The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1881-10-21

'fSt{t.''6. 4&@t .'@t"~t t@*.: - ""'
ever, day. And here StelIa's face
clouded.l I'VE could never hit upon
ANYTHING that she had not heard
Here was a dilemma. for we were
both anxious that Angie should have
something new. Stella sat thoughtful
for a moment. Then she said. eagerly:
"Couldn't on write her q story, Mr..
KellerP Something entirely out ofyour
own hcad?"
The idea of my writing q story seemed
50 very absurd that | couldn't help
laughing. but Stella persisted.
"YOu could write about something
that happened 10 you when you were 4
boy. Things did happen TO you. didn't
they? Oh! q real. true story would be
just splendidt7
Aud 80 oil at once / found myself
transformed into an author. Remem-
bering sundry amusing ~cscapadcs Of
my youthful days. | decided TO put
them To paper. making Of them four
thrilling tales, to each Of which ! gave
an appropriate name. These l submit
ted to Stella's approval, which she gra-
ciously gave. She also christened the
book for me. It was to appear under
this imposing title: "Iruc Tales Of q
Postman's Boyhood."
Well. the leaves were cut and the
stories written. Then came Stella ;
work Of pricking them in. This was no
small undertaking. and the difficulty
was increased by the frequent visits Of
the blind girl herself. who seemed 70
"count each day lost Of which she did
not spend some portion with her poor
little friend.
.And | wouldn't for the world take
IL u when she Is here" said Stella.
despairinsly. She will see every
thing, If she is blind
But the evenings remained AMI Stella
was diligent. Two days before the
birthday the stories were ready. The
little girl closed her eyes and passed
her hand complacently over her work.
ssIf fingers can see ANYTHING, I'm
sure they can see this" said she; and l
thought So. too.
Out Of q pretty ~pasteboard box we
made the covers. into Of which |
prickcd the title with q shoemaker >
awl. When our work was finished.
there was nothing about the book
which Angles fingers could not see,
but the different colors Of the leaves
and covers and the bright little bows Of
ribbon which tied them together.
"And now cried Stella. LETS do
it up; but first you must write her name
upon the wrapper, and I'll prick that
In, too"
So the wrapper was carefully directed
to Miss Angie Trowbridgc." Then /
wrote in a corner these words: "A
birthday gift from her friend. Stella"
When all this was pricked in the pack
age was ready.
Another whole night before to-
morrow exclaimed Stella Dear
me, 1 can't wait
And I was scarcely less impatient.
Of course. it will seem very foolish to
any sensible person. but ! must confess
that | slept very little that night; but
morning came II last. As l turned into
Beverly street | saw Angie At her gate,
and l gave an extra emphasis TO the
"click'' Of my stout boof-hcels. which
she had learned to know 50 well.
She came At once TO meet me. Amy
letter for me to-day"
~ believe not" said /, trying TO
speak calmly, but here Is q mysterious
package which. has come into my hands.
II Is as funny As that letter you once
showed me. See If you can make Il
out"
She took il eagerly (the unravelipg OF
mysteries seemed always q keen pleas
ure to her) and passed her fingers over
the wrapper. / watched her earnest,
changing face. At first simply curious,
then eager. then delighted.
..Something from Stellar she cried.
"A birthday gift. Isn't she goodP OH
Mr.. Keller, could you stop just . mo-
ment. 10 unite il for meP"
i cut the string. With hands almost
trembling with eagerness, she removed
the wrapper. Her fingers saw the book,
saw the leaves; scanned them rs pe0-
PILES eyes are wont TO do before read
ing; then they read for her the title
upon that cover.
New stories for me. Stories that
even mamma doesn't know. l can read
10 her now. Cant 1? Oh! 4 thank
Stella 50 much! l al never tell her
half And tho enthusiastic little
maiden put the book % her lips and
kissed II.
Her childish gratitude 50 touched me
that | could not speak for q moment.
Before 1 could recover my voice the
busy fingers had read the rest Of the
title.
"sTrue Stories Of 4 Postman's Boy
hood Oh! 4 hope you wrote them,
Mi. Keller"
pleaded guilty.
"And they are really, truly trueP"
REALLY. truly true"
She drew . long breath. IS II the
prospect OF the coming enjoyment were
too much for her. Then she took my
hand and squeezed il tight.
N. cant think what make you al 50
good 70 me- she said. simply.