The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1881-09-15
when she left the place few minutes later
il WAS decided that Mrs. Graham and her
children were to make part Of the excur-

-
ion.
This is your destination, Mrs. Graham,
and that whistle is from the inward train
that is to carry me homeward. Mr.. Stoton
will care for you; he is Wonder under the
large tree. Await him here. And now,
good by till your return. So saying, and
making sure that the few remaining children
we're properly arranged in the little watt
ing-room, Mrs. Crown obtained ticket
and boarded the train upon her way city
ward.
With happy sense of responsibility Mrs
Graham SUI orintended the parcelin out If
the dozen children to the different appi-
cants who presented themselves, and in
few minutes she was left alone with her
two tired, wondering little ones. AT each
of lalf a dozen stations portion of the
car-load of city waits had been left for dis
tribution, and now the task was ended till
week later they should be gathered up
for tho return What happy. noisy ride
it had been! How the children had rushed
from side to side Of the car Set apart for
their use as each fresh object of interest
was described, as though fearful that so1ae-
thing might escape their eager notice.
And happlest among them all was lame
Willie, whose special care was Baby Nell,
he prattling, wondering rogue whose eyes
and tongue never rested.
GOOD evenin', maam!" CIRCULATED Mr..
st,ton for the half dozenth time, present
ing his sturdy frame sguarely before the
trio and waving his straw hat in the air.
$50 you're goin' long o me? Wal, I'm glad
you come with the little ones, ma'am. Yer
right welcome, and glad ter have ye come,
but it's jest the thing to have you along to
look arter the children. Ye see me and
Betsey never's he'd any of our own. and I'm
a leetle behindhand with my haydn, and
should. But you can see to EN-, and Bet
sey she'll see toit there amt nothin' We
want but what ye kin hev, for Betseys a
master hand for children. There you git
right in-I brought the old spring board,
cause it rides eastern the wagon. Let Bub
drive, cause the old mare is jest as gentle
as sheep; she'd go right home as well
without driver as with, and think lee
tie better. I'll walk along faint more'n
half mile, an superb be all ready, and
I'll bet the children'll be hungry"
Mr.. Stoton trudged off at the briskest
pace he could assume, Willie gath
cred up the lines with dignity quite new
in bis experience; the aold mare" dropped
her nose we'll toward her knees and moved
with not only the gentleness, but much the
appearance of an Over-grOwn sheep,-and
SO the little procession made it's way, up
hill and down, through forest and beside
field, till it paused before great brown
frame house, tree embowered, whose every
suggestion was of home and rest.
"Betsey" came down the path to meet
them, in heartiness of manner and sturdi-
ness of frame counterpart Of her husband,
and with woman's tenderness, combining
also feminine curiosity in regard to her
stranger guests.
Il am glad you have come, she said, in
tones so hearty as to leave no doubt of their
sincerity. Come right in; know you
must be tired. How pale and thin you
look! Is your health good? And this lit
tie boy is lame. Has he always been SO?
How sad to be boy and can't run and
jump and play ball like other boys! I am
sure I never could stand that if I was
boy!"
"But where live" said Willie, ':we have
no chance to play ball, and not much
chance to run and jump. Besides, I can
look after Nell and do chores for mother
just as we'll as though wasn't lame"
CLEAR, the dear little SOUL" exclaimed
Betsey to her husband. "Put the horse out
as soon as you can and come in to tea. I'll
get the children some milk, for they must
be tired aud hungry"
It seemed to Willie that he had never
Toasted so royalty, for hunger gave an add
ed relish to the choice repast that Mrs.
Stoton had, to tell the truth, done her best
in preparing; and when, later in tae even
ing, he was placed in the cosy cot prepared
for him in the large, airy room set apart
for Mrs. Graham's use, he drew his mother
very near to him and asked, earnestly
INA, is Mrs. Stoton's folks, the same as
Certainly, Willie. Why, what funny
question:"
Eyes; but you have told me aboutangels,
and didn't know never saw one." And
as he unused the tired boy dropped into q
sweet, dreamless slumber.
All, little Willie, you mistake! You have
seen an angel; clothed in flesh and blood,
to be sure, but none the less an angel OF
the Infinite Love to the unfortunate chill
dren of Carl.
| It was late when Willie awoke, and with
the memory of his previous days journey
| he sprang upright to see if his good fortune
| had continued through the night. Sure
enough, there was the great tree waving
near the window, the fields stretching away
beyond-and beside his cot Baby Nell was
calling his name softly. His mother was
| gazing tuOuSuC1ulIy JIOlu tu0 WILLOW, lie
lines of care softened upon her brow, while
tear of happiness trembled on her eyelid.
Mr.. Stoten was already in the bayfield,,
but blast from Bestey's strong lungs upon
the tin horn which had done duty so many
years announced the readiness Of the fam
lily for the morning meal, andhe was at the
house in few moments, great Newfound-
land dog trotting beside him.
Here's playmate for the little boy and
girl, he said, patting the intelligent ami
malls head as he brought him near to Will
lie. He's very fond Of children. though he
don't see much of 'em. I'll warrant he
won't let the little chaps get lonesome, if
other playthings give out"
| No, Bounce did not let the children get
lonesome, for whatever other objects might
interest them, he was the companion OF
their waking hours. No matter whether
they followed Mr.. Stoten to the fields and
watched with curious interest the hay MAX.
ers, skirted the rocks and fences in search
of the berries that grew everywhere, but
often above their reach, or on rainy days
frollcked in the great barns on the piles Of
new, fragrant hay, Bounce was ever Their
elf-appointed escort and champion, tum.
bling with them in merry gambols, waggins
and painting his enjoyment as earnestl.
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