The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1864-03-23


back brimming with the crystal fluid, from,
as the old lady expressed ii, the north cor
ner of The well.'
This was Bernard Barton's daily life, and
daily trouble, until he was sixteen. Vague
dreams OF breaking away from it, and ven.
turing out upon the great sea Of The world,
chased each other occasionally through his
brain but they never took shape. and 80
the old story had gone on from day 10 day,
and from year to year Dreams OF some-
thing beyond the boundaries OF the farm, of
som,hing that should lead him among men,
and make the name of Bernard Barton
heard. Dreams of time when he would
have unlitnited hours of study, aud would
not be obliged to fly with or hide his books,
though they were some stolen property.
One day, terribly sultry one in August
Bernard had jhst come in from the barn for
his midday meal, which sril stood untouch.
ed up1u the table, whea Mr.. Barton made
his appearance. There was something up
on his face that foretold a storm: and there
was not long TO wait for ii.
Il thought told you to mend and rehang
that corn crib door. Bernard were his fret
words.
yes, sir and you also told me this
morning that ! must mend Sorrel's harness.
conldn'i do both, father, was the boys
reply.
Sorrel's harness. why it oughn't have
taken you half an hour 10 do that
you'll think differently, father, when
you've seen it,
'oh you've always an excuse said the
farmer, angriy you spend more time in
ihvsn,ing excuses than in doing your
work.
A flush few over the face o: Bernard,
and The tears came starring into his eyes
His father saw it, but he had no pity on
such weakness.
You idle away your time over some
newspaper or books, and then your work
isn't Gone and you're spoken TO there's
nothing but whirnpering and crying. You
don't earn your salt, and you'll never be
good for anything as long you live
The boys breast heaved as though il
would burst, and with one upbraiding look
he eprang from The table, and hurried iuio
tue kitchen, where, in an instant, be was
followed by grandmother and Marion.
Go back, 60 back, Bernard. Go back
aud eat your dinner. Let your father have
his foil swing, and dom; say anything, He'll
get ever i, soon, when be sees you've been
at work this morning Go back. child
mo, grandmother, never This is too
much I'll never eat bread that is begruds
ed me even though it is my fathers.
'Oh he'll ge, over it in an hour, and be
sorry, Bernard. Go into your dinner, and
forgei it
He may be sorry many times, grandma.
but he never tells me so, and can't stand
this any longer
Marion crept mp 10 his side, and drew
his rough hand up to her cheek. Grand
mother forced smile 10 her face, and
bringing forlh the inevitable some jug lhrust
il into Bernard'6 hand, uiping of his face
as she did so, and kissing him twice,
said
'Ah well, never mind, Bernard, you'll
soon be man. Now, then, bring me a
cool drink from the north corner, mind /;
there, that's good hoy
Bernard could not restrain smile 40 he
took The Jug, even though his heart was
breaking, and throwing an arm around
grandmothers neck, he kissed her quickly,
then STOPPING 10 Maron's bright red lips
and isar-dimmsd eyes, he drew them into
his bosom, and with one llIle word Of love
he did the same, asd then set out for Tie
well. II was but fifty yards away from the
house, this well with the cool north corner
but within that fifty yards what thoughts
went irooping through the hot brain of Ber-
nsrd. Grandma was in no hurry for the
water, he argued, and he would cool that
heated head, and dry away all traces OF the
tears before he went back TO the house. a
little stroll down the road to get the south
west breeze would do it, and so Bernard
sa. The stone Jug inside the hedge, covered
il with leaves, and ran down the road
against the wind. On he went, but The
south. west wind did not cool his heated
brain, he went ferther still, until in few
minutes he found himself passing through
the yiIisge OF BIiddletown, and still striking
southwark with head hotter than ever.
Ten years must now pass over Midcle'
town, and subsequently the same period
over the heads OF all about it. Just about
dusk stranger alighieG from the stage at
the tavern, looking earnestly and familiarY
mp and down main street, and into The
face of the landlord, though claiming no
acquaintance with him. His request vas
that his baggage should be retained there
until sent Tor, and as for himself. he wanted
nothing, but would walk TO his flfai oesiln'
alton as he knew the way we'll. On he
went, ireading every foot OF the 1oad as
though he knew it thoroughly until he
-, - IL 49,. p.,r.oo hamasiaad Hare there