Weekly Trinity journal., 1879-05-24
weaverville. May "a, 1879
THAT BOY.

the yard saving wood. Who do you
'spose tits ?
Farmer Granger turned himself in bed,
listened moment, and then, with a
sleepy sigh Of one who realizes that the
time for dreaming is over and work no urs
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 bad concluded that it was time
for her to be " stirring" the brown trous-
ers and blue frock Of her husband could
have been seen at the further end of the
big kitchen, while two keen gray eyes
peored through the nalf>open blind.
No red.nosed, haggard- d-faced old man
met his gaze, but pale~cheeked, bare.
footed boy whose 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 p was the
farmers salutation, as he neared the
wood-pie.
I thought, may be, you'd give me
some breakfast If I sawed awhile ans,
wered the lad, looking up rs if to note
how his proposition would be received.
Breakfast ! OF course. We never
turn folks away hungry. Where d you
come from p
'Over east was the indefinite reply.
Where'd you sleep las night ??
Under the bushes down the road n
piece, the boy answered.
Well, you're great one /
shouldn't wonder, now, ii you'd run
away p half>interrogated the farmer
with a pleasant twinkle IN his eye. DO
You mind telling your name? p
Jap, SIR
Jap, hey?'
That's what they call me-my rea
names Jasper
Who are they-your father and
mother p
haven't any, SIR
Brothers and sisters p
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 hsd not the impatient lowing OF
Whitney and Doll reminded him that it
was milking time.
Well, you don't look over and above
strongsh. You'd better let that wood
alone till you get soma victuals down.
I'D rather keep on" was the only
answer and the work proceeded with no
further interruption till Ethel, the three
year-old pet of the family, came trotting
around the corner of the house to an
nounce in her baby fashion that b'e'k'-
asst was ready.
Come right in, come right in
You've earned good meal o. victuas :
and Farmer Granger led the way, with
his little girl perched upon his shoulder.
The lad silently took the place assigned
him, at one end Of the square table oppo-
site Ethel and her father, while Mrs.
Granger and happy faced old lady oc
cupied seats on either side.
The first supply of broiled ham and
baked potatoes had disappeared from the
boys plate. and the second instalment
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 compliment
with pleased smile, and an extra large
doughnut Immediately found its way to
accompany the BUTTERFLIES bread.
I'D like to work while longer to
pay for that breakfast remarked the
boy, as he followed the farmer through
the wood-house. Il haven't tasted any
thing 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 din
ner. We always mean to have good vict,
uals and plenty of 'em here.
Mrs. Granger stopped now and then to
look out of the buttery window and ~
wonder who that boy is, anyhow ?" was
repeated more than once that morning to
grandma. who sat- in the little old rocker,
quietly knitting.
Now, where are you bound for p
questioned the farmer, as the lad picked
up his bundle after dinner and seemed
ready to take his departure.
don't know, SIR he replied, dig
ging his bare toes into the dirt.
'spose L III stop anywhere can get work.
What's the matter with this place ?
with little twinkle of the gray eyes,
That woods to cut. and it'll take three
or four days, at the least calculation
III agree to give you enough 10 eat and a
comf'table led. 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 ans
wer for minute. Then he said:
You are very kind, sir. III stay il
you will let me-