Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1865-01-11
ssI liant Mother Like the Kest.'
The weather had been unusually mild for two

SI liant N Mother Like the lsesf.''
The weather had been unusually mild for two
or three DAYS before Christmas, so that the face
of the big pond rather rotten, but daring
Harry thought he could brave it. it would be a
pity to spoil the fun now. and so many admring
eyes 6xed upon him. too. He made a bold dash
his little figure. upright and graceful. was
balanced upon the ice Then there crashl
the dangerous cake gave way; aud with loud
cry. Harry fell amid the rush of ice and water.
The group ut the window seemed for a mo-
ment psraylzed with horror Then there was a
scattering for the pond and a screaming aud cry
ing from one and all Hes under the waterl-
fatherl fatheri Harrys going under the ice!'
Every particle of color had gone from farmer
MAYS face; he trembied in every limb, and
threw up his hands wildly. His strength seemed
to have ebbed away in the tide OF grief.
"Oh. help mel be cried. My boy-my boy
and | cant swiml'
but can" shouted voice. brave and clear
as an angels almost; Il car swim, and I'll save
himl" and, dashing past weeping mother May.
Joseph Craig plunged headong into the
freezing water. swimming tor Gear life. How
they watched him, breathless and excited. their
hearts hanging BY thread As il were. How they
shuddered when they saw him grasp once. twice
At dark object under the water. and then rise,
with bis face gsshed and bleeding from contact
With the ugly ice corners. He was some way out
now and made third dive: then there was
faint hurrah. and. breasting the ice. he just
aged TO swim to the bank, with one arm holding
up poor Harry.
MY child my boyl-thank Godl'' cried the
happy parent, folding him in his arms. They
bore him TO the roaring fire in the sitting room.
and rubbed him until he opened his eyes and
smiled. VERY soon he was able TO set up and
laugh and talk naturally
And where was Joseph all the time! Sitting
on the kitchen floor squeezing his wet clothes
aud rubbing the great painful gashes in his arms
and face, from which the blood was still stream
ing
Joseph" He listened; it was farmer Mays
voice. unusually soft and tender The poor ap-
prentice lad shook like a leaf; before he was
aware a strong arm came round behind him. lift
ing him from the floor. be found himself, il
BY magic. sitting beside Harry. and Harry 5
bright head resting on his bosom, with great tears
rolling down the grateful boys cheeks.
IF there's anything you wish for now, Jo-
seph." said the farmer. huskiy. anything you d
like TO have. JLst nams IL. nv boy. You have
saved Us many a year of sorrow, and given
Us cause to remember this Christmas before all
others. Come. speak out my boy" How could
he speak when be felt so happyr Twice he tried
20 gulp down the sobs rising in this throat-sobs
OF JOY they were. DAILY Ie kind to me- SIR
nov and then, tor | havnt any mother like the
rest"
How VAS il now with Father May! BE fell
all at once that great lack there had been il his
othersise kindly heart IL quite broke him
down, that appeal 70 his better nature; so he
leaned on Mother Mays shoulder and sobbed
aloud Joseph sat II IN a drea N: his beauii-
fnl Christmas had come at last; no more hunger
and thirsting of spirit How the joyous red
sparks of freight ran up the white wall. the
whole room shining Harry sqeezing him tight
ly with enc arm. and Tiny. her cheeks flushed
with crying. thrustng her pretty doll into his Tsp.
whispering, There. there. keep it Joseph. /
don't want IT, indeed. and doubledeed don't :"
and then running AWAY with her face TO the wall.
lest b. looking back she might repent the i'm
msnse sacrifice.
Well. well. tears cannot ALWAYS last and very
soon The May family we're bright and smiling
again. Joseph the hsppiest of all And when the
Christians dinner was SET on, and sll the friends
were gathered about IL. they made a place for
Joe among The children. and Mother Nav could
not heap has plate enough With good things: aud
the poor lad felt as If be was more ready TO cry
than 10 laugh At ell the kindly words hich ever
one bad for him
on, What blessing there 10 sttsa 10 . few
kisd words