The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1868-11-12

eyes, asked for that, MOTHER" he
said, quietly and seriously; his voice
had no longer the sarcastic tone of the
previous moment. For 1 could get
no other situation, and 1 thought that
would be better than nothing but not
even that was to be had"
He sighed again, unconsciously, as
he concluded. The sigh was echoed
family from his mothers lips as she
turned hopelessly away. Even more
than usual trouble sat upon her brow
tonight. The boys attention was
drawn sorrowfully to her unquiet
countenance.
"What has happened since l went
away-anything, mother?" he asked.
"Surely, nothing new in the way of
misfortune has befallen u.s.!
"Mrs. Gray came up this morning
| and called for his rent His mothers
voice trembled as she said it. &c 1t is
due two weeks now. She must have
it tomorrow, OF at least part of it.
1t is four dollars, and we have not half
a dollar in the world, Harry!"
She turned away again with the
tear that would rise now, choking her
utterance; and Harry covered his face
with his hands, in utter despair. But
it was only for a moment, he would
not give way long.
"Never mind, mother" he said,
eve shall not gain the means to pay
it by lamenting over the necessity
Let us hope, at least. Mrs. Gray, you
say, must have at least a part of the
rent tomorrow? Then must get it,
that's all! Courage, mother! To-
morrow will try again. Who knows
1 what good fortune l may yet meet
with ?"
Even through her tears Emily Sell
den smiled.
| "Harry, you are dear, brave boy !!
You give me courage!". .-.....,.4.. T..
| They talked with each other hope
fully that night but the next morn
ing, with the first waking thought of
each presenting to them, bare and
harsh, thereality of their almost des-
titute state, and the debt which they
had no means of paying, neither could
speak light-hearted word. Their
prospect was one of desolation and
dread. What was there-aUho was
there to keep them from starvation ?
for it seemed rapidly coming to that.
| The boy went out that morning
! with a heavy heart; with the debt he
and his mother owed Mrs. Gray fol-
| lowing him like spectre. Slowly he
j Iwalked along the street, looking with
an almost despairing glance about
| him, in what seemed truly the vain
hope of seeing some place where he
should be likely to find employment.
4 With his attention wandering from
the path before him, sudden stumble
over some obstacle in the way warned
him to heed his steps. Recovering
himself, he beheld a huge pile of wood
lying on the sidewalk, and the stick
which had caused him to stumble roll
ing off into the street. At the same
time the shrill voice of bustling
maid servant was heard in the door.
way of the house he was passing
i scolding smartly because that "stupio
{ teamster" had left the load of wooG
lying there, and brought no one tx
saw it; and there was nothing to make
: a fire to get dinner. Her mistress
came along, and in her turn viewed
t the load of wood upon the sidewalk
"Something must be done, Ellen,
she said. at must not be left lyins
! there, at any rate. Who can we get tt
saw it?" = -, = - ~ -
4 1t was no wonder she was aston
: ished, to behold handsome, bright
q looking lad of some sixteen years
a neatly clad, though with garment
d a little threadbare, step forward, say
ing half eagerly, and yet with eviden
al hesitancy, Madame, if you wish,
a Twill do it. it."....,-.z
ltl His voice trembled as he uttere
|, these words. He seemed to grow pal
Il as he awaited her answer.
1t She regarded him with curiosity an
e surprise. "You?" she said, involu1
d tarily aloud, and with an accent {
n, perplexed establishment.
a ,H"jYes, madam he answered. ..
J, She looked at him still, unable
= reconcile the boys appearance wit
. his strange request. He was nothir
= less than gentleman's son, and he o
II fered to saw her wood! But he w
; waiting and suppressing her astol
> ishment, she said: da e. .g9tg
b"I should be very glad to have
y done, if you are willing-and able.-
You will find it hard work, / a
:, afraid? Ellen, bring the saw and Il
~ rest of the things from the cellar"
~ q It was done. She told the boy
s. might throw the wood through Il
~ =, cellar window, which the maid hi
1et ~ opened, then went in and shut t
= door. 10 u'4 1898 -fa SID
!. .ss Harry selden's face burned again,
- he took the saw in his hand, and th
y! hand trembled like leaf. But a m
re- nient, and he resolutely shook off t
,s- strange sensation his novel positi'
&c led him to experience. "Nonsense
he he said to himself; "what, a cowar'
m No, indeedl am going to carry Ne
,er Gray a portion of her rent money Il
= afternoon. ~ ''' --'''''1
es He set out bravely to perform
alf task. 1t was strange one, but he h
,neo NJ watched men doing this work hun
an an reds of times. 1t was hard work,
tor he had been told, but he was I
II afraid Of hard work; he was you