before
the curtaiued door.
"How light it is, and how they laugh
and talk. It must all be very funny in
there"
A cold November blast swept around
the corner as he spoke, penetrating hia
worn, summer clothes, and causing bis
flesh to culver and his teeth 10 chatter.
II don't believe they'd hurt me, if
should 20 in awhile. | am such little
boy, and am so cold here" be said as he
pushed the door carefully from him, slip.
ping in and closing it without breath ol
noise. For a moment he was bewildered
with the light and clatter, and half wished
he was away. But the warm air was
grateful to his limbs, and finding that no
one seemed to notice him he stole towards
the glowing crate and spread out his puf.
pie palms before the blaze. The group
of men that encircled the bar were drink.
ing when he entered. Soon, however
they sat down their glasses, and dispersed
about the room.
"Hallo," said one, in loud tone, as
going to the fire he spied little Willie.
"What are you doing hero, my little
fellow, who are you, and what do you
want p"
81 don't want anything only to sec
what you do here. My name is Willie
NJ. My papa loves to come here.
and it looked SO pleasant through the
window, / thought I'd like to. But I
must not stay long, for I've left the baby
alone"
"And where is your mother, boy z"
"Oh, she's gone TO take home the wash,
sir Papa don't have SO much work as
he used to once, and we're very poor now,
and she has to help him."
"And does it look as pleasant in here
as you thought it would, my child 2"
30, yes, it does, sir. I don't wonder
papa loves to come here so much, it's 50
dark and cold at home. But I should
think he'd bring mamma aud me and lit
tie sis. How she would laugh to see this
fire and all these pretty bottles, and those
flowers with lights in them. Please sir, "
and he earnestly seized the rough hands
of the listeners, "please, sir, tell me why
little boys can't come here with their
fathers z"
"For Gods sake do not tell him, Ban
croft" said deep distinguished voice
"He deems me pure and holy. Heavens!
what wretch am !! My boy, my boy !!
you have saved me from earth's vilsst hell
Here with my hard on thy siuless brow,
| promise never again to touch the cup
have drank so deep. And my brothers
in SID, as you value your souls salvation,
tempt me not to break my 'ow. Help
me Heaven-belp me. men, SO as to live
hereafter that papa may never blush to
take his boy along-that if papa goes
there. Willie may go too.
Silently the door closed after them, and
silence dwelt in the saloon behind them.
The preacher had been there in oherub
form, and crazy, loose, unholy thoughts ,or
light and ribald jest was hushed. One
by one they stole away, and uauy wife
wore smiles that night; nor did the old
bartender even curse the little one that
robbed him of SO many dimes. Too deep.
" in his heart had sunk the voice of that
chsrub preacher.
"Don't you like me, papa ! Are you
cross af me 2" asked Willie in hesitat-
ing tone, as they stood for few moments
the pavement. for the scope in the bar
room was an enigma to the child, and be
feared reproof.
"I was thinking what mamma would
like best for supper" said the father.
"Was you? was you 7" was the eager
question in gladstone voice. "Oh, then
| know you amt cross. Oh, get oysters.
aud crackers, and tea, papa and candle,
because there is only piece. And
please papa, tell mamma not to be too
cross to me, cause you know if I hadn't
gone as did, you wouldn't perhaps come
yet, and she does love to have you home
SO much. Oh, l feel just like crying, i
am so gladi"
Sand I feel like crying too," said his
father, solsmnly; and ere midnight he