South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1875-10-01
T I NJ s FAT n
BY q. NEi0HToN.

Shall I carry your bag' I'll do it for
q nickle. SIR"
"Now was the answer: and at the
short. gruff reply. the uncouth question.
er turned away In sullen silence.
Poor TIM all the long. weary day he
had wandered up and down, back and
forth. watching eagerly for some chance
to earn n few cents for Meg. lie was
homeless and friendless, also, save for
the one wee sister. who looked to him as
able and willing to do for her. As the
day closed, Tim had found his way 10
the depot, and amid the bustling throng
that hurried from the train, he had made
this one more vain effort for the little he
so much needed. There were joyful
meetings in that crowd and hearts that
were happy in prospect of home plea
sures awaiting them. No one, however;
noticed Tins pale face and weary step,
IS he threaded his way among them; no
one saw the wistful. longing look he gave
to the many loaves exposed for sale and
which would have brought joyful tears
to Meg's eyes could he have procured
them for her.
He pushed his way among the eaaer
Corners and goers, out into the open
ST Get. and at the thought of his hungry
Meg, Waiting alone for his coming. he
cried, al can't do it. Oh! can't do it..
L can't go back with nothing for her to
eat" and overcome at the thought of
his utter helplessness, he seated himself
under the shelter Of n projecting roof. to
think what he must CO.
Night was approaching. aud the gath:
erihg darkness added to his grief. Two
days bad nearly pissed since they had
ea.en nodrisbng food, and he knew if
help came, it must come speedily. He
could have borne cold, hunger and ia
tisne for himself aloae without repining :;
but it was hard for the little one he so
yea" led to protect aud bless. Six whole
moDths hal passed siuce she whom they
called mother had been laid in the grave
While she Eved. though hardship and
poverty had been their portion, yet the
ea'Jin2s Of a mothe's t;reless fingers
had kept them from hanger and shield.
| ed them from eXposu e. lie can almost
heat again the words she bteathed to
him i'm he, last moments, Tim, my boy
my good, brave bov-remember God
is yout Father, and he will be your pro.
tector. Do right and trust in him and
in his Son, rs the Blessed Say Jour, and
he will dicdps. dt,c"rs give you what you
ask. unless he intends to give you some.
,b''g be. et. Never fotget this. Take
"a e of Meg. nv bow, never lose your hold
Oh her and God will surely bless YOU"
Now here lie sat with the memory of
these wor''s stirring his heart. but in
deep pe:ple!,iiy. Had he not asked G. cd
for bread? Had he not asked God for
shelter aud warmth and food for his dalr.
ling sister, and could anything be given
that was better or more needed just
then? "Oh! mother, mother, believe
what you said,-you always told me
right, but l don't see how it isl don't
know how or what TO do. Oh mother (!
mo.her." and the poor boy gave way to
bitter sobs and tears.
"Balloo old fellow! what's up now?
Wha,'s The maj. e. on YEP"
Tn looked up to- see the fnishipg of
somersault, which Brought his old
friend Dick, right side up, just befo re
him.
What's the matter on We, 1 saw?
Aren't knocked uoder, is We? Mbacs
limbe ed We SOP" then, without waiting
for an answer, he placed his inge = 20
hi, mouth and gave sbrill, prolonged
whistle. Roderick Dhus signal in his
contest with James Fitz James was not
moe effective III its results. Immedi.
ntcly from behind sharp street come g,
and from out dark cellars. thete issued
some half dozen OF more rough boys. all
collecting about Dick, who was evident.
ly leader among them.
Tins knocked under, boys, don't
you see? Let's give him a lit"
Tim was no stranger to this group
Some one or moe of their number had
wandered the streets with him many n
day in pursuit OF gain, and each stood
ready TO do his part in belDiog his fellow
associate. His story was soon told
During its recital coat sleeves did duty
for hankerchiefs in wipiu3 fearful eyes,
and under the rags hearts beat in as ten.
der sympathy rs ever was felt under
daintier robes.
"Is he hurt? Can't he waik?" asked
one in the crowd who had lost part Of
the story.
Eyes. Shinney, no can walk, his legs
is all right; lis something inside OH
him that's Kind o. gone up-can't We
hear?" Then. turning TO Tim. Dick
adds, Never you mind, old Teller; I
know where there's fodder, and that
blue-cyed Meg o. yourn shall have some
IN double quick time. Come on. boys :"
and on they went. leaving Tim by him
SELF who muttered. God has heard me-
YesI mother. breads coming. You was
right know'd you was"
Not many minutes elapsed before the
boys returned, each bringing some tan.
gible proof ofhis friendship. Bread and
fuel which had that day been purchased
out OF their meagre earnings were cheer
fully shared with their less fortunate
comrade.
Tim could not wait. now that he had
the means to satisfy Meg's hunger. He
was so laggard In his LATEST moments.