Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1881-12-22

nearly year, supporting themselves
by sewing. L suspect they are poor
enough, but they are thoroughly inde-
pendent; it is hard to get chance to
do anything for them. You seem to
have outfanked them"
ooh, no; I'm not much of astrategist; /;
moved on their works, and captured
them. It's my selhshnesS; want to
hear Thursby and Cary with those
children's ears tonight, that's all. And
if you will kindly write little note,
assuring the mother that l will not eat
her children, the boy will call for it.
And now gOod-morning 1 shall see
you next summer in the woods"
The rector presses his friend to tarry,
but he pleads business, and hurries
away.
Now he mysteriously disappears
again. After few hours we find him
seated before the CRATE, in his coy room
at the Parker House; the telegram has
gone to Cincinnati with the bad news
that he is not coming; the oratorio
tickets have been purchased; dinner
has been eaten; there is time for rest,
and he writes few letters to those
nephews and nieces who know, by this
time, to their great grief, that they will
not see Uncle Hall to morrow.
Meantime, the hours have passed
cheerily at the little room of the john
sons. on Denison street; for, though the
kindness of their unknown friend could
not heal the hurt caused by the hard
ness of their greedy employer, it has
helped them to bear it. Ben
has brought from the rector an
enthusiastic note about Mr.. Todd, and
the children have waited in delighted
anticipation of the evening. Prompt
ly, at half-past seven, the step of their
! friend is on the stair, and his knock at
the door.
"Come in, sirp says Ben. 1t is a
very different voice from that of the
boy who was talking at Jackman &
COmpany's entrance few hours ago.
"This has been day of great expecta-
tions here" says Ben's mother. 81 do
not know what could have been prom
ised the children that would have
pleased them more. OF music they
have had passionate love from infan-
cy. and they haven't heard much lately"
"Well, they shall have tonight the
best that Boston affords, says Mr.. Todd
"Now, you must tell me your name,
my boy. We want good understand
ing before we start"
'Ben, sir, is what my mother calls
me-"
ben Johnson, eh? A first class
name, and famous one. Correctw
laughs Mr.. Todd. "And now, will the
little lady tell me her name?'
Ruby, sir, is all there is of it." an
swers the maiden.
"Well, Ruby" says Mr.. Todd, "your
name is like the BoardeI's coffee: it is
good enough what there is of it, and
there's enough of it, such as it is. Now,
you want 70 know what to call me.
Ny names CLcie hal. That's what
a lot of boys and girls out West would
have been calling me tomorrow if I
hadn't missed the train; and il you'll
just let me play, tonight, that I'm your
uncle, l shall have great deal better
time"
So they go of merrily.
Music Hall is packed from floor to
topmost gallery. On either side of the
great organ rise the ranks Of the chorus,
eight hundred singers; the orchestra is
massed in front; the soloists are just
entering, to take their places at the
left of the conductor.
There's Miss Caryw cries Ruby,
eagerly.
Mr.. Todd points out to the children
the other singers whom they do not
know, and, while he is speaking, the
click OF Mr.. Zerrahn's baton is heard,
the musicians of the orchestra lift their
instruments, and the glorious strains
of the overture burst upon the ears of
the wondering children.
But no wise historian will try to tell
about this evenings music, nor how
Ruby and Ben enjoyed it. More than
once, in the rush of the great choruses,
Ben finds himself catching his breath,
and there is a rosy spot all the while
on Rubys cheek and dazzling bright
ness in her eye. Mr.. Todd watches
them, momently; he listens, as he said,
with their ears as well as his own, and
finds his own pleasure trebled by their
keen enjoyment.
"0h. Mamma" says Ben, as she tucks
him into bed, sit seemed, some of the
time, as if was so full that couldn't
hold another bit. When Miss Thursby
sang that song-you remember, Ruby.
What was itI'
II know that my Redeemer liveth," {"
answers Ruby.
Eyes that's the one when she sang
that, thought my heart would stop
beating"
"But what liked best" says Ruby;
true to her old love, "waS one Miss
Cary sang about the Saviour. He was
despised.'"
at was all very beautiful, L know,
my darlings," answered the mother
"but you must forget it now, as soon
as you can, for it is late"
The next morning, Ruby is wakened
by the string of her mother. "Oh,
Mamma" she says, softly, putting her
arms about her mothers neck. 81 had
a beautiful dream last night, and
must tell it to you before you get up.
dreamed that Miss Thursby was
standing on high rock on the seashore,
singing that song. Il know that my
Redeemer Hveth' and when she came
to that part, In the latter day he shall
stand upon the earth, thought that
dear Papa Iose right up out of the sea,
and walked on the water to the shore
and that Mr.. Todd took him by the
hand and led him up to U.S. and Just as
he few toward US, and caught you in
his arms, woke up"
The desolate mother kisses the
daughter with tears, but can not answer.
Beside that dream the dark and stern
reality Is hard to look upon. Yet, some
how, the child's heart clings to the
comfort Of the dream.
| D-o.o.AI.. L. a... -. ..---a-L