Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1879-11-20
"l-eftenantJim."
A STORY OF THANKSGIVING DAY.

Time-About ii O'Clock OF NOvem
Der morning, 1864 dead sky above and
a dead earth beneath, as they are seen in
dreams.
Place-A little creek wedged in be-
tween two high banks, and a 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
man bending over the rail, leaning the
while on his arm. The figure hardly
seemed man. It's 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 a nobby summer suit,
was dirty, stained by rain, bleached by
shine, and trimmed with holes, the scut-
ling leaks of unc1tentavi rus ill-forlune.
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-sucb a sound as only q
little boy can make with cheeks aud
lips. The man turned his head little.
Through the ar sailed a speck. 1t drop
ped upon the arm of the lounS9r 1t was
n stone, 1t hurts, for the man stood
erect, uttered an oath, and turned his
face to the road down which row trudged
a small boy. The youngster and the
whistle stopped as they reached the
bridge. The face frightened the boy. 1t
was thin, hsggard and savage, with p
black beard of fortnights growth, aud
wild eyes that showed by their setting
how hunger had crowded them back and
pinched the nose and che eks; not a 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 T 1,
for YOU What did you bit me for, "a
The captive, more frightened than
hurt, yelled ST the first touch, and then,
boy fashion, dropped to tears.
"What did you meauT' asks the man,
suddenly softening in temper and speech,
and putting his hand with kindly touch,
on the little fellows head.
81 didn't mean nothing" sobbed the
child. I'll was only tryin' 10 whistle. y
"Hsl he, That was it, Ell? You
made very bad note in your tune
don't you know? You pegged me with
q stone. The stone hurt, hurt even &
fellow like me-"
81 didn't mean to-" says the child.
"Of course not. ] know that now
You corldn't see me. III apologize
Now stop crying, cheer up, call II even
ard let's be lriends Is it bargain?"
But the sobs would come up and the
tears fill the eyes. The boy had sprung
a leak Snd seemed likely to sink. The
man became nervous. He might fright
en- grown-up fellow, and enjoy thI
victory; but IS to this child-welll he
was heartily ashamed of himself, So he
tried the strategy Of wealth. He thrust
one hand into the ruins of pocket. II
worked aboutStherein like he scoop of 8
dredge. II came 20 the entrance, full Of
debris.
"See here, little one'" he cries get
ting down upon his knees, sud spreading
his collection upon the boards. just
look here! Isn't this bric-a brac, ~
they call it2" That's a brass button
useless for want of button hole. That
comb FL keep for my party goiug hair
Yesl | know you have one. That's to-
bacco, but you don't chew. This fat
lack knife is no good, FOR it win not cut
i only keep il because i. shuts up wher
l want 70 talk, Ughl Don't touch
thatl for is vile tobacco. Here's key
to house | never owned. Let ME st e
That, / guess, is bread done up Il
tobacco. Wen "cas. that upon tn
water" pitching it into the creek