Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-17
VOL. XXXVI.

the man of five or six and twenty was but
boy TO her.
=" I'D have been brute if l wasn't fond
OF him. for he stuck to me when all the
other fellows cut me, and tried to drag
himself along with broken leg, rather
than leave me. Talk about friends. Give
me dumb animal if you want one worth
having"
A bitter tone was in the mans voice.
and wrathful spark kindled in his eve.
as if wrong as well as want had made
him what he was.
" Rest little and tell us about Califor-
mia. A neighbor went there, and we like
to hear news of that great, splendid place "
Lefty spoke, and the half eager, half
timid voice was very winning, especially
to one who seldom heard such now. See.
ing her kindly interest, and glad to paw
Tor his meal IN the only way he could, the
man told some of his adventures in brief
but graphic words, and the old woman
piled him with questions. and the Young
one listened with face so full of pretty
wonder that the story-teller was inspired
to do his best.
Aunt Liddy's cap-frills stood erect with
horror at some of the hair breadth escapes
recounted; but to Lefty it was better than
any romance she had ever read to listen
to tales full of danger and hardship, told
by living voice. and face to face with the
chief actor in them all, who unconsciously
betrayed that he possessed many of the
manly attributes women most admire.
"After adventures like these, | don t
wonder it seems hard to settle down, as
other folks do" she said, warmly, when
the man stopped short, as if ashamed of
talking so much of his own affairs.
Il wouldn mind trying it. though he
answered, as be glanced about the sunny
little room, so hoMelike and reposeful,
and SO haunted by all the sweet influences
that touch mems hearts when most for
lorn.
You'd BETTER" said Aunt Liddy, decid-
edly. Git work and stick to it; and if
luck don't come, bread and butter will,
and in a world of woe mcbbe that's about
us much as any on us ought to expect"
Il have tried to get it. But I'm such n
hard looking chap no one wants me; and
l don't blame 'em. Look at that now.
Amt that enough to spoil mans chance,
let alone his looks?"
The young fellow held up q battered
object with such comical mixture of dis
gust and Indignation that Lefty could not
help laughing; and the blithe sound was
so contagious that the wanderer joined in
it, cheered already by rest and food and
kindly words,
{" It's singular what store men folks do
set by their hats. My Moses couldn't
never read his paper till he'd put on his'n,
and as for drivin' nail bareheaded. in
doors or out, he'd never think of such u
thing" said Aunt Liddy, with the air of
one we'll versed in the mysterious ways of
men folks.
But Lefty dropped her hands, as if a
brilliant idea had flashed upon her, and
running to the back entry, returned with Il
straw hat, brown and dusty, but shady
whole, and far more appropriate to the
season than the ragged felt the man was
eying hopelessly.
1T isn't very good; but it might do for
time We only keep it to scare folks,
and don't feel afraid now. Would you
mind if gave it to you?" stammered
poor gift courteously.
Mind 1 guess I'd be glad TO get it,
fit or no fit" and dropping the old hat the
tramp clapped on the new one, making
his mirror Of the bright eyes before him.
1T does nicely, and you're quite vel
come" said the girl, getting roster still,
for there was something beside gratitude
in the brown face that had lost the dog
ged, dangerous look it wore at first.
NOW, if you was to wash up and
smooth that hair of yourn tritle, you d
be likely-!ooking young man; and if
you're civl-spoken and wilin' to lend a
hand anywheres you'll git work, | amt a
doubt" observed Aunt Lid1y, feeling a
growing interest in the wayfarer, and,
woman like, acknowledging the necessity
of putting the best foot foremost.
Lefty ran for basin and towel, and,
pointing to the well, modestly retired into
the kitchen, while Aunt Liddy watched
the vigorous scrubbing that went on in the
yard, for the tramp splashed the water
about like Newfoundland dog, and Bran
assisted at the brief toilet with hospitable
zeal.
1t seemed as if a different man came
out from that simple baptism; for the
haggard cheek had a glow upon it, the
eyes had lost their hopelessness, and some.
thing like courage and self-respect shone
III Tue ldCb lLlu lODhSt III dl ttlO doOt 90
the stranger gave back basin and towel,
saying, with wave of the old straw hat:
I'm heartily obliged ma'am. Would
you kindly tell me how far it is to the next
big townP'
"Twelve miles. The cars will take you
right there, and the deepo amt fur" an
swered Aunt Lddy, showing the way.
The man glanced at his ragged shoes,
then squared his broad shoulders, as If
bracng himself for the twenty long. hot
miles that his weary feet must carry him,
since his pockets were empty, and he
could not bring himself to ask for anything
but food enoug gh to keep life in him.
Goodbye, ma'am, and God bless
you"
And slouching the hat over his eyes, he
limped away, escorted to the gate by
Bran.
AT the turn of the road he stopped and
looked back as wistfully rs ever Lefty had
done along the shadowy road, and rs he
looked it seemed as if he saw younger
self setting off with courage, hope and
energy upon the journey, which alas! had
ended here. His eyes went to the old
well, as if there had been some healing in
its water; then turned to the porch, where
he had been fed and comforted, and lin
gered there as if some kindly memory
warmed his solitary heart.
Just then Il little figure in blue gingham
ran out and came iuttering after him.
accompanied by Bran, in a state of riotous
delight. Rosy and breathless, Lefty hur'
ried to him, and looking up with face
full of the innocent compassion that never
can offend, she said, offering II parcel
neatly folded up
Aunt Lddy sends you some dinner
and this, so that you needn't walk, unless
you Ike, you are so lame"
AS if touched more than he cared tc
/ show, the man took tire food, but gently
, put away the little roll of greenbacks, say
ing quickly:
THANK you for this. but can't take
your money"
1--WE amt rich, but we love to hell
! folks. So you needn't be proud about it,
And Lefty locked rufIled at his refusal.
"rll take something else, if you don
,NH 10 hot