The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1869-06-29
MY PR ROTE G e.
By GEORGE 8. KAIME.

Ihave lust returned from visit to my
protege.r It is twelve years to night since
L first saw him, a poor, weakly lad OF
twelve. cold, tired, hungry and ragged.
It 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. 5g
Which way to night, my lad Z
TO S., SIR Is frgts.1e sf
Then jump up behind, SAID l, ana
will give you ride
He gave a quick glance at his shabby
attire, and for moment hesitated. but
he was very tired, and before1 could re-
peat the request, he was on the horse
i am very tired, said he, by way OF
apology I have walked twenty miles
to day, aud still it is a long way to s.
You must be weary; but what calls
you so far
Work, sir l'-+7
ag You have started out to seek your
fortune, have you?' H3-
L hope to find it. SIR said the little
fellow, and then added more as though
communing with himself than address
ing me II get a living I shall not be
And your name, my lad <
Harry Willard, sir
Darkness came on suddenly; for the
sky was overcast with thick clouds 1
looked to my revolyers-no person felt
safe in that wild country without weap-
ons-and then rode on in silence.
Suddenly soft, low voice behind me
said: Take care, sir. / saw some
Inc nh h11C
AS he spoke, my horse began TO prick
up his ears and show fear, but the warn
ing came too late to avoid the danger.
A man stepped into the path, and, grasp
ing the bride with one had, he present
ed pistol with the other, and demand
ed money. Knowing the desperate
character of these ruffians, replied to
him with a pistol ball, and then put
spurs to my horse and dashed past him.
think my aim was not good; for I
heard the report Of a pistol just behind;
but escaped it. WHO ~ 57-@
Little Harry heard it too, and he gave
a start that almost threw him from his
seat.sedI reached back just in time to
save him; and at the same time he said !:
Don't mind me; don't stop. can hear
the gallop of horse 1l Aa i.aa
: On we rode, pursued and pursuers.
I felt the little arms that clasped me
gradually relax their hold; but I had
not the remotest idea of the cause.
Don't stop, sir; they are gaining
Another mile and you will be safe q
What is the IN natter, my lad 2 said I,
alarmed at the difficulty with which he
spoke. asd}A ad5 szis5r 2aa ?
Don 't-mind me, said he, unless
mo- fo-npf off "a. r+ s.
made no reply, but threw my arm
around him, and. urging my almost ex-
hausted horse onward, fortunately
reached place of safety. a1z9q 2
Then learned how narrow the chance
that saved my life. Harry tainted the
moment we stopped, and upon examina
ton I found that the bullet that was
sent after me struck his arm, which was
life was saved. All through that ride,
the little hero never murmured; with the
warm blood trickling from the wound
and running his life away, he never ut
tered a cry. What, with the fear that
he might lose that good right arm, the
certain knowledge that he. could not
work for long time, and the thoughts
of his dear mother, toiling and waiting
to send her, his sufferings must have
been great; but he bore it in silence, and
urged me on to safety.
This was my Introduction to Harry
Willard Poor little fellow. can see
even now how piteously he looked up to
me after we laid him upon the bed, and
asked how long he would be obliged to
lie there. n
r Il came away with only dollar in my
pocket, and poor mother hadn't much
more said he, with tears in his eyes
4 don't know how she will get along
1 shall not forget the look of joy and
gratitude that came into his eyes when
told him he need not fear for his moth
er, nor himself. 1t was the first time
that I fully realized the truth of those
beautiful words. 1T is more blessed to
give thai to receive.' 2e al ~
Business called me away the next day,
and it was two years before / saw Har
~ again; but left him in good hands
and heard from him often. / hardly
knew him. He had grown taller and
more manly. The pinched and hungry
look had left his face, and the wistlul.
sorrowful gaze had gone out of his eye.
To gratify me, he had attended school
be at work, and told me SO before 1 had
been With him half an hour. The little
fellow was proud, and dependence was
i. ksome.
And what sort Of work would you
like p asked, curious to know what
his inclinations were.
4 am not particular, sir, if it be hon
est said be.
You shall choose for yourself, Harry;
SO look about you
He thanked me, and, putting on his
hat, started out Immediately. He was
eager to begin the struggle.
1t was nearly dark when he returned,
quite despondent, and, in reply to my
question, said that he had not found
work yet OF any kind. @-@
But I shall try again, SIR aa
Where did you seek it ? I inquired
Everywhere, sir. In the blacksmith s