The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1882-11-04
An Ugly Bird.


Up in the mountains stood wooder
hut and there Jacques lived with his
father and mother.
A prettier spot Sou nefef spied. Never
was grass go green ns hereAbouts, and,
although the mountains rhowed theil
snow-clad heads above it, they seemed
like great, good-natured giants whose
task and Safe it was to keep the tiny cot
safe from hsrm.
Even when winter caAt, and the great
winds went roaring down tho valley,
those mountains looked much as usual.
nor changed when all else had altered
for the worse-when the snow lay thick
on the doorstep and on the little pad
dock where Ba-ba was wont to skip and
play in the sunshine.
The sunshine was gone now, but Ba-ba
scarce missed it; for he was taken in
doors while the cold lasted, and had a
corner of his own by the kitchen fire;
and there tho ungrateful brute would
actually butt at his own shadow as q
dangerous enemy, whereat jacques would
laugh and clap his hands.
Jacques father made toys during these
winter months, and with the coming of
spring would travel with them to differ
ent fairs, being often long time from
home on such occasions. Then jacques
and his mother used to keep each other
company, and merry was tho welcome
that awaitedsthe wanderer on his return.
"bo you know, wife," said the toy.
maker, one evening, II think 1--WE shall
have an early spring this year. The win.
ter is nearly over already"
Il am glad to hear it," said Jacqne,
mother, giving her spinning-wheel turn
as she spoke. II don't like The cold.
Nor l."
"ITe burn a doal of $sod, and Ba-bs
cats much more when no is here with us
Ird cd, never ssw an animal with sucl
an appetite"
"Ha, ha, haw laughed her husband
that is well. Bat we mustn't be grum
blers, though the goat should eat little
extra. Ba-ba's a friend"
"That he is. father, said Jacques will
animation. 1--WE should find it yer,
dull sometimes. wero it not for him.
Friends are not 10 be lightly parted
with, either" continued the toymaker
Remember that, my boy"
In the end the fathers prophecy proved
true. Olly week later the snow begal
to melt away. All day and ali night wa
heard the rush of the water flowing dow
into the valley, and by and by the sui
seemed TO burst out overhead with
mighty stride, and the winter was gone.
Now, tae toymnkcr had larger stoc
of toys than nslal this season, and pre-
posed 10 travel further from home O.
that account. A grand fair was about t
be hell in u village some miles of, an
there he hoped to dispose of the create
part of his goods.
"For my dolls are much liked by th
country folk" be remarked, with one c
his bluff laughs. mo mother for half
league round will buy of any other dea
er when l am by. Ha, har'
He trimmed with his pocket-ax at til
doll he was making, laughing merrily til
while.
Jacques was mp early next morning
and started for ramble. As he passe
through the kitchen from the room az
joining, Ba'ba roused himself and tro
ted to the door.
''No, said the boy, and shut him in.
At this the goat beloved plaintivel!
but Jacques WAS soon out Of hearing, M
walked briskly on in the pure air. Th
sun was rising when he reached Ii
wooden cross by the notary's garden.
Early as it was. Mr.. Vedal was stant
ing at his gate, smoking his meerschaun
He had book in one hand and his Il
bacco pouch in the other.
"Aha!" he cried, briskly, ''it's my Ii
tie friend. How is Jacques?"
Jacques bowed and blushed, an
blushed and bowed again, as he answere
that he was quite well, and hoped b
honor was the same.
Put ON your cap, child" said NJ
Vedal, kindly. 80 father has plenty {
toys ready for our villagers yonder. br
he?"
The notarys manner was one OF Il
cheeriest ever known. Jacques had
great respect for him.
In neighborly, unpretending wa
Mr.. Yedal had been very kind to the to,
maker and his family, and they had Il
frmer friend in the world.
Father expects to be busy this yea
sir" the boy explained. I'VE are sfrai
he will be away for some weeks"
"Ah" said MIR Yedal, all the merr
ment dying out of his face. "When vi
he starli"
81 can't tell, sir. Is there any me
sage from your honor that l can 81
him2"
Thank you, Jaequrs-no. 1 shall $
him before that. Good morning"
As Jacques dofed his cap and Ne