The Van Buren press., 1873-07-15

their father and mother are always dead
or at least their father, This is q mere
excuse for begging. BE Oft, this min
ute +"
1--WE have not eaten morscl the
whole day, pleaded Lizzie. I've are so
tired that we cannot move n step. II
you would but give us the least little bit
to eat, we are so hungry
Il have told you l would not. Beg
gars get nothing here. v
The farmer got up with threatening
look. Lizzie quickly opened the door
and drew her sister with her. The chill
dren again stood in the farm yard, but
knew not what to. Suddenly little Ma
ry drew her hand from her sisters clasp,
and went to the other eide OF tho yard ,
there WAS fierce dog GAINED; his din
ner stood before him in q wooden basin.
Mary put her hand into the basin and be
gan to eat with the dog Lizzie went
nearer and saw that in the basin there
was some liquor in which few pieces of
bread and some boiled potatoes were
/ floating. She, likewise, could not resist ;
she had but one feelng-that Of the most
/ gnawing hunger, she took some OF the
bread and potatoes, and ate them greed
| lily.
/ The dog, not accustomed to such
guests, looked at the children full Of as
n.hmsnt he drew back, then sat down
and left them his dinner, Of which he had
eaten but very little. At this moment
tie farmer stepped into the yard; he
wished to see whether the children had
really left, and then he saw this singular
scene The dog was acted for his fierce
ness, and feared alike by old and young,
he was obliged to be constantly chained.
No one dared TO come near him except
his master. Even the servant put his
food before him in the most cautious
manner. In the first moment the man
thought Of nothing hut the fearful dan
ger in which the children were, and walk
ing quickly toward them, he exclaimed
Don't you see the dog? lie will
tear yoH to pieces I"
But suldcny he stepped, as If rooted
to the ground the dog had got up again
and gone near the children, then he look
ed at his master and wagged his tail. 1t
seemed as if he wished to say
Don't drive my guests away
At that sight a great change came
over the man, the spectacle before MN
acted like an electric shock, and feelings
such as he never had before seemed to
stir within him
The children had risen, terrified at the
call of the man, fearful Of punishment
for having eaten, with dowucast eyes. AT
last, after several rIiEu,cs silence, the
farmer SAIL
"Are you really 80 frarFully hungry
that YOU do not even dcspise the dog s
food ? Come in, then, you shall have
something to eat, and as much rs you
like. And then taking them by the
hand he led them into the house, calling
out to the servant, " Biddy, get some hot
bread and milk, and be quick, for these
children.
The dog had shamcd his ,nsster--the
brute had shamed the man. Touched by
what he had seen, the farmer was anX-
ious to make amends for what his con
science showed him to be great sin. He
seated the children at the table. sat down
by them, and kindly asked their names
"My name is Lizzie, said the eldest,
and my sister is called Mary
Have your parents been dead long 2
"Our father has been dead two years,
but our mother only died last week,
At the thought Of their recent loss both
oh llran hou,,n tp WppO
Don't cry, children, said the farm
er kindly. God will in one way or an
other take care Of you. But tell me now,
where do YOU come from :"
"From Loughrea, replied the child
From Loughrea?' p asked the man.
from Loughrea That is strange"
He began to suspect the truth, and
asked hesitatingly.
"W hat was your father 5 name
Martin Sullivan, replied Lizzie.
What - Martin Martin Sullivan 7"
he exclaimed, jumping up at the same
time and casting a piercing look at the
children, thoroughly frightcalnS them
His face grew red-then tears came in
To his eyes-at last he sobbed aloud He
took the youngest child in his arms,
pressed her to his heart and kissed her
The child struggled and called to her sis
ter for help; she could not think what
the man meant. Then he put down the
little one, and did the same to Lizzie, who
took it more quietly, as she bad seen that
the man did not hurt her sister. AT last
becoming more composed, he dried his
tears, and said
ado you know my name, children =
"No, replied Lizzie
Glow happened it then, that you have
come to me ?" he asked. elias any one
sent you to me?'
Nobody has sent US" replied Lizzie.
1--WE were to 60 to kilburn, where
brother Of our father lives, and they said
ha would gladly receive us, But | do
not believe it, for our mother always SAID
that he is a hard hearted man, who does
not care for his relations
"Your me..aaer was quito right when
she said So" said the farmer " But
what will you do if this hard hearted man
does not receive you. y
Then we shall have to starve, y an
swered Lizzie.
"No, =" exclaimed the man quickly.
1t shall never come to that-never
Dry your tears. The merciful Goo has
had pity on your helplessne.s, and has
made use Of fierce brute TO soften the
heart Of your uncle and therefore he will
&, a