St. Landry democrat., 1881-09-24

|
white face, when papa came back from
the pasture. Il feel SO guilty to think
| did not look after him better, but he
has never thought of going away before.
and it did not occur to me that he might
do So
Il do not think he went toward town.
for | have forbidden his doing that, and
he remembers very well; but am sur
prised that Jack did not go with him, :"
said papa, as Jack came shifting around,
evidently aware that something was
wrong, and anxious to offer his serv-
ices.
"Jack was away with the men at the
wood-lot, and only came back a few
minutes ago, but | shouldn't wonder if
he could help us find him. at which
Jack wagged a joyful assent, glad to
find himself thus appreciated.
''You, my dear, are too tired to 90
any farther said papa to poor NAM
ma. who was in fact trembling all over,
and putting her with a gentle but firm
hand on the sofa, he added, "but !
will take Jack, and we'll 90 down to
the pasture again, and he may be able
to get track of him. will take nv gun
along, and the moment we find him |
will lire it so you need not be kept IN
suspense as long"
Down to the pasture again. where the
sheep were quietly grazing, they went.
papa looking about with anxious eyes,
and Jack running ahead with nose close
to the ground, trying to get the trail.
Presently he gave a quick, sharp bark.
ran up to papa, then back again to
where Charlie little whip Iav on the
grass. 1t was near the tiny brook that
ran through the field, and. in the soft
soil, could be plainly seen the print of a
pair OF little feet. Jack, who had al
ready caught the trail, was bounding
ahead, and papa with quick step and
beating heart, followed. Along the
brook, over the fence, and on into the
wood they went for what must have
been long distance for such short lit
tie legs to have travelled; and, finally. in
a sheltered nook formed by the up
turned roots of a tree that had fallen
across the brook, they found the Little
Boy Blue fast asleep. The CAV sailor
suit was sadly Smeared with mud. as if
he had slipped down in it somewhere;
the brave little boots were stiff with it.
and his sailor-cap was missing alto
gether; but, held firmly in one dirty
little hand were the flowers he had
promised to bring for mamma; beau
tiful, but wilted lady slipper. ii curled
up and dropping fern, and gay bunch
of cardinal flowers. There seemed to
be a mist before papa's ewes as he
stopped down and took the tired little
sleeper in his arms, while Jack could
not refrain from kissing his hand in an
ecstacy of JOY. The blue eyes opened
wide, and, without manifesting any sur
prise at seeing his papa, Little Boy Blue
only murmured: II Sc SO tired; carry
me home, papa, please
Just let papa fire off his gun first
dearie, said papa, as he let the gun 90
off with a magnificent bang that was
sweeter than any music in the ears of
poor mamma listening for it soaHxious-
ly at home. Then he took the little
boy in his strong arms, and off they
marched toward home, Jack capering
ahead. quite beside himself for Joy.
Then mamma fell on Little Boy Blue,
and nearly smothered him with kisses,
and couldn't help smiling when he
looked up at her wonderingly and
asked, * Is you hurt. mamma? What
makes you cry9'
Mamma thought her little boy was
lost, and it made her feel bad. You
will not go off SO, again, will you,
dear9o
No, mamma, didn't mean to" he
answered with ready penitence, though
truth TO tell, | don't believe that he
had any idea he was doing wrong.
50 What made you 60 so far, darling??'
81 wanted to see where the brook
came from, an | went ever never so
far, and couldn't find the place at all;
but ] did find desc beautiful flowers for
you, mamma. See dis pity fern-you
mus press dat, mamma An then j
did get so tired, and I wanted you, and
tried to come back, but guess forgot
and went to sleep. l want my dinner
now-Pse hungry lots-lots. y
And that was why, when Uncle
Bates's family came, they found them
Ill sitting down with thankful hearts,
% cold dinner. - Mrs. N. K. Buck, IN
Chicago AdUa,sce.