Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1876-12-04


pared her solitary breakfast. then called
the cat 70 get hers.
For the first time in eight years Tab
by failed to answer.
She opened the wOOd-hOuse door in
fear and trembling.
There. suspended from beam by one
Of Miss Wings own aprOn-strings was
poor Tabby, stOne-dead.
Pinned in the string was dirty scrap
Of paper. on which was written
CATEPILERs oOMPELMUNrs..
For the first time in many years Miss
Wing sat down in a low chair. threw
her apron over her head. and wept.
Willingly now would she have held
out the white flag if it would only bring
back poor pass.
Strange to say, from that very day
there was cessation Of hostilities.
Whether it was because they were ex-
hausted and needed rest to think of
something new. or whether there was
really nothing left for them to do. Miss
Wing could not tell.
As days passed on and no fresh mis-
chief was done. she gradually gave up
looking for it, and possessed her soul in
qsietness.
And now. as she sat grim and solita-
ry BY her kitchen fire, except for vague
feeling Of bitterness as she looked at
Tabby's empty corner. she had almost
forgotten Caterpillar.
1t was quite shock to her nerves.
therefore. when her door-bell was rung
with 4 violent jerk.
That imp is at his mischief again. :"
she exclaimed.
The ring was repeated, but she paid
no attention to it; and finally a shut
fling. irresOlute step was heard on the
side stoOp. followed by knock on the
kitchen door
Come in" said Miss Wing, in a
most uninviting manner.
The door was opened slowly. and a
cOlOred man appeared.
us you Miss Wing?" he asked
81 be-"
There's poor little mig up in the
settlement. say he want to see you.
Folks calls him Caterpillar. Don know
/ he name"
What does the little scamp want Of
me?"
HE mos gone. Miss He done got
gallopin' cOnsumPtiv- =
''PIty ne hadn't galloped of some.
where before be killed ny cat I'd like
to trOunee him." said she
The man looked at her moment. anG
then said sOlemnly:
Missy. dat chile done got some6n OF
he mind He axes for you de Who'll,
Dressed time and if you's a Christian
woman you'll go dar. Good night. Mis-
sy."
Miss Wing shut the door. and sa
down again with her knitting.
But somehow the room was not a
pleasant as before. The fire didn't burr
as clearly. and her chair seemed YER
uncomfortable
She couldn't compose her mind. Sew
eraI very uncomfortable verses Of Scrip
ture would force themselves upon her.
In the little church over the way sh
could hear them practising their anthem
for the morrow.
Clearly and distinctly out on the frOs
ty air their voices rang
Over and over she heard them sing:
aPssce On earth. good VIII to men"
She knew very well that she felt nei
ther peace or good will.
Il wish they'd stop their noise" Sd
SAID. as she fdgetted from her chair
the window and back again to the stow.
Still they sang on. louder and clearer
stirring Miss Wing up in an unaccOunt
able manner.
Her better nature was having terri
bic struggle with the other; and bein
much smaller, was in great danger {
defeat
At last she started from her chail
snatched her hood and blanket shaw
: and started towards the door. Little be-
ter nature had conquered
j Miss Wing hardly knew herself :
! she stepped out into the frosty night
was many years since she had visite
the sick. or gone out upon an errand (
: mercy. Such charity as she had give
: had been like throwing bone 70 a dol
: When she reached the tumble-doE
house where Caterpillar's mother live
and knocked at the door, she heard
shrill voice pipe up:
"D4r she am, nanny; mos kno
8 dzt's her"
There was hurrying over the foo
! and noise as if stray articles we're b
, ing hastily shufaed into their place
!. Then the door opened and Miss VII
a walked ia
4 Bless Us and save rs :" said she
n BOlstered up on narrow cot was
: pitiful little heap Of skin and bones, !
o that was left Of the mischievous Cate
r-fI.-