The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-04-28


all that lay before him. If I had been a
rich woman I should have seen my way
clear to the attempt, but spinster gov
erness-yet after all
Child" said, "what is your name?"
"Ben," he answered.
"Well, Ben," I said, "are they good
to you, these people you live with? Do
you like them? Are you happy, or would
you like to live differently?
"I'd like, said poor little Ben, "to have
straw hat and go to school with other
fellers. get whippings and I'm hun
CRY sometimes. amt anybody's folks,
and nobody cares for me. I don't live
anywhere regular"
"You'd like to go to school, eh?' l
asked.
"Yes, like fellers," replied Ben. II
went to school once to get in, but the
lady said to go away had dirty feet.
Jim said you could hook lots of things
in school if you was smart. He did, but
he had Shoes"
It seemed hopeless case. However,
even yet could not bring myself to
hand the boy over to the police. There
was way in which could help him if
he we're not really fond of his compan-
ions and older in crime than he seemed,
but to do so I must be very cautious.
The character of female Don Quixote
would not be good one for governess.
"Ben," said, II want to help you, to
keep you from going back to those peo-
pie, and to put you to school,
He looked at me wonderingly.
"If any one else in the house knows
that you are here, you will be given to
the police" said. "It will now soon
be day. You must let me lock You up in
this room until dark, and you must make
no noise. will give you plenty to eat.
Remember, it is for your good"
He nodded. The experience of his
life had taught him to understand the
necessity of concealment rs other chill
dren do not.
"Ill be num-" he said. Don't fear
for me; Ill be num-"
And from that time until dawn l sat
and looked at him without saying any
moro.
1t was easy enough to provide him
with food that day, but my conscience
was heavy. Glad enough was | when
night came, and in the darkness l SNUG
gled the little creature out of the house,
and holding his hand, went straight to
the house of my pastor, Mr.. Honeydew.
He received me in his study, and left
little Ben in the hallway, and not feeling
quite sure of the safety OF the hats and
coats upon the rack, whispered to tho
servant to watch him.
Once within the study, I told a truth
full story to Mr. Honeydew. HE is al
ready little thief" suppose, ] added !;
tl,.k L., g vV;11 cau1
him West to your farm-school, keeping
the secret of his antecedents? 1 will pay
for his outfit; his clothes, trunk, ETC.,
and for his journey also"
"That will be the duty of the society"
replied the reverend gentleman. Il will
report his case. If I am permitted to
send him, he shall go. Meanwhile
wait a moment" He rose and left the
room and soon returned Meanwhile, p"
he continued, my housekeeper will take
charge of him. He can stay here"
A month from that day little Ben Gray
was sent away to the Western farm
school. He wore butternut suit, and q
straw hat, and had small trunk full of
clothing. He was proud and happy, and
though he did not know the words of
gratitude, could see that he was thank
full. 1 gave HIM little lecture on good
behavior, and kissed his forehead as we
parted. No one had ever kissed him be-
fore, believe.
He started, looked at me, and his chin
quivered; but the brakemeu were crying,
"All aboard! the five other little boys
and their guardian who were his COM
panions grew impatient and so we
parted.
l was not insane enough to tell Of my
escapade; it might have lost me my
place; but soon heard from Mr.. Hon
eydew that my little waif had reached
his destination, behaved we'll, and was
happy. A year after he wrote me let
ter thanking me for my goodness. l fam
cied it was dictated to him, and thought
little Of it save that my effort to help
him was successful.
Years glided by-fifteen years. They
had not been happy ones for me. l lost
many friends. was lonely. My eyes
failed me, and could no longer teach
fine embroidery and flower painting,
which were my specialties. At last fell
ill. In paying doctors and nurses all
my little savings melted, and when had
recovered my health SO far as to look in
to my affairs, found myself an elderly
woman, without cent in the world, and
no prospect of q position.
The boarding-house keeper with whom
/ lived, though not cruel woman. felt