Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-11-19
''LeftenantJim.''
A STORY OF THANKSGIVING DAY.

Time-About IL o'clock of a Novem
Der morning, 1864 dead sky above and
dead earth beneath, as they are seen in
dreams.
Place-A little creek wedged in be-
tween two high banks, and low, rickety
bridge over the creek, whose three-foot
depth of water was filmed with ice;
water whose sleeping ripples had not
been wakened by the sun.
Persona shabby, scarecrow sort of a
man bending over the rail, leaning the
while on his arm. The figure hardly
felt was rusty hued, and haggled with
gashes. out of which sprouted thin
punches of jet black hair. The brim
was pulled down, front and rear. The
coat, once part of a hobby summer suit,
was dirty, stained by rain, bleached by
shine, and trimmed with holes, the scut-
ling leaks of unostentati rus ill-fortune.
The repose Of man and nature was
suddenly and sharply ended. A tuneless
whistle broke out behind one of the
banks-a feeble, wavering spirit of hor-
rible discord-such sound as only
little boy can make with cheeks and
lips The man turned his head little.
Through the sir sailed speck. 1t drop
ped upon the arm of the lounger. 1t was
a stone, It hurts, for the man stood
erect, uttered an oath, and turned his
face to the road down which now trudged
a small boy. The youpgster and the
whistle stopped as they reached the
bridge. The face frightened the boy. 1t
was thin, hsggard and savage, with
black beard of fortnight's growth, and
wild eyes that showed by their setting
how hunger had crowded them back and
pinched the nose and cheeks; not q cruel
face, all in all, but one made pitiable by
hopelessness and starvation.
"You young rascal" he said, catching
the little fellow and giving him gentle
shake; GIVE good mind to drop you
into the river and let the minnows f ght
for you. What did you hit me for, eh?'
The captive, more frightened than
hurt, yelled at the first touch, and then,
boy fashion, dropped TO tears.
"What did you meant" asks the man,
suddenly softening in temper and speech,
and putting his hand, with kindly touch,
on the little fellows head.
/ didn't mean nothing" sobbed the
child. ell was only tryin' to whistle"
cha! ha! That was it, Ell? You
made a very bad note in your tune,
don't you know? You pegged me with
q stone. The stone hurt, hurt even s.
fellow like me-"
81 didn't mean to" says the child.
"Of course not. | know that now
You couldn't see me. I'll apologize
Now stop crying, cheer up, call it even,
and let's be friendsl Is it a bargain ?"
But the sobs would come up and the
tears fill the eyes. The boy had sprung
leak and seemed likely to sink. The
man became nervous. He might fright
en- grown-up fellow, and enjoy the
victory; but as to this child-welll he
was heartily ashamed of himself. So he
tried the strategy of wealth. He thrust
one hand into the ruihs of pocket. 1t
worked about1therein like the scoop of a
dredge. 1t came to the entrance, full of
debris.
'sSee here, little one'" he cries, get
his collection upon the boards. "Just
they call itY" That's brass button
useless for want of button hole. That
comb I'll keep for my party going hair.
Yesl l know you have one That's to-
bacco, but you don't chew. This fat
jack knife is no good, for it will not cut.
I only keep it because it shuts up when
l want to talk. Ugh! Don't touch
thatl for it's vile tobacco. Here's key
to house never owned. Let me see |
That, / guess. is bread done up in
tobacco. Well "casr that upon the
waters, pitching it into the creek.
Wheat-the last of my crops. String
for kite. Ahl Here we have it
"The sad remains of ill-spent life" and
he Topped in the palm of his hand 8
dingy five cent piece. Now sonny, wiring
out your eyes, stop crying, make friends
with me, and the money is yours for