The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1875-02-27

slang,) his uncle had it. He raised
fifteen dollars on it in the summer, and
felt very happy to hand over the amount
to his landlaGy,
Jacks dinner almost choked him;and
just as soon as he could, without eXclt-
ing remark, he retired to his room.
That day he had expected to collect a
small amount due him, but had been
disappointed, and tomorrow was
Thanksgiving. lie looked over some
old paper collars in his drawer, and un-
rolled the paper shrt-front he had
bought on his way home. He would
wash out his worn garment, and go
right to bed, in order that it might be
thoroughly dry by morning. He had
just got comfortably ensconced in bed,
with his wash stretched carefully on a
chair, when some one knocked at his
door.
"The landlady for her bill!" Jack
groaned in spirit.
who's there?" inquired Jack.
Nobody but me-, was the answer. 1t
was she, sure enough.
Il beg you will excuse ne to- night,
Mrs. Barnes, replied Jack from between
the sheets; the fact is, I've gone to bed.
If it won't make any difference to you,
I'll see you in the morning
But it will make great deal of diff
ference said the lady. please be kind
enough to come to my sitting'room; 1
wish to see you on business"
Jack very well knew it was on bust,
ness, and as he dressed himself-thiS
time without any shirt have his own
word again that it was the first time in
his life he ever wished he was dead.
Come in, said the landlady; as he
tlmdIy raped for admittance. sit
down-l'll be back in a moment
Jack never suspected that she was
bound for his room; but that is just
where she went. One glance at that
chamber, and, with tear in her eye,
the kind-hearted women went back to
her visitor. For a moment she stood
and quietly regarded him.
L am very sorry, Mrs. Barnes Jack
COMMENCED. Il know never sho uld
have remained so long, but have been
so confident something would turn up
Now, stop right where you are, in
terrupted the lady, placing her hand on
his avn. L am old enough to be your
mother, and l know all about it. You
are making brave fight, and (I.say it
with my heart ready to burst, my dear
boy,) am proud of you. l have long
ago kept my eye on you, want you
to understand. Yes, have-indeed
have And before. Jack could compre-
hend the situation, his landlady was in
tears.
yes she continued, q have just seen
that shirt hung up to dry-yes, Il have;'
and then wiped away the tears, and
laughed as hard as she had cried, why
didn't you tell me, you bad boy, that
you had but one shirt to your backe'
Jack stood as one in dream.
But, Mrs. Barnes he began.
Don't but she replied. Now, 1
want to know where your overcoat is;
l missed it from the closet long time
ago.
No answer.
You have got the ticket in your
pocket l suppose?'
With very red face, Jack owned u. p
well now,' she hurried on, three or
four years ago, your father gave me
some money to distribute among those
who needed it at Thanksgiving time.'
(This was true; but Mrs. Barnes told
big story when she affirmed that she
had some of it left.)
Il have been very careful oft. This
money is yours. Not word as Jack
tried to speak. Now, go and get every.
thing you need, and don't bother about
me; am not in the least afraid but you
will pay me-
Jack escorted Miss Flemming to church
Thanksgiving mornings and, either be.
cause of his better outward condition,
or the smiles and encouragement of the
young lady, his future literary efforts
were crowned with success.
The next Thanksgiving Day saw Miss
Flemming Mrs. Hyer, bat to this day
Jack does not know that to her he owed
all the good fortune of that Thanksgiv-
ing evening-his overcoat, shirts and
boots every one being bOupht with the