The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-04-27

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asked.
Yes, like fellers," replied Ben. 81
went TO school once to get in, but the
lady said to go away, | had dirty feet.
jim said you could sneak lots of things
in school if you was smart He did,
but he had shoes"
1t seemed ahopeless case. However,
even yet could not bring myself to
hand the boy over to Mr.. Pemberton,
who assuredly would give him to the
police. There was way in which |
could help him if he were not really
fond of his companions, and older in
crime than he seemed, but to do so
must be very cautious. The character
of n female Don Quiyote would not be
good one for g6vcrncss.
Ben" said, IL want to help you,
to keep you from going back to those
people, and to put you.to school,"
He looked at me wonIeringly.
IF anyone else in the house knows
that you are here, you will be given to
the police" said. at 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 as other chill
dren do not.
I'm be num-" he said. Don't fear
me; III be num-"
| And from that time until dawn I sat
and looked at him without saying any
more.
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 |
struggled the little creature out Of the
house, and holding his hand, went
straight to the clergyman of the church
regularly attended. He was a good
man, devoted to his calling, and | knew
him to take great interest in the re.
demption of such waits as Ben, and
that he was secretary of an association
for such objects.
Mr.. Dale received me in his study,
and left little Ben in the hall, and not
feeling quite sure of the safety of the
hats and coats upon the stand, whis-
pered to the servant to watch him.
Once within the study, told truth
full story to Mr.. Dale. ale is already
little thief, suppose" | added; "but
he is very young. Will you help me to
save him? Will you send him to your
farm school, keeping the secret of his
autcccdents? l will pay you for his
outfit; his clothes, trunk. ETC., and for
his journey also"
That will be the duty of the soci-
ety." replied the reverend gentleman.
81 will report the case. If | am per-
mited to send him he shall go. Mean
whilc-wait moment" He arose
and left the room, and soon returned.
"Meanwhile," he continued, ''my
housekeepcr will take charge of him.
He can stay here"
A month from that day little Ben
Gray was sent away to the Jefferson
fam-school. He wore stout cloth
suit and cap, and had small trunk full
Of clothing He was proud and happy,
and though he did not know the words
of gratitude, l could see that he was
thankful. gave him q lecture on
good behavior, and kissed him as we
parted. No one had ever kissed him
before, | believe.
He started, looked at me, and his
chin quivered; but the guard was cry
ing, "Take your seats, please" the five
other little boys and their guardian,
who were his companions, grew impa-
tient, and so we parted.
| was not insane enough to tell of my
escapadc-it might have lost me my
place; but soon heard from Mr.. Dale
that my waif had reached his destina-
ton, behaved well, and was happy. A
year later he wrote me letter thank
inc Inc for my goodness. l fancied it
was dictated to him, and thought little
of it, save as proof that my efforts to
help him were successful.
Years glded by--fifteen years. They
had not been happy ones for me. Host
many friends. was lonely. Nv ewes
ialicd me, and could no longer teach
fine embroidery and flower painting,
which were my speciaties. At last
fell i'll. In paying doctors and nurses
all my small savings melted, and when
| had recovered my health so as to look
into my affairs, found myself an elder
~ woman, with only few pounds in
the world, and no prospect of a posi-
ton.
The lodging house keeper with whom
| lived, though not Il cruel woman, felt
anxious to be rid of one who soon might
be unable to pay her way, and my adj
vcrtscments brought no answers Peo-
pie wanted younger and more fashion
able governeSses.
was seeking place in shop, and
finding there also they desired only
pretty young girls, when, one day, re-
turning weary and footsore, was told
that gentleman wished to see me, and,
hoping for q new employer, hurried up
stairs to my room, Some one advanced
to meet me. A slender young man,
dark eyed and dark haired, who held
out his hand and said, "Miss Rivers, |
knew you at once. but l scarcely think
You can remember little Ben Gray"
Little Ben Gray! | was astonished
beyond expression. THIS was q gentle
man, if ever one spoke.
You were so good to me, so angel
ic," proceeded this gentleman. 81 did
not know how good you were then,