Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-05-18

l. u
more after what was said, if | had been
obliged to pawn my boots.
''West Harley is more sensible" was
papa short reply.
They went away, each bearing pair of
slippers wrought by her dear little fingers,
and each within his heart hope enough to
make him happy, and Ruth lost her chance
TO study her two lovers.
Long before the close of the evening Papa
Dorian got sleepy, and started for home.
Ruth was in good hands, and he was too
tired to stay there and stand the heavy fire
and constant demands upon his purse and
patience, so he found his oyercoat and furs
in the ante room, and presently was trudg-
ing along toward his comfortable mansion.
A lithe.fgure passed him at the end of
the block, and under the light from the
street lamp, he recognize West Harley. He
was In hurry, and with little curiosity
Papa Dorian hurried too, and kept quite
near. All at once he disappeared, Papa
Dorian rubbed his eyes. Where in the
Gerry store on the corner Possibly he might
have gone in there A few steps more, and
Papa Dorian was peeriug in at the glass
door.
Yes, he was there, and 50 the curiosity
bCx outside watched and waited.
1t was for long while, for his strange
young man was experimenting the tying
up OF mysterious parcels. and finally the
rolling out OF barrel OF Hour.
Nv hat in the world is the fellow buying
groceries for? He don't keep hou,e -
thought the watcher at the door, as West
took out his pocket book and paid bill
on the counter.
These articles must be delivered to-
night he said as he opened the door.
''All righ', sir
We'll, Papa Dorian looked after the tall
figure as it sped out of sight, and began to
think it decidedly mysterious affair.
Il may get myself into trouble, but I'm
| bound to solve the matter" and straight
way walked into the store.
These articles are to be deliv .red to
night
Yes Sir.
"W here?
AT No. 2S NJ Street
Could you give me ride around
there p
! 80 yes" The answer came promptly
but the grocer's eyes looked wcnderingly at
the finely dressed gentleman.
| 1t was a long ride and by no means {
! pleasant one, tor 1t run through narrow
| streets and alleys, and ended in a low but
! neat little court
! Here you are, sir, at No. 2S. Hal!oC
there Mrs Martini
| The door Of No. % swung open, and {
woman pale and poorly clad appeared.
| Here's load of goods for you.
For me? There must be mistake. =
mot bit of it. Take parcel or two,
| and IL run in with the rest.
Papa Dorian, eager to see the whole
| caught up bundle and ran up stairs be
hind the wondering woman and grocer.
1t was poor little room, as neat as Tax
half filed with freshly ironed clothes anc
its proprietress, pale. meek faced Yo
man, bearing the marks of poverty upor
| every lineament Two children from theil
| supper OF bread and milk, looked at the
stranger, and hailed the apples, as the gro
! Ger rolled them into the basket, with ;
! shout OF delight.
| Did you buy these, sir?' asked thc
woman of Papa Dorian.
No, ma am, did not. But l know
who did. Do you know West Harley p
Yes, Heaven bless him ] co hi!
washing. sir Did he send these?'
Yes. he did
is everything here? A barrel Of -four
| FIVE pounds of sugar, one of tea, two OF cot
| fee. four of butter, bag of salt, two bush
| els of potatoes, bushel of apples, crackers
raisins. and bag of cakes e All here il
the hook 1t is all right
Yes, sir, they are all here. y
Come, sir, are you going to ride bacs
with me p
YES. Wait moment. Here my gooc
woman. is little to help you. | must no
be behind Harley. God bless him may b,
have family washing to pay for before
ano;her Christmas" Aud Papa Dorlar
hurried out and again mounted the grocer
| wagon.
Il was late when Ruth arrived in tn,
carriage of friend. at her fathers door
but late as was the hour she found her re
spect ed father in the library.
Why, papa Are you awake ?'
''Yes, and I've something to tell you
Do you remember that you promised I,
abide by my decision in choosing betwee! e,
your two admirers, Harley and Hiilsdale ?
Yes. papa.
"Well / have decided. Marry West Har
ley .,
you know who you love best. If yo
don't you will when you hear my story.
Ruth folded her hands over papa's kne
and listened while he related the inciden
of Vests generosity. When he conclude
I she said:
Papa, send for him. [ am sure | Low
him best.
Next day the two gentlemen receive
their replies.
West Harley folded his, and leaned bac
from his desk with happy smile illumins
ting his handsome face.
Clarence Hillsdale cody twisted his, an
lighted his cigar with it, and went out for
smoke.