St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1881-12-10

NulHnS Suo".
"Oh. I cannot 60 home without
the money" he sobbed; 'poor
mother worked hard, and Flora is
sick aud SO hungry.
Here" she said. "do take this.
little boy, and buy her lots of nice
things. 'Tis worth a good deal;
papa bought it for my birthday
present, and do take it and well
come"
She extended her dimpled hands,
and something like a shower of
tears fell at the boys feet. He
caught it up in amazement-a neck
lace oi emeralds-lustrous, gleam-
ing things, set in tawny Indian
gold.
No, no" he cried. running up to
where she stood, 81 cancot take this
necklace, take it back"
"You shall take it," she contin-
ued. imperlously. II have lots of
fine jewelry and fine things. Run
home now, and buy your sister
something to cal"
She closed tue door with bang,
and Ross stood iiresolute in the
stormy gloom. Should he ring the
bell and restore the jewels to Pan
sic father, or should he do as she
bade him? He thought of his
mother and poor little Flora watch
ing wistlulIy for his return. He
could not go back and see them
starve. With IA sudden feeling of
desperation he thrust the necklace
in his pocket and dashed down the
street.
The gaslight blazed brilliantly in
fashionable jewelry establishment,
and the bland proprietor looked
down inquiringly on little Ross as
he approached the counter.
Would you like TO buy this. sir?"
There was a tremor in the boys
voice as he asked the question, and
the hand that held the emerald
necklace shook visibly. The lapi-
dairy took the gems. examined them
closely fer moment, and then shot
sharp glance at the child.
"See here" he said presently, his
voice stern and commanding, 81
want to know how you came by
this?"
The boys clear eyes fell; he STAN
mered and blushed. evidently en-
barrassed. The ieweler put aside
the emeralds. aud taking the lads
arm, he led him into q small ante
room.
You are a thief, SIR" he said.
"That necklace belongs to MIR. Fon-
tenay; he bought it of me not
month ago, You stole it; you are a
thief"
The little fellow Strengthened
himself up and his brown eyes
blazei. Il am no thief" he retort-
ed. "A little girl gave it to me, and
1 knew it was wrong to take it, but
my mother and sister are s.arv-
in ;"
"You don't look like a thief, bat
I will send for Mr.. Fontenay; that
will settle the matter at once"
He despatched a messenger ac-
.cordingly, and Ross sat down i'll a
corner and sobbed bitterly as he
heard the driving wind and thought
of his mother and poor little Flora.
In q half an hour Mr.. Fontenay
came, bringing his little daughter
Pansie with him. The little crea-
ture darted toward Ross like a
humming-bird, while her cheeks
we're all ablaze, and her eyes flashed
like lightning.
"He didn't steal my emeraljs!"
she cried out. Il gave them to him
to soil them and buy some bread for
his little sister,"
Ross sprang to his feet, struggling
hard to keep back his tears. He
put out his little brown hand, which
Pansie instantly clasped in her
chubby hands.
Il am not thief. sir" he said,
addressing Mr.. Fontenay;."I never
stole anything in my life. | know
it was wrong to take the necklace
'but-but-sir, IN! little sister is
starving"
The merchant drew his hand
across his eyes. '.r s,,.
You're n manly little fellow" he
said, patting the lads head, 'and
l do not in the least blame you; but
I will take Pansie's emeralds, and
she shall give you something more
available. Here. Pansie, give this
to your little friend"
He put gold piece in Pansie's
hand, which she rendered to Ross,
with the-in injunction that he should