American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1874-01-17
MISSING.

L.
CHOSE are hard things to throw in q
mans teeth, uncle, and shouldn't like to
think that you meant them ALL"
So said John Birch, the carpenter, as he
stood up before the old bird -fancier-tall,
sinewy, and strong, with his handsome
face in a hot glow, and flash of temper
in his eyes-a specimen of a fine physical
type, showing in marked contrast with
puny, pale young man about his own
age, who sat in a corner apparently read
ing, but in reality watching what was
going on.
The harder the better. so that they hi,
the mark; but what | have said tonight
am ready to say again-aye, and mean
them, too"
John Birch had never won much favor
from the little, hard featured old man who
kept the bird shop, and lived there with
his pretty granddaughter. But tonight
he had been insulted, and before a witness,
between whom and himself there was an
open feud for it was as rivals that they
met Tom Bartlett, the soft-spoken school
master, had managed to insinuate himself
in the favor of David Birch, and was also
striving to supplant the young carpenter
in regard to his cousin Polly. The old
man was first to speak.
You need not glare at me like that,
because have found out what brings you
81 never sneak, uncle; that does not be-
long to the Birches."
No, il does not, nv lad" the old man
replied, in a slightly Modified tone; add
ing, land I'm sorry you don't take
after them. There's a spice of your moth
Err
John Birch interrupted him, saying
passionately, "Silence, Uncle David,
you must not dare to say a word against
her"
This to my face, Get out of the
house, and never dare to cross my door
step again till you are sent for, which will
be long enough, tor tell you once for all
that, if 1 can hinder it, Polly Carson
shall never marry an idle, beggarly fellow,
ALWAYS out of work, who can find nothing
better to do than live on his sisters earn
ings"
This was the stab that cut keenest of
all. The young mans voice quivered as
he said, That is too bad, Uncle David,
YOU don't know what feelings you stir in
me;'' and in his excitement he laid his
hand on the old mans arm.
AT that moment the sly, watchful read
er in the corner came forward, and, will
fully misunderstanding his intention,
- thrust himself between them, saying,
"Come, no violence, it would be a pity,
and should be so sorry; you ought to
remember Mr. Birch is your uncle, and
an old man,
In an instant he found himself put bacl,
with Just the amount of force which
strong man would feel needful to use in
dealing with some puny obstruction which
he held IN contempt.
'Nind your own business, Tom Bart
lett, and don't NEEDLE with mine; it
doesn't need your sly tongue TO teach me
what i ought to remember. My uncle is
in no danger of violence from me, and
you know it." Then turning to the old
man, he added: Uncle, l shall not want
telling twice to 20. know your bear me
iIl-will but 1 didn't think it was in you
to upbraid man for what is no fault of
his; for l defy any one that knows me to
say that ever shirked work when could
get it to do. l am sorry for what has
passed to night, and perhaps you will be
before you are many days older" and,
snatching up his cap, he strobe angrily
through the shop into the street, without
deigning another look at Tom Bartlett,
who had skunk back into his corner, and
was once more taking mental note of
everything that he saw and heard.
II.
To the surprise of the neighbors, David
Birch had not taken down his shutters,
though it was nearly eleven O'Clock; such
neglect of business had never occurred
before within their remembrance. But
greater marvel still was the circumstance
of the old man himself being dressed in
his best black suit, which he only wore
on important occasions. 1t was clear
that he was going to keep holiday that
day, and that something unusual had hap
pened. They would have been convinced
of this if they had penetrated'tO the little
back parlor and heard the old man talk
ing in his unwonted flow of spirits.
Put on thy best gown, Polly, and wear
it in honor of the good fortune that is
coming to US; thou shalt be dressed in
silks, my bonny one"
81 would rather you gave some of the
money to poor Nellie Birch, grandfather
A shade crossed his face "Yes, give it
her to support her idle brother-not
shilling! II is enough that the will gives
it to him after my death, more the pity;
if / could keep it from him L would"
''Oh, grandfather
Il tell thee / would; but don't talk
-4beut Kim, child. | don't want to be an
grv Just when I'm going to carry my good
news to old Jacob Moss"
Gam | to open the shop, grandfithery' ~
do just suits thyself, child, we shall
be rich enough not to care about the
: shop"
While talking he consulted his large
silver watch which, for antiquity and size,
might have been the patriarch of the en-
tire race of watches.
81 shall be back before nine, Polly; and
perhaps Tom Bartlett may drop in and
spend an hour with you"
Il hope not, for l don't want to see
him"
ALI that's the perverse way of girls;
but never mind, | dare say thou wilt look
much higher than Tom now" and he
chuckled as he kissed her round, dimpIed
cheek, leaving her to take care of the
feathered songsters and herself, the bright
est thing that the place could show.