The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-09-28
Breaking A Chain.

DhoAAthS OhR1u
"iou will have to open the shop this
morning, Lucia, and take care of it the
best you can, called my father from the
next room, ''for my head Is aching so that
l shall be unable to leave my bed to-day"
| was quite little girl then, not more
than eleven years old, but as father and
were alone aud there was no one else TO per
form the task, I arose cheerfully, shivered
into my clotheS-for it was bitter cold and
quite early-apd hastened down STAIRS.
Broom in hand for the purpose of sweep
ing off the side sidewalk first l proceeded
to throw open the front door, but only, to
draw back, with faint cry OF terror and
surprise.
Crouchlng behind tho friendly shadow
of large packing box, standing at one
side of the doorway, was lad, apparently
about twelve or fourteen, poor, ragged
creature, with hollow checks aud haunted
look in his dark.blue eyes that lived in my
memory for many Il day afterward.
''Please, please, don't cry out, or call any
onel" he entreaied in low, pleading voice.
'Fney'll surely take mo again, and l don't
want to go back"
'Don't want to go back whcrcl" asked,
growing courageous and taking step
nearer him.
For answer he pointed to IL heavy ball
and chain attached to one of his ankles.
In those days-for the time of which |
write was long ago-it was customary to
attach weight of some kind to the legs of
convicts in order to prevent them from
going very far in case they should attempt
to escape; so at once understood that he
had broken away from tho town Jail.
~ was arrested for stealing meat-pie
and they treated me so bad at the Jail, I"
he said with dry sob that went straight
to my heart, "that-that-"
You IAN away, poor boy! Come in, and
III hide you safely awav."
Together, and with much difficulty in pre-
venting the chain from rattling which
would betray his presence to my father,
we succeeded in creeping down to the back
cellar. There l left him, we'll satisfied
with my mornings work.
little while after, carried him O bowl
of stcaming coffee. and slice of bread,
which he swallowed 10 my great satlsfac-
ton, with a decided relish.
81 say, sls," he whispered, as T turned
to leave, "lf had had a good strong file,
| could get this ERE chain off, aid then I'd
be all right"
81 will bring you not only file, but a
good suit OF clothes that belonged to my
brother that's dead, andan old red wig from
the garret, to disguise you with an
swered son one condition only"
''What Is it2" lie asked, eying me curious
ly.
"Only this, that you give ME your
solemn promise never to steal again, no
matter how poor or hungry you may be,
and to try and become good and respect
able boy"
A flash of brightness, visible even la the
dim light that struggled through the narrow
ccllar-window, passed over his wan fea-
lures, and kncellng down before me, he
caught one of my hands, and bending over
il, SOW y brt athed the required pledge.
For three days, during which time,
fortunately for my project, my father kept
his room, the poor fugitive remained in his
dngy retreat. Then when night calne on,
and we'll knew the one constable our town
boasted was snoring comfortab y between
his blankets, l softly opened the pack door,
and let John Ray as he called himself, out
into the darkness.
Freed from his fetters, and arrayed in
the nico suit had given him, he looked
80 respectable, oven handsome, that l felt
he never would be recognized, and, that
he might not want for ready cash TO assist
him on his way | pressed long treasured
gold piece of my own in his hand as we
parted In sober silence in tho shadowy--
doorway.
Twelve years came and went. hIisfor-
tune meanwhile had visited us In several
ways.
One wintry night our little shop and q II
1t contained, together with our household
goods, was consumed by fire. Later my
fathers eyesight failed him, and hoping to
better our condition, we moved to Now
York.
But we soon found out that the great
city was already over crowded with work.
crs, and in little while VIC became
poorer than we had ever been before.
Hearing one day that wealthy gentle
man, who was about to make long Jour.
ney, wanting respectable person to care
for his house during his absence, hastcned
to apply Tor the situation.
found him at his offlcc--a handsome,
kindly-featured man, seeming but a few
years older than myself.
''Have you refefencesH" he asked, on
my stating my business.
produced written paper, which our
good minister had given me before I left
the home OF my childhood.
A fush of pleasure overspread his hand.
some features as he read It.
"You do not recognize me, see," lle
remarked.
oertainly did not and eaid ~