Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1881-06-30

lam one Of the women who really
love children, and it struck me that the
child was pretty, and had a good head.
What a pleasant task it would be to re.
form him. Had / been rich woman,
1 should have seen my way clear to
the attempt but a splnster goyerness
yet. after all
Child said. what is your name?
'Ben,' he answered.
'WelL Ben, said are they good to
You, these people you live with? Do
you like them ? Are you happy, OF
would you like to live differently
I'D like, said poor little Ben, to
have plenty to eat and 60 to school
with other fellers. get whippings,
and am hungry sometimes. / don't
belong to no one, and nobody cares for
me. | don't live anywhere regular
You'd like to 90 to school, eh?' l
asked.
Yes, like other fellers, replied Ben.
i went to school once to get in, but
the lady said to go away, l had dirty
feet. Jim said you could sneak lots OF
things in school if you was smart. He
did, but he had shoes.
1t seemed a hopeless case. Howev-
er, even yet | could not bring myself
TO hand the boy over to Mr.. Pember-
ton, who assuredly would give him to
the police. There was way in which
l could help him If he were not really
fond of his companions, and older in
crime than he seemed, but to do so |
must be very cautious. The character
of female Don Qulxote would not be
a good one fora governess.
sBen,' | said, i want to help you to
keep you from going back to those peo.
pie, and put you to school.
He looked at me wonderingly.
If anyone else in the house knows
that you are here, you will be given to
the policey | said. 1T will soon be day.
Y Oh must let me lock you up in this
room until dark, and you must make
no noise. will give you plenty to
eat. Remember, it is for your good.
He nodded. The experience Of his
life had taught him to understand the
necessity OF concealment as other chill
dren do not.
Ill be num- he said. Don't fear
me; I'll be num-
And from that time until dawn | sat
and looked at him without saying any
more.
1t was easy enough to provide him
with food that day, but my conscience
was heavy. Glad Enough was l when
night came, and IN the darkness l
smuggled the little creature out of the
house, and holding his hand went
straight to the clergyman of the church
1 regularly attended. He was a good
man, devoted to his calling, and l
knew him to take a great interest in
the redemption of such waits as Ben,
and that he was Secretary of an asso-
,chtion for such objects.
t9.rMr. Dale received me in his study,
aid left little Ben in the hall, and
not feeling quite sure of the safety of
the hats and coats on the stand, whis-
pered to the servant to watch him.
Once within the study, I told truth
full story to Mr.. Dale. He is already
a little thief, l suppose, l added; 'but
he is very young. Will you help me
to save him? Will you send him to
your farm school, keeping the secret
of his antecedents? | will pay you for
his outfit; his clothes, trunk, &C., and
for his journey also.
That will be the duty Of the socie-
ty, replied the reverend gentleman. 4
will report the case. If am permit
ted to send him he shall go. Mean
while, wait q moment He arose and
left the room, and soon returned.
Meanwhile, he continued, my house
keeper will take charge of him. He
can stay here.
A month from that day little Ben
Gray was sent away to the Jefferson
farm school, He wore a stout cloth
suit and cap, and had small trunk
full of clothing. He was proud and
happy, and though he did not know
the words of gratitude, I could see
that he was thankful. gave him a
lecture on good behavior, and kissed
him as we parted. No one had ever
kissed him before, | believe.
He started, looked at me, and his
chin quivered; but the guard was cry
ing, Take your seats, please the five
other little boys and their guardian,
who were his companions, grew i'm
patient, and so we parted.
I was not insane enough to tell of
my escapade--it might have lost me
my place; but soon l heard from Mr..
Dale that my waif had reached his des-
tination, behaved well and was happy.
A year later he wrote to me thanking
me for my kindness; fancied it was
dictated to him, and thought little of
it, save as proof that my efforts to
help him were successful.
Years ghded by-fifteen years.
They had not been happy ones for me.
[ lost many friends. l was lonely,
My eyes failed me, and I could not
teach fine embroidery and flower paint
ing, which were my specialties At last
l fell i'll. In paying doctors and nurses
all my small savings melted, and when
had ranouered NV health so as to