Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-11-23
I Hayn't Mother Like the Rest.

The weather had been unusually mild for two
or three days before Christmas, so that the ice
on the big pond was rotten but Harry thought
he uld brave it it would be pity not TO err
ioy the fun now. with so many admiring eyes
fixed upon him. He made bold dash his
little figure, upright and graceful, was balanced
upon the ice. Then there was a crash. The
ice gave way, and with loud cry, Harry disap-
peared beneath it. The group at the window
seemed for moment paralyzed with horror
Then several voices exclaimed
" He's under the watcr--latber, father, Har-
rvs under the ice y bs,r,,a.si - gsas
Every particle Of color had gone from Far
mer Nays face lie trembled and throw up
his hands wildly. "0h helpp he cried
MY boyi my boy and can't SWIM
'sBut can,r shouted voice. I" / can swim,
and III save him." and dashing past the weep
ing mother, Joseph Craig plunged in the i27 irec17
ing water. '
How they watched him, breathless and cx-
cited. How they sluddered, when they saw
him grasp once, twice, at dark object under
the water, and then rise, his face gashed and
bleeding from contact with the ugly Ice corners.
He was some way out but beastng the ice,
he swan slowly and with difficulty to the bank,
with one arm holding up poor Harry. :,
"Thank God u cried the happy parent, fold
ing him in his arms. They bore him 10 tho
roaring firesinthe sitting room, andrubbed him
until he opened his eyes. Very soon he was
able TO sit up issis s-i sisiii,a .a.H
And where was Joseph Sitting on tho
kitchen iloor, squeezing bis wet clothes and
rubbing the great painful gssies ON his arms
and face. from which the blood was still stream
ing. 5s .lg,.ea bss g..,aqg rw
I" Joseph It was Farmer Mays voice, un-
usually soft and tender. Before he was aware,
the poor apprentice lad felt strong arm round
him, and in q moment found himself sittingbe-
side Harry, with great tears rolling down tho
grateful boys cheeks. o.f,'u. fs41 -
|" If there's anything YOU wish for now, Jo-
seph," said the farmer, anything you'd like
to have, just name it, my boy You have
saved us many year Of sorrow, and given us
4, remember this Christmas before all
others.
Twice Joseph tired 10 sulp down the sobs +,
Using in his throat sobs Of Joy they we're
" Only be kind to me, sir" he said at length;
"only drop kind word 10 me now and then,
for hant any mother, Ike the rest
How was il with Farmer May? lie felt az
wise kindly heart. II quite broke him down,
that appeal to his better nature SO be bowed
his head upon his hands and cried like child.
Joseph sat as if in dream. His beautiful
Christmas had come at last. No moro hunger
and thirsting of spirit now. How the joyous
red sparks Of fire-ligbi rim Up the white walls,
the whole room shining. Harry pressed him
tightly with one arm, and Tiny, her cheeks
flushed with crying thrust her pretty doll into
his lap, whispering, =" There, there. keep is,
Joseph; Id,nt want il, indeed don't s. and
thsn ran away into the corner, Der face 20 the
wall, lest bya look back she might repent tho
immense sacrifice. J45g trgiiluI ~
Wcu. well, Lars cannot always last. and
very soon the Nav family were bright aad
smiling again, Joseph thc hs2riestofau. And
when thc CLrisiplss dipusr was set ou, and all
the friends we're gathered abvut it, they mace
a place for Joe aLHais Tie children and No
thcT May could lot heap bis plate enough with
the good thingsi aad the posr lad felt as il b.
were nlosc ready 70 CT than to laugh at all tho
kindly words which eyery one had for him.