The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1882-09-07

probably take all possible measures for
checking its progress
Mr.. Leonard sighed, as he spoke, and
he seemed to be looking straight through
Ruth rather than at her. Perhaps he
was wondering how the four BARNS and
the sick wife were to be fed and cared
for all winter if no rain came to save his
failing crops.
Just then O low call was heard for Lou.
Eyes, ma'am," answered the little
girl, running to the foot of the stairs.
Will thee bring mother a nice glass of
cold waterp"
al will, mother" rang out Ruth's
CHEEKY voice; Pm coming up anyway"
Ruth went olit to the well with her tin
water pail, that her mother n.ighth have a
draught fresh and sparkling. As she
lowered the bucket, peering down into
the messy depths. she noticed how low
the water was-lower than she had ever
seen it, for their well was never known
to fail, and in these times of drought the
neighbors from far and near drew their
daily supply from Farmer Leonard's
spring. "We'H have to be very careful
of it," she thought, "or it will give out"
Ruth returned to the house with her
cool refreshment, and taking n of the
best goblets from the pantry, gave an
extra polish with a fresh towel, and filed
it with the water, ''because it would taste
so much better out of that"
81 thank thee, deary. How good it
looks!' said the invalid, drinking eager
ly. Thee takes a deal of trouble for
thy mother"
Sand why shouldn't I? Thee is the
best of mothers" responded the girl,
tenderly hugging her.
Ruth now began to busy herself about
the room. She wheeled out a big arm
chair by the window, padded it out
with pillows into comfortable propor-
tons, placed in front of it a little
stuffed cricket, and threw a large soft
shawl overthe whole arrangements. She
then gathered up all the stray dishes,
placed everything in order and carefully
busted the room.
A pair of loving eyes watched these
operations, following every motion; but
not a word was spoken, not a word OF
the doctors decision, not a word of the
lifelong suffering in store.
s.Now, mother" said Ruth at last,
pausing in front of her. 'swe'n have thee
up in a twinkling;': and with one strong
motion she quickly lifted the slender
form, SO light in its best days, and SO re-
duced by pain and suffering now. into
| the chair.
When she had settled her comfortably
and arranged the blinds so as to make
a pleasant shade in the room, she brought
the mate to the little stuffed cricket, and
sat at her mether's side. :
what is it, daughter?-what troubles
theeP
80, a great many things, mother"
answered Ruth, laying her head on the
sympathetic breast. :
swell, suppose thee-tell mother the
greatest trouble, and then the second,
until thy mind is unburdenedP" and the
soft hands gently smoothed the brown
hair.
'.Well, the first is about thee;" and
the tears would come in spite of her.
"Why, my dear child, do not grieve
over that. Almost a year has gone by,
and another will soon pass; and think
what a calm, peaceful time 1 may have
with so busy a little housekeeper to dc
everything.
"Ah! but that is Just the trouble,
mother" said Ruth, earnestly, as she
lifted her t~ear-stained face. II feel SO
goodfor-nothing when 1 have only the
same homely little duties every day.
do so long for a chance to be great and
good"
my daughter'-and Mrs. Leonard
took both trembling hands in her own
"does thee know that the only way to be
good and great is to do faithfully the
work that is nearest thy hand? Let thy
whole heart be drawn into each homely
duty, and when an opportunity contest to
do a great work, it viii find thee ready
Ruth said nothing, but the deep,
strong look in the gray eyes expressed q
firm resolve.
Presently there wa a clatter of stout
boots heard on the stairs.
s'Harry is coming" said the mother
with a smile.
In burst the noisy urchin, all aglov
with excitement, his hair flying, eye.
blazing and breath so nearly spent tina
he could hardly speak.
s'Don't you smell the smoker" h,
gasped. Something's up! Father
and a crowd of men-have gone off
into the woods-to see what's the mat
ter. There's danger, 1 tell you. Com,
on, Scott; let's sit on the big post ant
watch"
"Thee'd better 90 down and see abou
it,n said Mrs. Leonard to Ruth, as tn
two sat staring blankly into each other
faces.
81 viii, mother" assented Ruth, re
covering her wonted energy, as she raj
down the stairs.
A strong wind greeted her upon open
ing the outer door, blowing into her fac
a sickening smell of burned wood. Th'
whole sky seemed overcast and a thick
heavy haze was settling down upol
fields and buildings as far a. the ey
could reach.
Harry Harry" she called, excitedly
where's father?"
ssGone to the woods, 1 told you. {
there he comesr' and Hal peered int
the gloom as he looked in the direction
of the woods.
Ruth saw a dark moving object com
ing toward them. She. waited for n,
second look, but sped away like the win,
into the nearest field.
80, father, what's ~happened?n sh
cried, breathlessly, running up to hin
and catching his arm as she turned t.
keep pace with his long strides TOWARD
the house.
"We're going to burn out" he an
swered, with set teeth, 'sand there's n
time to lose. Get your mother ready t
move, while I harness the horses, w
must. reach the lake within an hour
Or" sa -. -
How can we?" uttered Ruth, aghasi
''Ten milesr!' =
ut must be done. Quick, daughter!!'
The girl needed no further bidding
but ran homeward, calling to Hal as sh
passed, and charging him toikeep nea
the house with Scott.
Ruth made straightfor t the store-room
and filling her arms with a pile c
blankets, she carried them to the doc
and threw them on the ground, ready t
spread in the wagon. She her hastene'
to her mothers room, and found he
pale and composed, trying to quiet Lou
who was sobbing Historically.
Mother, we're gone. Not a thin
can be saved. Fathers getting tn
wagon ready to drive us to the lake;
and Ruth began to dress her mother
elipnino on q 1ooca yuro,opar onI ooro,