The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1864-11-26
for the gittle folks.
STARRYfCRoWN.

One. day, when Will came to see
Robin. he brought visitor, young
clergyman. who had often bought
papers of him ard given him many
a kind and fatherly word. And Will,
although strange, hayward boy,
felt that Robin would be better for
knowing his friend, Mr.. Duncan. So
Robin found new friend, who told
him beautiful things of the land to
which he was fastening; and the
sick boy was no longer afraid, but,
Y 18th the. loving trust OF 4 little child,
waited to go TO that better city. And
Starry Crown saw that the boys
mother watched him with lace al.
most as pale as his own; for this dy:
ing child was all that she had left to
her Of home, and love, and happier
days. And when he would seem
better, she would say:
"When the cool weather comes,
Robin. you and ! will go back to the
old places"
But Starry Crown fel. sure he new
er would go; and Robin would not
reply al such times, for he knew he
was passing onward and away. Ev-
cry day be worked less at The deli
cate. wnlders; his hands were getting
unsteady now, but little by little the
work went on. lf
81 shall finish these Tomorrow"
he said. one night, sand then, m 9TH
err
+" What then 2" she asked, as he
stopped and laid his cheek on his
hand. He only smiled a bright, hap
Ply smile, aud said nothing; but Str
~ Crown knew he was thinking how
his work would be ended forever.
The next day his eye was eager,
and his hand quick to work; he ap-
peared in haste 10 complete it. lie
was finishing Iaisy.!ike harp; quite
too nice, Willsaid it was. 10 be COW
cred with silk. a sidag
"Come, Robin" he said days be-
fore, sit isprsuy enough; do not be
SO long about it ;" for he wished Ro-
bin 10 rest. But no, il must be cut
here and polished there, till it was
perfect At last the finishing touch
was given, and the beautiful set was
done. twas wonderful to think that
a sick boys weary fingers had wro't
them all. Mr.. Duncan had found a
buyer for them, wealthy lady, to
whom he had told Robins story land
when he found they were ready. he
carried them away.
"Good- by, little pets" said Robin,
''you have kept me company for ma
ny long hour, but shall Tot miss
you."
Then he packed away his small
stock Of tools, ready to give &c VIII.
There was pretty paper-foider for
Mr.. Duncan, and many little bits of
work for his mother, all more prec-
ious TO her than gold.
When Mr.. Duncan came back, he
placed small white box in Robins
hand. He opened it. and under some
soft pink cotton lay bright pieces OF
money. They were shining gold dol
lars, and Robin counted one after an
other till he found ten. He could
hardly believe that so much money
was bis OWN, and Starry Crown fut-
tered around, with delight as Robin
laid The money back in the box and
gave i, TO his mother, saying:
at will help make you comforta-
bic for little while when am gone,
and you can think, robin gave me
this and it will be almost as good
as having me here by your side"
"Yes, Robin" said his mother, as
she kissed him and smiled; but her
lips were white, land there were tears
in, her ewes, and she slivefed as tho
she was cold. 80
Now, few days after. this, MIR.
Duncan and Robins mother took him
very gently into the country. But
Robin did not mind the apple trees
he had so longed to see, nor heed
the dewy GOODNESS Of the soft grass.
He saw not the golden flowers; he
knew not that little Starry Crown
was with him still. He had gone
where there shall be no more death,
neither sorrow nor crying. neither
shall there be any more pain; for
the former things are passed away.
So they LEI, him in a quiet spot.
and tearfuIly went back 10, the city.
aDear Robin" said Starry Crown.
81 will never leave you, neyerp and
she nestled down in the fresh sod
that covered him. And il happen
ed that, after many days had passed
away, tie bright blossoms that Rob-
10 used to love so well scattered their
golden glory over his grave, and lit
lie Starry Crowns mission was en-
,ie,I. 81. over the hills and far a
vay the dandelion children vainly
waited fof i.el return.-Boston Re.
corder