The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1879-11-22
"L-eftenantJim."
A STORY OF THANKS GIVRG DAY.

Time-About IL o'clock Of a Novem
Der morning, 1865 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 wskened by the sun.
Personal shabby, scarecrow sort of q
man bending over the rail, leaning the
while on his arm. The figure hardly
seemed a man. Its once black hat of
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 nobby summer suit,
was dirty, stained by rain, bleached by
shine, and trimmed with holes, the scut-
ling leaks of unosteItati0us ill-fortune
The repose of man and nature was
suddenly and sharply ended A tuneless
whistle broke out behind one of the
b8nks-a feeble, wavering spirit of hOr-
rible disC0rd-such a sound as only q
little boy can make with cheeks and
Through the sir sailed a speck. 1t drop
ped upon the arm of the lounger. It was
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 youngster and the
whistle stopped as they reached the
bridge. The face frightened the boy. 1t
was thin, haggard and savage, with a
black beard of fortnight's growth, and
wild eyes that showed by their setting
now hunger had crowded them back and
pinched the nose and cheeks; not cruel
face, all in all, bat one made pitiable by
hopelessness and starvation.
You young rascal" he said, catching
the little fellow and giving him gentle
shake; GIVE a good mind to drop you
into the river and let the minnows fight
for you What did you hit me for, Ell? -
The captive, more frightened than
hurt, yelled at the first touch, and then,
boy fashion, dropped to tears.
What did you meanY asks the man,
suddenly softening in temper and speech,
and putting his hand, with kindly touch,
on the little fellows head.
j didn't mean nothing" sobbed the
child. I'll was only tryin to whistle"
Hal ha! That was it, Ell? You
made very bad note in your tune,
don't you know2 You pegged me with
stone The stone hurt, hurt even a
fellow like me-"
didn't mean to-" says the child,
"Ot course not. | know that now.
You couldn't see me. Pll apologize.
Now stop crying, cheer up, call 1t even,
and let's be friends! Is it bargainW
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- 4 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 hsnd into the ruins of a pocket. 1t
worked aboutstherein like the scoop of a
dredge. 1t came to the entrance, full of
debris
''See here, little one1" he cries, get
ting down upon his knees, and spreading
his collection upon the boards I" Just
look here! Isn't this bric-a brac, as
they call it2" That's brass button
useless for want of button-hole. That
comb IN keep for my party going hair.
Yes! [ know you have one. That's to-
baccO but you don't chew. This fat
lack-knife is no good, for it will not cut.
only keep it because it shuts up when
| want to talk. Ughl Don't touch
that for it's vile tobacco. Here's key
to house / never owned. Let me see
That, ] guess, is bread done up in
tobacco. Well least that upon the
waters, pitching it into the creek.
Wheat-the last of my crops. String
you can't eat that and there's not enough
for kite. All! 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
candy or the missionary box, IS you
choose, Is it bargain?
The boys eyes frightened. He swal-
lowed his sobs, put out his hand, took
the money and said" Thank you! .
dis capIor laughed.
That's the way of the world, Johnny,
boy, You can always buy silence for
grief. Remember that, when you come
to make your will. As I've psid you
Tor five cents worth of misery, show me
the candy store!" He had said all this
ID grave way, just as if he were talking
70 some who could understand him
and the boy had looked on just as if he
did not (which was the fact) compre-
bend what was meant. But "candy
store were two words of one meaning
Tor him, and he became guide where,
heretofore, be had rot even followed.
It's at Winscon," he said.
And where is that, my cherubf"
Over The hill there. | was going TO
IT when u cotched me"
Tu! tut! Don't say cotched! Say
caught"
&C gul"
client Now Pm going 10 Wins
com. ennlahnGu In Il nRes mig g big