Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-03-31
GaIes aIlb Skettbes.
nARvEr's BRAVE DEED.
BIZ SARA DEASE.

he was little bit OF chap. only II
years old. and so pinched and stunted.
and weakened that you would have thought
he could not he more than eight. His eyes
were large and brown and wisfful, like
those Of an intelligent dog. and it was the
pathetic language Of these same brown
eyes that aroused the compassion Of an,
elderly. well-to-do farmer, one morning.
Mr.. Adams. Nhe farmer.) stood on
corner waiting for car, and above all the
din and hustle Of the crowd that hurried
past. be heard shrill. boyish voice call
ing:
''Star Herald, Sun Dreadful murder
in the 9th ward, full account of the TRACE
dy. Star. Hera.dr'
Hello, S'arvey, sold any. vet p broke
in second voice.
Mr.. Adams turned sharply around. and
decided that the first voice belonged to as
miserable specimen Of rags and bones
IS it had ever been his bad fortune to see.
and he waited rather anxiously for the
answer, which soon followed in patient,
accomplishing tone.
Mot vet, but the old woman down yon
der gave me an apple from her stall. so
I'm not so very hungry"
Poor little chap" said the second
voice with real sympathy; .'times is hard
on ye, that's a fact. Try that old fellow
on the corner; country, guess. Mebbe
he'll take one"
Acting upon this advice. No. approach
ed and spoke up hopefully:
Star! Herald, Sun! Take one, sir ?"
Eyes. let's have Herald, 3" said the old
gentleman. diving into his pocket for
change. What is yonr name. my boy p'
Harvey, sir, but the boys and the folks
in our alley most generally calls me Star
vey.'
"Starvey yes. yes,'' said the old gen.
Neman, with another rapid survey Of the
rags and bones. "Why doesn't your
mother mend your clothes. and how does
It happen that you are so thin? Have
you been i'll"
"Sick, sir? Oh, no, ! rather guess it's
because don't git enough to eat. and
mother. she's deadi" This last in hope
less tone, with brush Of his ragged
sleeve across the brown eyes. "She died
last winter. and there's no one to look
after me now. Tbanky. sir" as he re-
eeived the change which the old gentle
man had this time been holding in his
hand.
Here! don't gor' said that worthy
individual. as the bundle of rags turned
to leave. '.How would you like to go
home with mee live where there is al
ways enough to eat. and You could take
care Of the horses. and weed. and help
round generally. Come. what do yon
say P''
"Horses.' said the mite. eagerly,
"Oh! loves horses. sir. We used to
live in the country when | was little
chap, and father he owned a horse.
used to ride him too! Go into the
country Golly. guess SOL
"Well, well. give your papers to that
boy, then, he has sold most of his. That's
right. Come along now, can't take such
looking object home with me. Why.
Maria wouldn't let US in ~
The mite was fitted with a decent suit
Of clothes. and finally arrived at the place
where there was plenty to eat; rs happy
as a king. and ready to worship the kind
old gentleman who had rescued him from
his miserable street life.
He was called Harvey. now. and soon
ceased to deserve his old appellation. He
did willingly whatever was given him to
do, but his chief delight was the sleek
span of bays. kitty" and Jess" who
occupied comfortable quarters in the large
barn. lie watered, and fed and groomnd
them untringly. and when. sitting beside
his master in the new spring wagon. he
was allowed to hold the reins. his cup of
bliss was full.
But one day trouble appeared in the
shape OF rough looking fellow who ap-
piled to Mr.. Adams for work. 1t was in
the busy season, and he was engaged
without much attention to references.
For time all went well. but Mr..
Adams soon discovered that his new
hand had trick of beating the horses.
kicking the cows. and otherwise maltreat-
ing the animals about the place. and being
humane man he dismissed him with
lecture upon the wickedness and cruelty
Of his counduct.
Then the farmland became abusive,
and swore with many oaths. that he would
have revenge. Mrs. Adams was alarmed.
and begged her husband to have the man
arrested, but he only laughed at her
fears. saying: "such talk never amounted
to anything"
One lovely afternoon in autumn, Har-
vey had half holiday. and he wandered
along through the woods. drinking in the
beauty around him. the gorgeous tints of
the trees, the purple and gold of the
WOOu uuWeTs NJ MS tttt, anu tne urealnV
blue Of the sky that showed in patches
overhead.
Suddenly sound Of voices broke the
stiffness. and Harvey. peering through
some bushes. saw the man who had
worked for MIR. Adams. and another man.
still more rough and evil-looking. loung-
ing upon the ground with their guns be-
side them. They had built fire. at which
they were cooking some rabbits. and as
Harvey looked. dog bounded through
the underground and crouched down be-
side it.
The men were discussing plan which
made Harvey's heart beat so violently as
he listened, that he shiveredwith dread
lest they should hear it and discover his
retreat.
They had decided to burn Mr. Adams
barn, in which was stored all the fruits of
his long summers work. aud the ex-farm
hand added:
''Sincc he sets such store by his horses
and cows. ii will he a mercy to send them
where they will never be abused any
more. There's .Brindle' and Daisy and
Rose, besides the horses. that ought to
keep the family in roasted meat for some