Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1881-12-10
to have no FIRE and nothing 70

self on the tip OF one dainty foot, her
rosebud face grave and reflective; then
q sudden thought flooded her blue eyes
with sunshine, and snatching something
from the table she darted down stairs.
The servant had just closed the street
door, but she tluttered past him like .
humming bird and opened it.
On the steps sat Ross, brave little fol-
low that he was, his face in his hand,
sobbing az II his heart would break.
whats the matter, little boy ques-
toned Pansie.
Ross looked up, half believing that it
was the face Of an angel looking down
upon him through the whirling snow.
ooh, ! cannot 60 home without the
money! he sobbed "poor mother work
cd hard, and Flora IS sick and 80 hun
cry"
"Here," she said, ''do take this, little
boy, and buy her lots Of nice things.
'ris worth good deal; papa bought it
for my birthday present, and do take it
and welcome"
She extended her dimpled hands, and
something like shower Of tears fell at
the boys feet. He caughtit up in amaze
ment--a necklace Of emeralds, lnstrous,
cleaning things, set in tawny, Indian
gold,
"No, no." lie cried, running up to
where she stood, II cannot take this
necklace. Take il back"
"You shall take it," she continued i'm
perionsly. II have lots Of fine jewelry
and fine things. Run home now and
buy your sister something to eat"
She closed the door with o bang, and
Ross stood irresolute in the stormy
gloom. Should he ring the bell and re-
turn the jewels to Pansie's father, or
should he do as she babe him7 He
thought of his mother and poor little
Flora watching wistfnlly for his return.
He could not 60 back and sec them
starve. With a sudden feeling 0f des-
peration he thrust the necklace in his
pocket and dashed down the street.
Thegaslightshone brilliantly in fash
ionable jewelry establishment, and the
bland proprietor looked down inquiring-
ly on little Ross as he approached the
glittering 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 lapidary took the gems,
examining them closely for moment,
and then shot a sharp glance at the child
"See here" he said presently, his voice
stern and commanding, II want to know
how you came by this 7"
The boys clear eyes fell: he blushed
and stammered, evidently embarrassed,
The jeweler put aside the emeralds, and
taking the lads arm, he led him to q
small ante-room.
"You are thief, sir" he said. THAT
necklace belongs to Mr.. Fontenay; be
bought it OF me not a month ago. You
stole it; you are thief"
The little fellow Strengthened himself
and his brown eyes blazed. l am no
thief" he retorted. A little girl gave it
to me, and knew it was wrong to take
it, but-my mother and sister are star
wing"
"You don't look like a thief, but
will send for Mr.. Fontenay; that will
settle the matter at once.n
He despatched messenger accord
ingly, and Ross sat down III u corner and
sobbed bitterly az he heard the driving
wind and thought Of his mother and
poor little Flora. In half an hour Mr..
Fontenay came, bringing bis little
daughter Pansie with him. The little
creature darted toward Ross like a
humming- bird, while her cheeks were
all ablaze, and her eyes flashed like
lightning.
He didn't steal my emeralds!' she
cried ont, ~ gave them to him to sell
them and buy some bread for his little
sister"
Ross sprang to his feet, struggling.
hard toikeep back his tears. He put out
his little brown hand, which Pansie in
stantly clasped in her chubby hands.
II am not thief, SIR" he said, ad-
dressing Mr.. Fontenay; j never stole
anything in my life. / know it was
wrong to take the necklace-but-bnt-
sir. my little sister is starving"
The merchant drew his hand across
hiseyes,
You're manly little fellow" he
said, patting the lads head, "and | do
not in the least blame Won; but | will