Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-07-04

"Shtopi exclaimed the old shoemak-
er' his face falling. Il links you and
me vas going in de same boat"
oh !" answered the boy, starting, "I
didn't understand ii that way. And you
are not ready at ALL" he added. rather
impatiently.
Martin glanced down at his faded
brown trowsers and rusty old-fashionetl
alpaca coat.
"It ish dc best I've got. he said. ado
look too pad 10 90 along mitt you?"
No" said the boy. slowly. you
look we'll enough"
"Bhoys ish proud. KNOW" said Mar
Tin, with a sigh. "Ah veil, ia my own
kountreo dress ver' line on dc
holy days; re leetle chilren all come to
zee me, Vell, never mind; go alone
miu meiuseelf already. "
"0h. Id ike we'll enough to go with
you. sail the boy, iii youll only hurry
up. so as not to bo late"
"laas - said Martin, well pleased /;
den | will be ready in Won minool.'
He plunged his face and hands in q
basin OF water, rubbed himself dry,
brushed down the few gray hairs that
surrounded his bald head put on Il broad
brimmcd straw hat, yellowed by many
seasons wear, took a stout black cane in
one hand. and then gave the other 10
his visitor.
"Now.we Will set out like two brinces, "
he said. "All dc peoples in dc Yoonited
i>h brinces.'
The boy laughed with him, and they
started on their way. walking briskly
As they went through Canal street to-
ward the Hudson River, old Martin
questioned his young companion as 10
ais name and occupation, and learned
that his name was Washington Hays,
aud that he was an errand boy in u
grocery.
Washington Hays" said Martin, dat
is von goot name. Washington ish de
fader OF freedom. And you carry home
iings. How mooch dey bays you J."
Two dollars week, and my board
and washing" answered Washington,
rather annoyed at 50 many questions
rom stranger.
Aud vat you do milt your two tollar
u week /? " continued Martin.
Why, spend part and save part"
answered The boy.
Eef you sayish part, yot for you get
not your shoes mended pelOre ?" asked
old Martin. "Or vas de money not bald
Till last nights ?"
"Oh yes" said Washington. | am
paid every week. That was some money
lent TO boy
"Aud de bhoy bald you. wen, on Mar
tin; but vat becomes OF de mooney
you savish?"
IN pay you, said Washington; "ld
rather, and go alone"
Before the Old man could recover from
his astonishment. the boy bad thrust
half dollar into his pocket, and was
running full speed down the street. Mar
Tin ran too, but he was so lat that he
could not run fast. and Washington was
soon on, of sight.
Veil. " said old Martin, Il will keep
the Forf mitouI Washington den; but vat
Il bhoy he vas "
So on he went alone, smiling. He
reached the boat just in time. "AlI
aboard He was among the very last
and he made his way up TO the upper
deck only TO find that every seat was
occupied.
"Da, ish TOO pad. he said. Il links
locke on de river and shmoke mein pipe
in de air. Veil, | shtands up"
But he found 1t tiresome standing so
ba went down below. searching Tor
comfortable place. Outside OF the ladies
cabin he espied narrow, shady spot
where boy sat all alone on long, low
bench. Martin approached him. 1t was
Washington.
"Heil Washington ish dere room Tor
me?" asked the old man.
Washington started. Yes SIR he
said politely. but not cordially.
Martin sat down and filled his pipe
"Do you shmoke?" be asked.
mo, no." answered the boy, quickly.
and he made movement as if 10 60
away.
IL driysh you away from me again "
said the old man. mo, will go. or
will not shmoke."
IL don't mind The smoke" answered
the boy. Eat least. not much. " and he sat
down again. Martin put the pipe away
"No. smoke, or l must 60 away" WASH
ington said.
Then Martin pulled out his pipe again
and smoked away in silence long lime
You ish still bhoy. Washington" he
said at last.
Then there was another long pause
You keeps up aIiuking." said the old
man; "vat you tink ?"
Washington blushed. why SAID ne
81 WAS thinking that it wasn't very polite
for me to run away from you"