Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-09

"Tll tell you all about II, father" said he.
II really could scarcely sleep last night Just
for thinking of those poor children, and
Farmer Bruce and his wife, with oil their ILL
luck; and II just seemed to pop into my
mind to go TO all our best customers and sec,
If together, they would not buy the COW back
for thom. So have been out since daylight,
and almost every one / went to did as 1
asked, from the good parson down, and l
have their names all here in our custom
book, just as though we were going TO deliv-
or the meat as usual. You aren't angry, are
you, fatherY
The butcher had been looking so grave
while Jack told his story that tho boy feared
somewhat he might have been wrong in act
ing thus, without the consent of anyone, but
quickly came the reassuring answer;-
'Not bit, my boy And 1 am glad you
kept part for u.s. You may not make
good butcher Jack, but was thinking that
you may make something deal better. Eat
your breakfast, and we will finish up the mat
ter afterward"
Donald and Patsy were sitting, with faces
still sad and thoughtful, before their door
that next morning. thinking of what had
happened the evening before, when both
sprang up at once, looking eagerly toward
the road.
"Wasn't that Clover's voicoP" cried Don
aid. 20 Patsy, perhaps she has got away
from them, and has run back to ask us to
save her" And, just as he spoke, there!
sure enough, at the gate appeared Glover,
lowing in the mellow voice they knew SO
well, and looking over into the yard with
glad look of recognition in her big soft eyes.
In moment, the little boy and girl were
by her side, calling her all the pet names,
with shouts of welcome, and there from her
neck hung large white card with words
written on it which they could not read; but
their father and mother, too, had heard the
commotion, and now came fastening TO the
gate with sad hearts, for they feared poor
Glover had only found her way home again,
to be sent away once more. But there was
the card reading
''For Donald and Patsy, from their neigh
bors, who thought Glover too good to be
killed"
20 Donald, didn't tell you sol" cried
Patsy, in an ecstasy of delight. 'rNo COW so
good as Glover would be allowed to be killed"
But Mr.. and Mrs Bruce looked from one
another to the card, somewhat troubled TO
know what it all meant. Just at this mo-
ment Jack, with his merry face and kindly
smile, appeared from behind tree near by
LET me explain it all to you Mr.. Bruce"
said he and soon he had told, as delicately
as he could, of how sorry he had felt for the
two little ones, and how, for their sakes, he
had engaged the meat after his own novel
way that morning.
There was a tear of grateful appreciation
in the eyes of the honest farmer as he list
ened, and his voice was a little faltering as
he said -
II would not have thought there were SO
many kind people around me. Will you
please let me see your custom-book, Jack2"
And, taking paper and pencil from his pock-
ct, he quickly copied the list of names from
the page extended to him by Jack. 81 can
only accept it as loan to be paid back next
year" said he; ''but thank my good neigh
bors for it just the same, and you more than
all, my boy. You have saved US many a
heart-ache to-day and many want this win
ter"
And Jack went away, the happiest boy in
all that country, while Donald and Patsy
were still caressing their dear old Glover, and
Mrs. Bruce hastened off for the milk pail
The Churchmdn.