Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-01-27


want know what makes him love to 20 there
sol know that there must be pretty things
behind those windows Ishouldn't wonder
and his cheeks were glowing-'if it wa:
like fairy house. Why can't go?"
Poor Willie! Temptation to know was
strong to be resisted so he hunted through
the closet for candle, for he was thought
full little fellow, and would not leave his lit.
tie sister TO the only danger that could men
ace her. He found bit of tallow dip, and
lighting it, drew the stand close to her, that
the fame might scare away the rats and
mice should they sally out ere his return.
Il won't stay long. pretty DEAR" said he,
pressing tender kiss on her sleeping lids,
and drawing the blanket close over her fair
arms. ''No III come back soon, but do
want one peep" Swiftly his little feet few
over the pavement, and in trice he stood
beside the curtained window.
"How light it is, and how they laugh and
talk. 1t must be funny in there
A Acold, November blast swept round the
corner as he spoke, penetrating his thin
quiver, and his teeth to chatter.
Il don't believe they'd hurt me, if
should go in awhile, I'm such little boy,
and / am so cold out here" be said as he
pushed the door carefully from him, slipped
in and closing it without breath of noise.
For moment he was bewildered by the
light and elatter, but finding no one seemed
to notice him, he stole toward the glowing
crate, and spread out his purple palms be-
fore the blaze. The group of men that en-
circled the bar were drinking when he en-
tered. Soon however, they sat down their
glasses and dispersed about the room.
'Halloo," said one in loud tone as 60
ing to the fire he spied little Willie, what
are you doing here, my little fellow? Who
are you, and what do you want?"
Il don't want anything only to see what
you do You here. My name is Willie NJ.
My papa loves to come here, and it looked
so pleasant through the window thought
I'd come too. But must not stay long for
I've left the baby alone
The man. tones were softened as bespoke
again to him,
And where Is your mother, boy?"
D, she's gone to take home the wash, sir.
once and we're very poor now, and she has
to help him now.
And does it look as pleasant in here as
you thought it would my child ?''
80 yes, it does, sir. l don't wonder pa
pa loves to come here 50 much, it's SO cold
and dark at home. But should think he
would bring mamma and me and little sis.
How she would laugh so see this fire ald all
5hese pretty bottles, and those flowers with !
lights in them. Please sir, said he earn
sstly and seized the rough hands of the lis
,ener, ''please sir, tell me why little boys
ant co me here with their fathers?''
''For God S sake do not tell him Bancroft t.
'aid deep anguished voice. HE deems
ne pure and holy. Heavens! What
wretch 1 am! My boy-my boy!' and VIII
lie was clasped in his fathers arms-''you
,ave saved me from earth's vilest hell.
Here, with my hands upon your sinless brow,
promise never again to touch the cup I've
frank so deep. And my brothers in sin, as
'ou value your souls salvation tempt me
lot to break ny vow. Help me heaven
lelp me men, SO to live, hereafter, that pa.
"a may never blush to take his boy along
hat if papa goes there, Willie may go there
90.
Silently the door closed after them, and
Hence dwelt in the saloon behind them
he preacher had been there in cherub form,
nd crazy, loose, unholy thought, or light
nd ribald jest was hushed One by one
hey stole away and many wife wore smiles
hat night; nor did the old bar tender, even,
urse the little one that robbed him of so
lany dimes. Too deeply in his heart had
INK the voice of that cherub preacher.
Don't you like me, papa?'' asked little
Villie while they stood few moments on
ne pavement; for the scene in the bar room
as an enigma to the child, and he half fear
/ a reproof
Il was thinking what mamma would like
est for supper" said the father.
WAS you-was you?" was the eager
uestion in gladsome voice. 30, then l
now you amt cross. o, get oysters and
.ackers and tea, papa; and candle, be-
luse there is only piece. And please,
apa, tell mamma no. to be cross at me
ause l left the baby. l don't believe she
i'll, though, cause you wouldn't perhaps G
ave come home yet, and she does love to
ave you home so much. Oh, feel just G
ze crying feel so glad
''And l feel like crying, too, said his c
ther solemnly; and ere midnight he did
Y and his wife, too, but they were holy
ars, washing his heart of the dust that 5
ID gathered on its beauty, and hers of the II
rrow that had draped it like pail.
A young girl in Burlington, Iowa, wanted a
commit suicide because her lover married "
IL. L Ill