Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-02-25


aud the woman produced small whip
from among her rags. "Give me the
money, or shall very soon teach you
the use OF it.n
Without another word the little girl
handed her the money, Tor sho saw that
it would be OF no use 10 resist.
"Now, Peggy, dearie, you're nice
little girl, aud I'll reward you. Every
day you shall 90 out and get money for
me and If you can manage to slip thai
little Lit of a hand of yours into lady,
or genlleman's pocket, and take out their
purses, why you may bring them home
to me, too. You and shall do nicely
together. Peggy" She then stepped 10
q closet, and taking out crust of hard,
dry bread. she gave it 10 the frightened
little creature, and told her 10 eat.
81 don't want any supper, sobbed she
Eat ii, say, and go to bed. for you
have got to get up early in the morning
Here's where you are to Sleep pointing
to something which looked like pile oi
rags in corner of the room. "See how
kind I've been to get such nice bed
ready for you. What. you have finished
your supper? Well, this will do for TO-
morrow," and taking the crust, she placed
il again in the closet. "Now, Peggy, to
bed. for shall call you early" Dragging
her to the rags, she threw her little form
upon them, and after spreading her shaw
over her. took the light and LEFT the
room.
o angel motherl from thy home Oh
high, dost see thy Lilta in her misery
Surely. there ia One who sees, and will
protect.
As soon as II was Ii isht in the morning
the weary little sleeper was roused ant
alter eating small par, of the crust
which shc had lett the night before, SHE
was sent forth to solicit charity. Rejoic-
ed at being out in tho open mir again, ,anc
thinking, no doubt, that she would very
soon be ont OF the power OF her dreaded
mistress. and should find her dear home
she FASTENED along with eager feet, il
the direction in which she supposed Mag
gic's dwelling To be. At length she
came into street which was well known
to her, and bounding along with renewed
speed, she was soon very near the dc
sh cd retreat.
just rs she was turning corner into
the street whore Maggie lived. hanC
was laid upon her shoulder, and well
known voice said, Peggy Janson +
The child stopped, not knowing what tc
SAY, tor Just before her stood Jane Jan
son. ella, hai think you've walked
plenty Tar enough for exercise this morn
mg. and your breakfast must be well di
gcstcd by this time. So we will proceed
to work Ut once. But don't you let mt
catch you at this trick again. cam
afford to spend my time in running aftel
you. So Peggy. look OUT" and shC
pointed out the direction in which shC
wished her to go, and stood watching
her until she was out Of sight.
Sadly disappointed, Litta proceeded OF
way. but still resolved to effect he
her escape, and hoping to go home tc
Maggie with money enough TO replace
that which had been taken from her. a
the day waned, and she saw no more OF
her dreaded enemy, hope resolved itsel
into certainty in her heart, and with 4
feeling of thankiulness for her escape
and her unusual success, she once more
turned into the street where anXiou,
hearts weie mourning for the little dar
lint, Lilta Flanagan" The hovel wa
already in sight, and in another moment
she would have been at the door, when
she was stopped by woman who seemed
to have risen from the ground at her feet
so sudden was her appearance.
"Where arc you goingP" said she to
the little girl.
"l'm going home"
That's very true, so come along, Peg
gle" and once more the child recognized
the voice of her tormenter. You have
kept Inc here long time, my darling
child, but | knew you would be sure to
come, so | waited to see you safe home,
You must be careful not to give me SC
much trouble again, or may be you'll get
dose of that medicine | showed you last
night Grasping the little trembling
fingers tightly in her hand, she dragged
the wearied little body after her at rapid
pace, until they stood once more within
the gloomy room which she had told her
WAS to be her home.
Now Peggy" she said, after she had
locked the door, Il will be merciful to
you this time, and only send you to bed
without any supper, as a punishment ior
trying to run away; bui il you ever try
it again, you wont get off so easy. Go to
bed, now, and remember what have told
YOU" With these words she left her.
With an aching heart, Litta threw her,
self upon the rags, and, shiyering with
fear and cold at lasl cried herself to sleep.
This day was only sample OF many
others that followed, until finally the poor
child gave up in despair. Go where she
might, her prosecutor was ever near, and
it seemed hopeless to elude her. Love
and gratitude were no longer her incen'
tves to exertion. and she soon ceased to
collect so large a sum daily, as she had