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

some bread and meat, explaining to Lily;
that it was what hungry boy would like
better than anything else.
The basket was so full that it was quite
heavy; but this was only another source of
satisfaction to Lily, who laughed merrify as
she tugged it to the wagon, into which her
father lifted her, placing the basket at her
feet
There will be enough for him to eat and
take some away" she said, as she smiled,
and NODDED her mother happy good bye,
who was standing by the gate.
''There he is There's Dick, papa ~
cried Lily eagerly, as they turned down into
Crescent Place, the scene of their former
meeting. ''And do see how white and clean
his face is u
In expectancy of her coming Dick had
made his toilet with great care, considering
the convenience at his colnufand, and which
consisted mainly of an unlimited amount of
water at the pond, and which he had applied
very lavishly tc his face and hands.
His black eyes sparkled as he caught
glimpse of Lily, but he bashfully waited un-
til she beck0ned him 10 approach
Mr. Lane looked rather sharply at the boy
thus brought into contact with his darling
child.
1t was a bright, intelligent face, frank
and honest even, especially considering the
circumstances that had SUI rounded him all
his life.
Mr.. Lane was one of those who had great
faith in the instincts of childhood So,
smiling induIgeut1y upon LILLY, and giving
her protege kindly pat upon the head, he
left them to attend to his customers.
Lily invited Dick to get up in the wagon
She then spread a napkin over the seat of
1t, and began to unload the contents of her
basket, her sweet mouth dimpling with
smiles at the round eyed wonder in Dicks
face at the various good things THAT were
brought in view
There were generous slices of meat, and
bread and butter, great hunks of ginger
bread, and wedges of pie, to say nothing of
the cheese and biscuits.
Quite enough for pic mic, ;" as Lily
conidentialy informed her guest, land
great deal nicer
Dick agreed with her; for though he had
no idea what picnic was, he was very sure
that nothing could happen that was halt so
nice.
Though Lily politely refrained from man
ifesting it, she was not a little amazed a the
amount that Dick contrived to stow away
under his jacket; the remainder she wrap
ped in paper for him to take away.
Then they laughed and chatted as chill
dren will, until Mr.. Lanes return was the
signal for their separation, relating the ex-
periences that differed so widely, but which |
seemed to be of absorbing interest to each.
Thus it was every Thursday for some |
weeks; Dick never failing to make his ap-
pearance, and lilly never forgetting to bring
him some token of her remembrance.
But at last, one Thursday in November,
Dick watched and waited vainly for the dear
,bild that had been to him such a messen-
ger of peace and love.
She would never come again, for on her
,ed, in darkened chamber, little Lily was
lying.
She had been knocked down by runa-
way horse-remaining senseless until the
ext day, when she revived, but only to bid
Ter sorrowing parents farewell, and beg that
hey would not cry for her.
what day is it, papa?' she inquired,
uddenly arousing from the stupor that was
he precursor to the sleep of death.
1T is Thursday, darling"
Dick will be watching and waiting for I
lie. Poor Dick he has no home, and no.
ody to care for him. Oh, papa, mamma,
It him come here when am gone. Don't
Il him any nger be 'nobodys child. -
A gasp, few feeble flutterings of the
ulse, and little Lily's mission was ended. 6
The next Thursday Mr.. Lane made Lis !
sua preparations to go to the city, as had
cen his wont for years, excepting on the
ny his Lily died. Not word had been {
i'd, but Mrs Lane well knew that he would
,t come back alone.
So, when the wagon stopped at the door, D
I'd she saw her husband lifting out for
rn, neglet ted looking little boy, she knew
at it was Dick whose name had grown so o.
miiar
When Mr.. Lane led him into the cheerful =
easant sitting room, Dick knew that it was g,
lys home, and that the pale, sad looking 81
,man who eazed at him so earnestly was p:
e mother she had so often spoken of; but o, o,
knew, too, that sweet face, whose smiles co
d shed upon his path all the sunshine a, q,
at had ever visited it, had gone from it ia
ever, and covering his face with his hands W
sobbed as though his little heart would
eak
Perhaps it was his unfeigned grief for her CT
darling that so touched the mothers IT.
lrt; but, as she drew his head down up eg,
her bosom, mingling her tears with his, toa 70,
* felt that he was no longer nobody liv
ID"
lie could NOT stand to them in her stead
here was place in their hearts that Lily, See
no one but Lily, could fll-but they low the
him, first for her sake and then for his tor
D and he grew to be a joy and comfort to Str
NJ both.