The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-11-17

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the glittering counter.
"Would you like to buy this, sir ?"
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 o moment,
and then shot sharp, swift 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 emeral,is and
taking the lads arm, he led him to
small ante-room.
"You are thief, sir" he said. "That
necklace belongs to Mr.. Fortenay-he
bought it from me not a month ago.
You stole it; you thief"
The little fellow Strengthened himself,
and his brown eyes blazed. Il am no
thief" he retorted. GA little girl gave
it to me, aud I knew it was wrong to
take it. but my mother and sister are
starving.
"You don't look like thief" he said;
will settle the matter at once"
He despatched messenger accord
ingly. and Ross sat down in corner and
sobbed bitterly as he heard the driving
wind and thought of his poor mother
and little Flora. In half an hour Mr.,
Fontenay came, bringing with him his
little daughter, Pansie. The little crea.
ture darte1 toward Ross like humming
bird. while her cheeks were all ablaze.
and her eyes flashed like lightning.
"He didn't steal my emeraids!" she
cried out. 81 gave them to him to sell
them and buy some bread for his little
sister"
Ross sprang to his feet, struggling
hard to keep back his tears. He put
out his little brown hand, which Pansie
instantly clasped in her chubby hands.
II am not thief, SIR he said, ad-
dressing Mr. Fontenay; II never stole
anything in my life; 1 know it was
wrong to take the necklace-but--but-
sir. my little sister is starving"
The merchant drew his hands across
his eyes.
you're manly little fellow he
said, pat.ing the lads head. "and l do
not in the least blame you, but l will
take Pansie's emeralds, and she shall
give you something more available.
Here, Pansie, give this to your little
friend"
He put a gold piece into Pansie's
hand, which she rendered to Ross, with
the Injunction that he should run straight
home and buy lots of goodies for his
poor little sister. This command he was
not slow to obey.
81 think we shall not lose sight Of the
little fellow" continued Mr. Fontenay,
as Ross disappeared in the stormy dark
ness. "Shall we pet? Let US see what
we can do to help him. He is very
promising Young lad, and al honest one,
am quite sure. Mr.. Lenox you are in
need Of an errand boy; why not try him!
I wish you would"
The jeweler consented, to Pansle S
great delight, and on the following day
Ross was duly installed as errand boy In
the fashionable establishment.
Fifteen years after, one clustering
March morning, young nan sat behind
the counter of thriving jewelry estab-
lishment in one of the northern cities.
He was a handsome man, traveller, q
man of taste. intellect and money, for he
was q Junior partner in the firm, which
was a prosperous one. But, despite his
good fortune, Ross Dunbar was not
happy. His mother and little Flora had
gone to their long home, and he was
utterly alone in the world, without kith
or kin.
Sitting alone one morning, with the
roar of the March winds in his ears, his
thoughts were running back to the days
of his boyhood. to his mothers humble
home. How vivid the past seemed, and
how dear and sacred, despite its priva-
tions and sorrows. His eyes grew dim
and his heart swelled. All were gone
oyer the wide waters of time and change.
A tender smile softened his sad face as
he recalled the stormy night when he sat
sobbing on Mr.. Fontenays mansion.
And little Pansie; the remembrance OF
her sweet face, as he saw it through the
snow wreaths haunted Linn constantly.
In all the fifteen years never for one
hour had he forgotten her. But she was
gone-lost to him forever.
His reverie was broken by the entrance
of customer. lady closely clothed and
yelled. Size approached the counter with
q Jewel case III her hand.
"Would you buy these?' she asked
simply, in clear, sweet voice, that
stirred the young mans heart, Us no
other woman's voice had power to do.
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