Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1869-06-30
MY PR0TEGE.
ny oEoRoE s. KANE.

W NV
ny GEORGE 8. KAIME.
have Just returned from a visit 10 10y
py0tege. 1t is twelve years tonight since |
first saw him, a poor, weakly lad of twelve
cold, tired, hungry and ragged.
1t was in the far, far West. | went there
on business, and one night just at dark, |
overlook him trudging along so wearily that
took pity on him.
Which way tonight, my lad ~
To S., sir"
Then jump up behind, said l, and
will give you a ride
lie gave quick glance at his shabby at
tire, and for a moment hesitated, but he was
very tired, aud before | could repeat the re-
quest, he was on the horse.
q" | am very tired, said he. by way Of
apology, have walked twenty miles to-
day, and still it is long way to s."
" You must be weary but what calls you
so far ?"
"Work sir"
" You have started out to seek your for
tune, have you 2n
" | hope 10 find it, sir" said the little iel-
low, and then added, more as though commun-
ing with himself than addressing me "If |
get living | shall not be discouraged for a
good many years
And your name, my lad ?'
Harry Willard, sir
Darkness came on suddenly, for the sky
was overcast with thick clouds. looked to
my reyolycrs-no person felt safe in that
wild country without weapons-and rode on
in silence.
Suddenly a soft, low voice behind me said :
Take care, sir saw some men just
ahead, near those bushes"
As he spoke my horse began to prick up
his ears and show fear but the warning came
too late to avoid the danger A man stepped
into the path, and grasping the bride with enc
hand, he presented pistol with the other,
and demanded money. Knowing the despe-
rate character Of these rufians, | replied to
him with pistol ball, and then put spurs tC
my horse and dashed past him
think my aim was not good, for heard
the report Of pistol just behind, but | es
capped it.
Little Harry heard it too, and he gave a
start that almost threw him from his seat
reached back just in time to save him; and
at the same time he said
Don't mind me don't stop. | can heal
the gallop Of horse
| I'm We rode, pursued and Putsuuts. felt
the little arms that claspod me gradually re-
lax their hold, but / had not the remotcst
idea of the cause
" Don't stop sir, they are gaining. An
other mile and YOU will be safe
What is the matter, my lad p said l
alarmed at the difficulty with which he spoke
" Don't-mind me" said he, " unless-yol
want me-to-get of"
/ made no reply but threw my arm aroun'
him, and urged my almost exhausted hors'
onward, fortunately reaching place of safety
Then learned how narrow the chance tina
saved my life. Harry tainted the moment
we stopped, and upon examination, toun,
that the bullet that was sent after me, strucl
{ his arm, which was clasped around my waist
+ and thus my life was saved. All througl
{ that ride, the little hero never murmured
with the warm blood triekling from the woun'
and running his life away, he never uttered
cry. What, with the fear that he might los
that good right arm, the certain knowledg
that he could not work for long time an'
thoughts of his dear mother, toling and wait
ing for the little pittance he had promised +
send her, his suffering must have been great
, but he bore it in silence and urged me on 3
4 safety.
This was my introduction to Harry Willard
Poor little fellow, can see, even now, how
piteously ne looked up to me, after we lai'
him upon the bed, and asked how long h
would be obliged to lie here.
al came away with only dollar IN m
pocket. and my poor mother hadn't muc
more" said he, with tears in his eyes.
!, don't know how she will get along"
+ | shall not forget the look of Joy and graf
d tude that came into his eyes when told Inn
he need not fear for his mother, nor himself
II was the first time that realized the trut
Is of those beautiful wOzds, " 1t is more blcsse
to give than to receive"
, Business called me away the next day, an
it was two years before | saw Harry again
= but | lett him in good hands, and heard troI
him often. / hardly knew him. lie ha
r. grown taller and more manly. The plnche
ID and hungry look had left his face, and tn
y wistful, sorrowful gaze had gone out ot nj
{. o eye. To crafty me, he had attended sch1'
= all the time but he felt that he ought 70
l. at work, and he told me so, before had bee
At with him half an hour. The little fellow wa
proud, and dependence was irksome
0 And what sort of work would you like :
I asked. curious to know what his inclination
lis were.
,, II am not particular, sir, if it be honest
r said he.
8 You shall choose for yourself, Harry
ID look about you" :.
P He thanked me, and putting on his hi
J, started out Immediately. He was eager
y begin the struggle.
n. Ii was nearly dark when he returned qai
Al despondent, and, in reply to my quesuo
to said that he had not found work yet OF al
kind. go
But shall try again, sir
Where did you seek it ~ inquired,
Everywhere, sir. In the blacksmith
n shop at the carpenters at the tinman's'
N tbe M machine shop, and can't tell all Il
places"
+" But have you no preference -,
S. " Oh. sir. know what | would IKE
ut he but II Is SO much that daren't thu
~ Of it,"
,. ,.' He was up and away long before arc
Us the next morning About the middle OF 4
forenoon went down town, intending
~, look up situation for him, but he iOres'a .
ma ma ed me- was passing building just ere'
WV inc when heard my name called, and loo
,rt. inc mn saw little Harry tacking the sslngl
on as East as he could make his hands n.y.
,ts on S1 I,~a , fund it, said he, Mr.. Saxt
will hire me right aloSg if you are VIM
a. You will tell him yes won't you
s sry confess that was quite Disappointed q I
annoyed, for had other plans lor = n,I, ni. : !
I r;.1aoa had a long talk with his Q