The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1872-05-16

through tho wbirling snowaakes
20. / can't 60 homo without the
money" he sobbed; "poor mother worked
hard and little Flora is sick, and SO huu-
CRY"
Pansie's eyes gl.tered like stars,
Here" said she, "do you take this lit
! tie boy, and buy her lots nice things =
IT'S worth great deal; papa bought il for
my birthday present, but do you take IT,
aud welcome"
She extended her dimple hands and
something like a shower Of falling stars
tiukled to the boys feet ecaughs itup
in amaze.-a necklace ofemcralds, lus.rous,
cleaning things set 10 tawny Indian
gold,
mo, no!' be cried, running up to where
she. stood; a cant take this. take it
back"
But Pausle shook her curly head.
"You shall take it" she commanded,
imperiously. "I've lots o jewels and fine
things-run home now, and buy your
sister something nice to eat
She closed the door with bang, and
Ross stood rresolute 10 the stormy gloom.
Should be ring the bell, aud return the
Jewels to Pansie's father. or should he DO
as she had bid himY He thought Of his
mother, and poot'hungry Flora Watching
wistfully for bis return. He could not
% back to SEQ them s.arve With a sud.
den feeling Of desperation ho thrust The
glitterisg neeklaoe in his bosom, and dash
ed rapidly down the snowy street
Tho gaslights blased brilliantly in a
fashionable jewelry establishment. and its
bland proprietor looked down inquiringly
on little Ross. as be approached tho gilt
tering counter.
"Would you like to buy this, sir''
There was ,remor in the boys voice as
he asked tho question, and the band that
held up tho emerald necklace shook vislbly'
The lapidary took the gems examined them IN
closely for a moment, aud then shot o sharp
glance at the child.
"Sco here, sir,' he said, presently. his
voice stern aud commanded, II want to
know how you came by thise' !,
The boys clear eyes fell, ho blushed a. and
stammered, evidently embarrassed The
.jeweler put aside the emeralds, and taking
the lads xm, led him into small ante
room.
"You arc thief, sirY' he said. "That
necklace belongs to Mr.. Fontcnay; he
bought il Of me no. one month ago, You
stole il! You are thief" \ u w. ). \. !,
& Tic little fellow straightsned hlmselt
aud his brown eyes blnzed
II am not a thief, sir!' be retortcd. !
didn't steal that uccklace--a kind little
girl gave it to me. know It was wong
to take it but but my mother and sister
ore starving
The jeweler besitatcd.
"You don't look like thief he said;
"but | will send for Mr.. Fouteney, that
will settle The matter at once"
He dispatched a messenger according.
and Ross sat down in one corner, and sob
bed bitterly, as be heard the driving winds
and thought Of bis mother, and poor hun
pry little Flora. In half 90 hour, Mr..
Fouteuey came bringing bis daughter, lii.
lie Pansie with him. The little creature
darted in like o hummiDgbird her checks
abluse, hcr blue eyes flashing lightning
"He didn't steal my emeralds!" she
cried. Il gave EN- to him to sell EN- to
buy bread for his little sister
Ross rose to bis feet. struggling bard to,;
keep back bis tears. He put out his little
brown hand, which Pausie instantly clasp
ed 10 both chubby palms.
Elm not . thief, SIR" be said, Of last
addressing Mr.. Fontenay; Il never stole
|in my life. I know it was wrong to take
the necklace, t-but-sir, my little sis-
ter is sick and she's starving"
The merchant drew bis hand across bis
eyes.
You're q manly little fellow" he aaid,
pa.tiug the lads head, land | do not at
least blame you, but. well take back Pan
sie's emerald's, and she shall give you
something more available. Here, Pausie,
Igive this to your little friend"
He put q gold piece into. .Pansie's hand.
which she rendered to Ross, with the iu-
junction that be should run s.night home,
aud buy lots Of goodies @r bis sister; .
command he was not slow to obey. /.
a think we'll no. lose sight Of the little
fellow" continued Mr.. Fontenay, as Ross
disappeared in the stormy darkness, "shall
| We pe,|"' let's see What We can do to
help him? be is Q promising lad, and 90
honest one I'm sure.
"Mr Lenox, you're in need Of 40 er-
rand boy, why not try bin? | wish you
vonld!"
The jeweler consented, to Pansie's great
delight. and on the following day, Ross
was duly established as errand boy 10 q
fashionable establishment.
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