The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1876-01-27

was husky, and he pat his hand on Bran's
head with a touch that won the good
creatures heart entirely and made him
lick the downcast face. with a little
whine OF sympathy and satisfaction
Latty's eyes were full, and Aunt Lddy
took snuff and settled her tootstool, feel
ing that something must be done tor one
who showed signs Of being worth the say
ing
Poor crceter, And you were fond Of
him ~ she said in Il motherly tone; for
the man of five or six aud twenty was but
boy to her.
I'D have been brute il | wasn't fond
OF him, for he stuck to me when all the
other fellows cut me, and tried to drag
himself along with a broken leg rather
than leave me. Talk about friends Give
me dumb animal il YOU want one worth
having"
\ bitter tone was in the mans voice
and Il wrathful spark kindled in his eyes
as if wrong as we'll as want had made
him what he was
''Rest q little and tell US about Calitor-
MIA. A neighbor went there. and we like
to hear news of that great, splendid
place.
Lefty spoke, and the half-eager, half
timid voice was very winning, especially
| to- one who seldom heard such now See
ing her kindly interest, and glad to pay
for his meal in the only way he could, the
man told some of his adventures in brief
but graphic words, while the old woman
piled him with questions and the young
one listel ed with a face so full of pretty
wonder that the storyteller was inspired
to do his best.
Aunt Liddy's cap-trills stood erect with
horror at some of the hair breadth escapes
recounted; but to Lefty it was better than
any romance she had ever read to listen
to tales full Of danger and hardship, told
by Il living voice and face to face with the
chief actor in them all, who unconsciously
betrayed that he possessed many OF the
manly attributes women most admire
CATER adventures like these, | don't
wonder it seems hard to settle down, as
other folks DO" she said, warmly when
the man stopped short. as if ashamed OF
talking so much of his own affairs
Il wouldn't mind trying it, though he
| answered. as he glanced about the sunny
| little room, SO homeike and reposetu
and so haunted by all the sweet influences
that touch mems henrts when most tororn
va VI btittI, Sui' Iittllt LlttlN dtNiN-
edly. "Gt work and stick to it; and if
luck don't come, bread and butter will.
and in a world of woe mebbe that's about
as much as any one ought to expect
Il have tried to get ii. But I'm such
hard-looking chap no one wants me; and
| don't blame 'em. Look at that now
Amt that enough to spoil mans chance.
let alone his looks" The young fellow
held up battered object with such com
ical mixture of disgust and indignation
that Lefty could not help laughing and
the bllthe sound was 50 contagious that
the wanderer joined in it, cheered already
by rest and TODD and kindly words
"lt's singular what store men folks do
set by their hats My Moses couldn't
never read his paper till he'd put on his'n.
and as for drivin' Il nail bare headed in
doors or out, he'd never think of such a
thing" said Aunt Liddy, with the air of
one well vcrsed in the mysterious ways of
men-tolks
Bat Lefty dropped her hands. as if a
brilliant ldea had flashed upon her, and
running to the back entry, returned with
Il straw hat, brown and dusty, but shady,
whole. and far more appropriate TO the
season than the ragged felt the man was
eyeing hopelessly.
1T isn't very good; but it might do ior
time. We only keep it to scare folks,
and ] don't feel afraid now. Would YOU
mind if | gave it to you?" stammered Let
ty. coloring up as she tried to offer her
poor gilt courteously.
"Mind guess I'd he glad to get it, fit
or no fit and dropping the old hat, the
tramp clapped on the new one. making
his mirror OF the bright eyes before him
1T does nicely, and you're very wei
come,' said the girl, getting roster still,
Tor there was something beside gratitude
in the brown tace that had lost the dog
ged, dangerous look it wore at first.
"Now, if you was to wash up and
smooth that hair of youln tridc, you'd
be q likely looking young man; and if
you're civil spoken and willin' TO lend
hand anywheres you'I git work, | amt
doubt" observed Aunt Liddv, feeling a
growing interest in the waytarer, and,
woman-like, acknowledging the necessity
of putting the best foot foremost
Lefty ran for basin and towel, and,
pointing to the well, modestly retired in
to TIE Kitchen, while Aunt Liddy watched
the vigorous scrubbing that went on in the
.fetit, loi tliC am spluaHtu liIo Wtttct
about like q Newfoundland dog, and Bran
assisted at the brief toilet with hospitable
zeal
1t seemed as if different man came out
from that simple baptism; for the haggard
cheek had glow upon it, the eyes had
lost their hopelessness, and something like
courage and self-respect shone in the face
that looked in at the door as the stranger
gave back basin and towel, saying, with
wave of the old straw hat.
I'm heartily obliged, ma'am Would
you kindly tell me how far it is to the next
big town."
"Twenty miles The cars will take you
right there and the deepo amt fur" an
swered Aunt Liddy showing the way.
The man glanced at his ragged shoes,
then squared his broad shoulders. as if
braclng himself for the twenty long hot
miles that his weary feet must carry him,
since his pockets were empty, and he
could not bring himself to ask for anything
but food enough to keep life in him.
"Good-bye, ma'am and God bless you"
And slouching the hat over his eyes, he
limped away, escorted by Bran.
At the turn of the road he stopped and
looked back as wstfully as ever Lefty had
done along the shadowy road, and as he
looked it seemed as if he saw younger
self setting off with courage, hope, and
energy upon the journey, which, alas had
ended here. His eyes went to the old well,
as if there had been some healing in its
water; then turned to the porch, where he
had been fed and comforted, and fingered
there as if some kindly memory warmed
his solitary heart
Just then a little figure in blue gingham
ran out and came tluttering after him, ac-
companied by Bran, in state of riotous
delight. Rosy and breathless, Lefty hur-
ried to him, and looking up with face
full OF the innocent compassion that never
can offend she said, offering a parcel,
neatly folded up:
'Aunt Liddy sends you some dinner;
ard this, SO that you needn't walk, unless
you like, you are so lame"
AS if more touched than he cared to
show, the man took the food. but gently
thf,1