St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1881-12-17
WALTER BOYD'S NEW PLACE

The words were spoken quickly
and sharply, but not unkindly, by
little old gentleman, who had
run against a thinly-clad boy stand
ing shivering in front of a dry goods
store just closing for the day.
There was something in the gen.
tleman's tone that caused the boy to
look up wishfully.
'I-I have just been discharged,
sir" he answered. struggling with
a sob that kept rising in his throat.
by the people in there?"
"Yes, sir"
II hope it wasn't doing anything
bad, said the gentleman, with q
sharp look into the boys eyes.
"What an old brute am to hint
such thing" he added in q mutter,
detecting hurt look in the truthful,
honest eyes that met his own.
"They say they don't need me
any longer" said the boy, "and
that's the reason they send me
away"
"How much were they giving
your"
"Ten shilliugs week, sir"
"Humph!"
"It wasn't great deal, SIR" the
boy added, "but it helped mother. :"
"How old are your" inquired the
gentleman. Nearly eight. sir"
"Any father? You've Just said
you have mother"
"Father died year ago, sir, and
left me and mother and sissy
sissy's not quite three. and of course
can't help mother any yet"
"Ard what does your mother do?"
"She takes in sewing when she
can get it, ard the ten shill-
iDgs I got helped along; but now"
The little fellows voice broke
down, and he was turning to go
when the old gentleman stopped
him
Look here" he said abruptly;
| "I've notion of taking a boy my
self. How co you think, now, you'd
like to go with me?"
I'm willing to do whatever mother
says" was the answer.
"Well, let's 60 and see her"
The gentleman's quickness took
the boy by surprise; but they were
soon on their way toward the lat
ter's home
.sThat's my grandpa's house"
said the boy, as they passed state
/ ly mansion.
''And who is your grandpa, pray?"
"His name is John Warlow."
The boy would have been little
startled had he noticed the quick,
sharp glance the gentleman turned
upon him.
whats your own nameT" the
gentleman continued.
"Walter Boyd"
"Mr. Warlow's your mothers
father, suppose.
"Yes, sir"
"Do you ever 60 to see your
grandpa?"
The boy was silent and embar-
| rassed for a moment, and then
answered:
mo. sir"
Then observing that the ques-
toner eyed him curiously, Walter
| stammered confused explanation
to the effect that he had heard how
his grandpa had gotten very angry
with his mother for marrying his
father because he wasn't rich, and
had never seen or spoken to her
afterwards.
"Do you know what your grand
mas name was before she married
your grandpa?" the gentleman re-
sumed.
"Yes, sir; it was Edith Sanford,
I've been told, but she died long
ago."
The old gentleman gave another
quick look, but again Walter failed
to notice it. His eyes, just then,
were turned longingiy towards n
window containing q fine display
of holiday goods, it being Christmas
Eve.
"Let's go in" said the little old
gentleman, and the two entered the
shop.
The gentleman picked out cost
ly pocket-knife, with ever 80 many
queer contriyances in it, and u
handsome wax doll which he
bought and put in his pocket, ami
then hurried Walter away; the lat
ter would have gladly remained
longer to feast his eys on the brill.
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