Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1881-12-06
readfnl to have no fire and nothing to

SA y" VAC uP VI one danny IOOt, nel
rosebud face grave and reflective; the,
asuddn thought flooded her 5lne eyel
with sunshine, and snatching something
from the table she darted down stairs.
The servant had just closed the street
door, but she fluttered past him like a
humming bird and opened it.
On the steps sat Ross, brave little tel.
low that he was, his face in his0end,
sobbing as fhis 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.
| "Oh, ] cannot 80 home without the
money" he sobbed 'poor mother work
ed hard, and Flora is sick and so hun
cry"
| "Here," she said, ndo take this, little
boy, and buy her lots of nice things.
IT'S 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, lustrous,
cleaning things, set in tawny, Indian
gold,
"No, no." he cried, running up to
| where she stood, 81 cannot take this
necklace. Take it back"
"You shall take it," she continued i'm
periously. II have lots of fine jewelry
and fine things. Run home now and
buy your sister something to eat
She closed the door with 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 him? He
thought of his mother and poor little
Flora watching wistfnlly for his return.
He conld not 90 back and see them
starve. With sudden feeling of des-
peratiOn he thrust the necklace in his
pocket and dashed down the street.
The gaslight shone brilliantly in fash
ionable jewelry establishment, and the |
bland proprietor looked down inquiring-
~ on little Ross as he approached the
glittering counter.
"Would you like to buy this, sir 2"
There was 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 shota sharp glance at the child
''See here he said presently, his voice
stern and commanding, II want to know
how you came by this ~
The boys clear eyes fell: he blushed
and stammered, evidently embarrassed.
The jeweler put aside the eIneralds, and
taking the lads arm, he led him to o
small ante-room.
"You are thief, sir,' he said. THAT
necklace belongs to Mr.. Fontenay; he
bought it OF me not month ago. You
stole it; you are thief"
The little fellow Strengthened himself
and his brown eyes biazed. ! 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 q thief, but |
will send for Mr.. Fontenay that will /;
settle the matter at once"
He despatched a messenger accord G
ngly, and Ross sat down in corner aud
sobbed bitterly as he heard the driving $
wind and thought OF his mother and
DOOR little Flora. In half an hour Mr.. l.
came, bringing bis little y
laughter Pansie with him. The little Y
,reature darted toward Ross like
while her cheeks were p
ii ablaze, and her eyes flashed like d
lightning. W
He didn't steal my emeraldsn' she e
ried out, II gave them to him to sell 81
hem and buy some bread for his little
ister.o b;
Ross sprang to his feet, struggling in
ard to,keep back his tears. He put out d,
is little brown hand, which Pansie in OF
.antiy clasped in her chubby hands.
II am not thief, SIR" he said, ad-
ressing Mr.. Fontenay; i never stole pl
nything i'll my life. j know it was Gu
rong to take the necklace but but de
r. my little sister is starving
The merchant drew his hand across an
iseyes, pt
"Yon're manly little fellow" he sa
id, patting the lads head, "and do