Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1879-03-14
THAT BOY.

Husband there's somebody out in
the yard saving wood. Who do you
s'pose tits p
Farmer Granger turned himself in
bed, listened q moment, and then, with
the sleepy sigh of one who realizes that
the time for dreaming is over and work
bours are at hand, replied:
"It's Old Warner, likely. He's had
time to get over his tantrum. I'll see."
The farmers toilet was not one that
required hours to perfect, and before
Mrs. Granger had concluded that it was
time for her to be stirring" the brown
trousers and blue frock of her husband
could bave been seen at the further end
of the big kitchen, while two keen gray
eyes peered through the half-open blind.
No red -nosed, haggard.faced old man
met his gaze, but a pale-cheeked, bare
footed boy whose low whistle kept time
as he worked, while the heap of sticks
at his feet gave evidence that his saw
had made quick pace since sunrise.
"What are you about, boy 2" was the
farmers salutation, as he neared the
woodpile.
81 thought, maybe, you'd give me
some breakfast if l sawed awhile" an
swered the lad, looking up as if to note
how his proposition would be received.
Breakfast OF courseI We never
turn folks away hungry. Where'd you
come from2"
"Over east, twas the indefinite reply.
Where'd you sleep las night?"
Under the bushes, down the road
piece" the boy answered.
"Well, you're great onel Ishouldn't
wonder, now, if you'd run away 2"-half-
interrogated the farmer, with a pleasant
twinkle in his eye. "Do you mind tell
ing your nemeP"
"Jap, SIR"
"Jap, heyP"
"That's what they call me-my real
names Jasper"
"Who are they-your father and
mother ?"
81 haven't any, sir"
"Brothers and sisters9"
"Not one," was the curt reply.
The farmer looked sharply at the boy
from under his broad-brimmed hat, as
the saw piled to and fro; and, doubtless,
he would have pushed his inquiries still
further had not the impatient lowing Of
Whitley and Doll reminded him that it
was milking time.
"Well, you don't look over and above
strongish. You'd better let that wood
alone till you get some victuals down"
"Td rather keep on, was the only
answer; and the work proceeded with
no further interruption till Ethel, the
three-year pet of the family, came
trotting around the corner of the house,
to announce in her baby fashion that
"b'e'k'ast" was ready.
"Oome right in, come right in.
You've earned good meal O. victuals;"
and Farmer Granger led the way, with
his little girl perched upon his shoulder.
The lad silently took the place as
signed him, at one end OF the square
table opposite Ethel and her father,
while Mrs. Granger and happy-faced
old lady occupied seats on either side.
The first supply Of broiled ham and
baked potatoes had disappeared from
the boys plate, and the second install
ment was vanishing bit by bit, when
Mrs. Granger suddenly discovered that
he had no butter.
No, ma'am; don't care for it-this
breads good enough without any," was
the reply when the plate was passed.
Mrs, Granger received this compli.
ment with a pleased smile, and an extra
large doughnut Immediately found its
way to accompany the butterless bread
"Td like to work awhile longer tc
pay for that breakfast" remarked the
boy, as he followed the farmer through
the woodhouse. at haven't tasted
anything SO good in q long time" ant
the saw was taken up without waiting
! for permission.
"Well, if you're a mind to cut ant
pile up a spell, you can stay and ge
your dinner. We always mean to hav,
good victuals and plenty of 'em here.
"Now, where are you bound for ?
questioned the farmer, as the lad pickle,
up his bundle after dinner and seemeC
ready to take his departure.
~ don't know, sir, he replied, dig
ging his bare toes into the dirt. {"
s'pose I'll stop anywhere I can ge
work."