Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-08-31

him, sweet ACKNOWLEDGING smlie irohn
her, and she passed from his sight.
Returning, our poor boy picked up the
note-a large sum for him to own, one
dollar-and started off; but came back
again, to spell out the name on the door
plate.
4 couldn't go without knowing her
name She'll be going from this world
soon, know. Angels don't live on
earth. How I'd like to die for her /
don't mind what be said. I'm used to
that kind of talk. He couldn't help it.
There's something about me that makes
EN- ell talk So But what the said makes
me feel queer. A smile for Dick kind
word money! But what of that?
Money don't care for. But the look she
gave me the first kind word since moth
err died I've got to-day. May be she'll
think of me tonight, when she says her
prayers
He was walking along, thinking of the
beautiful lady all the time, except now
and then another thought would steal
back to his mind, and a shiver through
his veins, as he murmured:
ooh no! Good Lord, save me from
that! Any other way to die
Dick Dick Allen called near, arous-
ed him from his reverie. CHANGING round,
he saw an old acquaintance, Boiling Bill,
who said
Come along. You look tired and
hungry. I've raised the wind, and am
going to stand treat
Yielding as ever to a stronger will,
Dick followed his companion to an eating
house, the resort of the very worst charac-
tiers in town.
1t was nearly dark when they reached
their destination. Dick had been wander
ing about since early dawn, and was very
tired. After eating his supper he grew
sleepy, and was nodding in his seat, when
the proprietor of the place said:
Go in there and take nap,' pointing
to little room close by.
Dick did as he was told. How long be
had slept he knew not, when he was arous-
ed by hearing his own name spoken. Peep
ing around, he saw the room had two
other occupants-one q stranger to him
the other he knew well, and dreaded too,
for several times Dick had narrowly escap-
ed being inveigled by that man into very
grave offences.
Then he heard them planning the rob-
berry of house, where they were sure of
getting we'll paid for the risk they might
run.
The boys ears were strained to catch
every word. A name was mentioned, one
with which was associated all bis thoughts
of heaven. 1t was that which he had
seen on the door where his angel lady
lived.
'Can we depend on this boy? was
asked in a low, cautious voice.
III make him afraid not to do az we
wish. But we'll wake him, and sound
him. Dick, up with your
Dick took considerable shaking before
he did as they babe him. And then be
listened to their plans and proposals to
him.
Alas for all his thoughts of trying to
be good boy Either through fear or
some other motive, he readily aud will
ingly agreed. He was to go with them.
They needed Just such wiry little elf to
climb up and do as they would instruct
him.
That night there had been a grand
party at Mr. Clifton's. 1t was late before
the guests had departed The household
were all completely tired out, and sank
on their couches in heavy slumbers. l.
seemed TO Mr.. Clifton that be had scarce
closed his eyes, when he was aroused by
the cry
Murder FIRE. Thievesr
Ere he could spring from his bed the
report of pistol sounded through the
hall. In an instant piercing scream of
child's voice reached his ears. Bewildered
and terrified, he caught up his dressing
robe. turned on the gas and ran out into
the hall All was STILL then, save low
means and difficult breathing in the low
| er hall One and another terrified face
appeared on the steps. aud followed Geo.
Clifton aa be descended and drew close to
tha form of O oL;ld lying tho velvet
carpet, surrounded by a pool of blood.
A George Clifton gazed ipquiringly on
the little pale face, which seemed some
what familiar to him, the boy Whispered
in low, broken words:
They didn't get-zothiug, halioed-
in time
'Oh. George, this is the boy you drove
away this morning. said.a low, frightened
voice near by. And poor Dick raised bis
eyes to see his angel lady.
'Ha! Then it is as suspected said
Mr.. Clifton.
No, no! am-not so bad O, please,
lady, stap this bleeding-so l can tell you
ALL whispered Dick.
Quickly they summoned the physician,
who lived across the street.
The doctor looked at the wounded boy,
felt his pulse, and sadly shook his head
From HIS side the blood was flowing con-
tinually. But managing to stannch it for
while, he administered q cordial which
seemed to strengthen TIE boy,
Never mind. lady. Don't lock sorry
I an't-Please come close. [ can't speak
lond,' Dickwhispered.
And then, when all gathered near
stopping often to rest, end to receive a
cordial from the doctor. he told his story
d pitiful story one of gratitude, self-
sacrifice, devotion-aye, to death even.
He had agreed to come with the rob
bera, that be might give the 8larm, and
save their property. That when the men
had gotten into the house, lighted their
dark lantern and were about forcing the
safe, where the silver and money were. |
he had put out the light quickly. and |
raised the cry that had aroused them
and for which he received the wound Of
which he was then dying. Tears were
streaming from Mrs. Clifton's ard Others
eyes, Her husband was more agitated |
than any one had ever seen him before
ESave him, doctor save him Oh how
I wrouQed you, poor child = he said, in a
voice trembling with emotion.
Don't worry, sir. You conldn't help
it. But please tell folks Dick wasn't so
bad as all thouQht--when I am gone.
you know. Tn 80 glad if have served
you. Dick hat done some good now. and
he's glad to go to mother. So happy
Sweet lady, DON'T cry. It was your smile
and kind word that saved me. Hold my
hand. Is it dirty? No; how white and
clean il is now! And see! my clothes
are clean and nice Oh, how dark it is
nowl Please light the gas ! I hear
mother oalline-Tm coming. I see now.
Oh, how beautiful you are. lady Mother
is holding a bright crown over your head
Up. up. please ? lift me, please ? lift me,
please p
They raised him gently. A bright
smile was over the moor male