The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1876-04-28

lOfu SIG Scredlutu, WILL yci sa'3'e
held the concentrated energy OF ten
years. But no Tom appeared. And IL
was the widow herself, with those with
cred old hands that disdained the minis
ter's kitchen work-it was the widow her.
self, who, straining, Juggling, and, with
her gray hair futtering in the wind, I'M
loosened the old dugout from its moor
ings, and trembling, unskillful, armed
with rude paddle, went spinning out
dizzily over the water. 1t leaked, the
old scow it scorned the broken paddle
and the heavy oars, but finally it came
drifting out blindly and dizzily to the
object of her search. A plump hand,
with glittering ring upon 1t,
clutched the edge of the boat, nearly
oversetting it. A young, eager face,
with streaming hair, looked up from the
water. and gasping, shuddering, half
drowned. and wholly scared, the young
water-nymph was presently aboard the
old craft.
"Oh, how frightened l was! 4" she
cried. 81 felt sure was losing all my
strength, and would 60 to the bottom.
Oh, you good soul you dear soul how
ever did you get to me in this water
logged craft2
1T has seen its best days, certain, Z"
said the widow, tugging at the oars. .
"You don't look able for such work, 7"
said the girl.
"I have seen better days." was the
quiet answer.
And then-oh sufficient reward of all
her efforts this real lady, this fair
young girl with the soft hands and the
pretty bathing dress, actually replied ;
"I thought so"
49," Here, give me an oar" she added,
still painting. "But my dear soul, well
never be able to row down to that point,
where 1 left my clothes, and 1 can't
walk to the hotel I'm awfully tired,
can't you put me ashore at your place,
and send word for me down yonder 2"
The little dark cabin on the shore
frightened up with an unwonted luster
as the widow sheltered her young
charge, and changed wet garments for
some of her own.
eff my Tom would only come, I'd
send him for your things"
"Oh, no matter I'll wrap your
after I've rested bit. I'm not hurt,
you know, only scared. Dear me, how
L was scared! My old nurse used to
teach me not to scream but if hadn' t
screamed, where should 1 have been
now, / wonder 2"
Mrs. Minton would gladly have parted
with the last shred she possessed, and
gone shivering the rest of her days, to
see her WORKOUT gown donned so hand
somely by the bright lassie.
"They have seen better days, the
clothes, miss, and I'll not deny that
that they've been in good company in
their time but they're not fit for q
lady now"
Her companion laughed, a pretty,
miscellaneous laugh. She read the weak
ness of her rescuer, and treated it ten
derby.
Whatever>a lady has worn is fit for 8
lady to wear" she said, and forthwith
wrapped herself, smiling, in the old
gray shawl.
And at that moment Tom, with his rec
shirt cleaning in the setting sun, and q
string of fish on his shoulder, stood il
the doorway.
He stopped when he saw the CUES
standing upon the hearthstone, bright
fire behind her, and the kettle boiling
cheerily. She nodded to him famil
iarly. Tom thought he must be dream
ing.
"Tom and 1 are acquainted" sh,
said
Are you +" responded the astonshet
widow.
"Yes," said the girl. GIVE watched
Tom many time walking along shore
with his red shirt, and once he took m'
and father out rowing. Tom, your moth
er saved my life."
"Saved your life a" echoed Tom, whC
never in all his life heard of his mother
doing anything before
Tom, stupid and staring, was hurried
off in search of the missing garments
And meanwhile his mother betook her
: self to making cup of tea for her pro
tege. 1t was wonderful how it'll
warmth of human feeling had reused thi
woman to life and activity again.
. When Tom returned, laden with va
rious articles Of apparel, the two wer,
, quietly slipping their tea together at tn,
old round table.
He did not return alone, however
Following him came tall, gray-headet
, gentlemen.
, "Here's father !" cried the girl, spring
: ing forward. "Oh, father, this goot
, lady has saved my life I"
; Lady The widow Minton wantet
, to kiss the beautiful rosy lips that pro
nounced the word"
"Wen, my DEAR" said the old gentle
, man, good-humoredly pinching TIN
plump cheek, "she has done it yer,
thoroughly. You certainly don't lool
very near death just now"
r Whereat the story, with due enlarge
: ment and variations, was told him witt
! pretty pout.
The father smiled, but also he furtive
| ly wiped away tear.
! "Well, madam" said he, courteously
, accept my cordial thanks for lookin,
after my little nadcap Belle. She's m,
only chil!, you see, and rs full of prank
as any Dozen"
Belle playfully put her hand over hi
mouth, II won't have my character ira
duced where they have been so good I,
, me, she cried. "And, oh, father, ism
this u beautiful place-such view o
the water / mean 20 come down her,
every day and do my sketching."
'I'm afraid" said the sire, shakin,