South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1873-07-04

1
some OF the bread aud potatoes and ate
the NJ greediy.
The dog, not accustomed to such guests,
looked at the children full Of advertisement
he drew back, then sat down and left i,
to them, of which he had eaten very little.
Al this moment the farmer stepped into
the yard, he wished to see whether the chill
dren bad really left, and then he saw this
singular scene. The dog was noted for his
herceness, and feared alike by old and
young; be was obliged to be constantly
chained. No one dared to go near him
except his master. Even the servant put
his food before him in the most cautious
manner. Iu the first moment the man
thought OF nothing but the fearful danger
IN which the children we're, and walking
quickly towards them, be exclaimed
Don't you see the dog? he will tear
you to pieces!
Suddenly he stood, as if rooted to the
ground; the dog had got up again and
gone near the children, then he looked at
his master and wagged his tail. 1t seemed
as if he wished to say:
Don't drive my guests awayv
At that sight a great change come over
the man; the spectacle before him acted
like an electric shock and f elings such as he
had 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 DOVE cast eyes.-At
last after several minutes silence, the far.
mer said {:
'Are you really so fearfully hungry
| that unu do m ~ oyap 10 a. H..
Come in, then, you shall have something
to eat, and as much as you like And
then King them by the hand be led them
into the house, calling out to the servant,
'Bddy, get some hot bread and milk, aud
be quick, for these children
The dog bad shamed his master-the
brute had shamed the man. Touched BY
what he had seen, the farmer was anxious
TO make amends for what his conscience
showed him to be great sin.-He seated
the children at the table, sat down by them,
aud kindly asked their names.
My name is Lizzie, said the eldest, and
my sister called Mary
'Have your parents been dead loug2'
Our father has been dead two years, but
our mother only died last week
At the thought of their recent loss both
children began TO weep.
Don't cry Children, said the farmer
kindly. God will in one way or another
take care of you. But tell me now, where
do you come from?
From Lougbrea,' replied the children
From Loughrea? asked the man, from
Loughrea ? That is strange y
He began to suspect the truth, and ask
ed hesitatingly.
what was your fathers nameY
Martin Sullivan, replied Lizzie
What Martin-Martin Sullivan 2 he
exclaimed, Jumping up at the samo time aud
casting piercing look at the children,
thoroughly frightening them.
His face grew red then tears came into
his eyes-at last he sobbed aloud. He
took the youngest child 10 his arms, press
ed her to his heart aud kissed her. The
child struggled aud called to her sister for
help; she could not think what the man
mcant. Then he put down the little one
and did the same to Lizzie, who took it
more quietly, as she had seen that tho map
did not hurt her sister. At last, be-
coming more composed, he dried his tears
and said {:
3D. you know my name children p
NO., replied Lizzie.
'How happened il, then, that you have
come to me be asked. HAS any one sent
| you TO me
Nobody has sent us, replied Lizzie.
we were to 60 to Kilburn, where broth.
er of our father lives, and they said be
would gladly receive US. But do not be-
lieve H., for our mother always said hat he
was a hard-bearted man, who does not
care for his relations
your mother was quite right when she
said So, said the farmer. But what will
you do IL this hard hearted man does not re-
ceive you p
Chen We shall have to starve, answered
Lizzie
No, no " exclaimed the man quickly,
1T shall never come to that--neverl Dry
your tears. The merciiul God has had
pity on your helpcssness, and has made
use Of fierce brute TO soften the heart Of
your uncle, and therefore be will never for
sake you--neve
The children looked at tho man in utter
bewildermsnt; they did not understand
what he ssid-bs words and his behavior
we're alike strange to them. This he soon
perceived, for he added You arc going
TO kiburn To Patrick Sullivan you are
already there ! am your uncle, ADD now
that j know you are the children Of my
brother Martin, / make You welcome
The children's tears quickly changed in.
to smiles, and the meal which Biddy lust
then Pot on the table for them made them
forget their nfief Patrick Sullivan had