Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1872-02-23

through the whirling snowaakes.
20, can't go home without the mo-
ney. he sobbed poor mother worked so
hard, and little Flora is sick, and SO hum
CRY"
Pansie's eyes glittered like stars.
''Here," she said, ''do you take this,
little boy, and buy her lots O nice things.
'Tis worth a great deal; papa bought it
for my birthday present. but do you take
Iit. and welcome
She extended her dimple hands, and
something like shower of falling stars
Itinkled to the boys feet. He caught it
up in amaze necklace of emeralds, lus-
trous, cleaning things. set in tawny In
dian gold.
''No, mol" he cried, running up to
where she stood j; II can't take this, take
it back"
But Pansie shook her curly head.
"You shall take it" she commanded
iimperiously. I've lots O. jewels and fine
things-run home now, and buy your sis
ter something nice to eat
She closed the door with bang, and
Ross stood irrcsolute in the stormy gloom
Should he ring the bell, and return the
Jewels to Pansie's father. or should he do
as she had bidden him? He thought oi
his mother, and poor hungry little Flora
watching wistfully for his return. He
could not go back and see them starve.-
With sudden feeling of desperation. he
thrust the glittering necklace in his bosom,
land dashed rapidly down the snowy street
The gaslights blazed brilliantly in .
fashionable jewelry establishment, and its
bland proprietor looked down inquiringly
on little Ross. as he approached the gilt
Itering counter. would you like to buy
this. sir?"
There was tremor in the boys voice
as he asked the question, and the hand
that held up the emerald necklace shook
Ivisibly. The lapidary took the gems, ex-
anairel ellesesy sssole tssssa,ssas,. ts9
then shot sharp glance at the child.
''See here, sir. he said, presently, hi;
voice stern and commanding. Il want tc
knpw how you came by this ?"
The boys clear eyes fell. he flushed and
stammered. evidently embarrassed. The
Ijewellcr put aside the emeralds. and tax.
ing the lads arm, led him into small
anteroom.
"You are thief, sir I" he said. "That
necklace belongs to Mr.. Fontenay; he
bought it of me not one month ago. You
stole it! You are theft"
The little fellow Strengthened himself
and his brown eyes blazed.
II am not thief, T. be retorted-
Il didn't steal that necklace kind little
girl gave it to me. and I know it was
wrong to take it-but-my mother and
sister are starving"
The jeweller hesitated.
''You don't look like thief" he said
but | will send for Mr.. Fontenay; thai
will settle the matter at once"
He despatched messenger according.
ly, and Ross sat down in one corner and
sobbed bitterly as be heard the driving
winds, and thought of his mother aud
poor hungry little Flora. In half an hour
Mr.. Fontenay came, bringing his daugh'
ter, little Pansie. with him. The little
creature darted in like humming bird
her cheeks ablaze, her blue eyes flashing
lightning. g.s.-
He didn't steal my emeralds!" she
cried. 81 give 'em to him I told hin
to sell 'em and buy bread for his little sis,
ter"
Ross rose to his feet, struggling hard
to keep back his tears. He put out hi
little brown band, which Pansie instantly
clasped in both her chubby palms.
I'm not thief, sir" he said, at last
addressing Mr. Fontenay; Il never stol'
in my life. I know it was wrong to tak'
the necklace. but-but-sir, my little sis
ter is sick, and she's starving"
The merchant drew his hand across hi.
eyes.
you're manly little fellow" he said
patting the lads head, land do not il
the least blame you; but we'll take bacl
Pansie's emeralds. and she shall give yo,
, something more available. Here. Pansie
give this to your little friend"
He put a gold piece into Pansie's hand
which she rendered to Ross. with the in
junction that he should run straight hom
and buy lots'o' goodies for his sick sister
command he was not slow to obey.
II think we'll not lose sight of the lit