Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1879-03-11

pay for that breakfast" remarked the
boy, as he followed the farmer through
the woodhouse. "I haven't tasted
anything SO good in long time, " and
the saw was taken up without waiting
for permission.
"Well, if you're mind to cut and
pile up spell, you can stay and get
your dinner. We always mean to have
good victuals and plenty OF 'em here. y
"Now, where are you bound for 2"
questioned thefarmer. as the lad picked
up his bundle after dinner and seemed
ready to take his departure.
&c don't know, sir, he replied, dig
ging his bare toes into the dirt. 81
s'pose I'll stop anywhere can get
work"
"What's the matter with this placer"
with little twinkle of the gray eyes.
"That woods to cut, and it'll take three
or four days, at the least calculation.
I'll agree to give you enough to eat and
comf'table bed. May be by that time
you'll want to run home again"
The boys eyes flashed; but he set his
lips firmly together, and made no an
swer for minute. Then he said:
You are very kind, sir. I'll stay if
you will let me-"
"Solomon Granger, you're scrazyT'
exclaimed the nervous little woman,
when her husband related the foregoing
conversation. "The idea of having that
boy in the house all night shan't
sleep single wink. Likely as not he'll
kill US all before morning, and make off
with everything there is here"
Obi no; guess he's all right, was
the farmers reioinder; while a sweet
voice came from over the knitting:
81 never see boy with such face
that had anything in him but good,
honest blood. Depend ont, Lowly,
there amt nothin' wrong about that
boy"
Two days passed. The lad kept faith
fully at his work, saying little and re-
vealing nothing in regard to himself.
The farmers wife, meanwhile, worried
and fretted, turned a dozen keys at
night, and was surprised when morning
dawned to find everything untouched.
What are you going to do about
going to church ?" she asked, anxiously,
on Sunday morning. "There's that
boyi" :
There's room enough in the wagon"
responded her husband, serenely.
81 know-but 'tain't bit likely he'll
want to go. And don't dare to leave
him home. There's no telling what he'll
do"
81 wouldn't worry about that boy;
he amt going to run off with the house"
The proffered seat, however, was de-
clined, the boy saying:
My clothes amt fit. I'd rather stay
round here"
So Mrs. Granger, with numberless
misgivings, clambered into the high
wagon, tucking little Ethel in beside
her, and off they went over the hills to
the town, tv miles away.
Let me see," began grandma, when
the last load Of neighbors had passed the
gate, ''your names Jasper, amt it ?"
Jasper, ma'am."
Eyes. Well. Jasper, can you read ?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Well, s'posin you read out loud to
me SPELL" and a little, old book was
brought out from the great chest in the
corner, entitled Tales of Grand
mother"
So the boy read; and grandma, fold
ing her wrinkled hands-hands that
were always busy on other days-leaned
back with look of contentment on her
sweet old face. thinking to herself, "As
if I'd be afeard O. that boy p
"You must ha' been to school consid-
er'ble," was the comment when the first
chapter was ended.
ST never went" was the response.
"Never ! Who learned you to read j,
then p
Mother"
The boy seemed reluctant to engage
in any conversation, and hastened to
begin the second chapter. Some time
passed, till, a. length, the one auditor
falling asleep, the story was continued
in silence.
Grandma's nap was brought to sud-
den close by loud rap on the outer
door.
Two men stood on the doorstep; i'll
looking fellows, and very dirty IN ap-
pearance.
"Can you give us something to eat ?"
asked one.
"Sartin, sartin; come right in and sit
down." said the old lady, bustling off
to the pantry. (Which do you like
best-apple-pie or custard ?" And soon
bountiful repast was spread upon the
table, and the good things vanished
without ceremony.
The boy eyed the two, sharply; while
grandma, after receiving somewhat
crusty answers to the few kindly ques-
tions, sat placidly rocking. The eyes
of the men roved searchingIy about
the room. Finally, one asked:
"Folks gone to church ?"
"La, yes." replied the old lady, in
nocently. "Our folks never stay home
for nothin'."
The speaker threw quick glance to-
ward his companion; the other nodded.
Neither movement escaped the pair Of.
watchful eyes in the corner.
A moment after. the boy left his seat,
sauntered across the room, stopped by
the window to look up the road, and
then, going through the little hall
which led out Of the kitchen, he called
from the foot Z the stairs:
II