The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1882-09-08

cheek as she asked, . Do you think II
could get here?''
mo, think not; the wind is decidedly
westward, and the people of Liberty will
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 ut 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
falling crops.
just then low call was heard for Lou
. Yes, ma'am,n answered the little
girl, running To the foot of the stairs
. VIII thee bring mother nice glass OF
cold water?'
= will, mother,n rang out Ruth 5
CHEEKY voice. . m coming up anyway
Ruth went out to the well with her tin
water pail, that her mother might have
draught fresh aud sparkling. As she
lowered the bucket, peering down iriteo
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 5
spring. = Wen have to be very careful
of it, she thought, or it viii give out. J"
Ruth returned to the house with her
cool refreshment, and taking one Of the
best goblets from the pantry, gave an
extra polish with fresh towel, and filed
il with the water, ..because il would taste
SO much better out of that
:. thank thee, deary How good it
looks.n said the invalid, drinking eager
Fly. = Thee takes a deal of trouble for
| thy mother"
-And why shouldn't I? Thee is the
best. of mothers, responded the girl,
tcuderiy nugging her
Ruth now began To busy herself about
the room. She wheeled out bio arm
chair by the window, padded It out
with pillows into comfortable proper
tons. placed in front Of it little
stuffed cricket, and threw large soft
shawl over the whole arrangement. She
Ethen gathered up al 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 word was spoken, not a word OF
the doctors decision, not word of the
life long suffering in store
'.Now. mother said Ruth at last,
pausing in front of her. 1--WE II have thee
up in a twinkling;' and with one strong
motion she quickly lifted the slender
form, so light in It's best days, and so re-
duced by pain and suffering now. into
the chair.
When she had settled Ssr comfortably
and arranged the blinds 50 as to make
pleasant shade in therOom, she brought
the mate to the little stuffed cricket, and
sat at her mother : side.
What is it, daughter? troubles
thee?
80, a great many things, mother, -
answered Ruth, laying her head on the
sympathetic breast.
''Well, suppose thee tell mother the
greatest trouble, and then the second,
until thy mind is unburdened?' 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
ovsr that. Almost a year has gone by.
and another will soon pass; and think
what calm, peaceful time | may have
with so busy a little housekeeper to do
everything
..Ahl but that is just the trouble,
mother said Ruth. earnestly. rs she
lifted her tear-stained face. Il feel so
good-for-nothing when have only the
same homely little duties every day. |
do so long for a chance to be great and
good
my daughter Mrs Bavener,l
took both trembling hands in her own
docs thee know that the only way 10 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 comes to
doa great work, it win find thee ready
Ruth said nothing, but the deep,
strong look in the gray eyes expressed a
firm resolve.
Presently there was clatter of stout
boots heard on the stairs
Harry is coming" said the mother
with a smile.
In burst the noisy urchin, all aglow
blazing and breath SO nearly spent that
he could hardly speak.
don't You smell the smoke?" he
gasped. s'Sonething's up, Father
and crowd of men-have gone Of
into the woods-to see what's the mat
ter. There's danger, l tell YOU Come
on. Scott; let's sit on the big post and
watch
"Thee'd better 90 down and see about
it, said Mrs. Leonard to Ruth, as the
two sat staring blankly into each others
faces.
II will, mother" assented Ruth. re
covering her wonted energy, as She ran
down the stairs.
A strong wind greeted her upon open
ing the outer door, blowing into her face
a sickening smell of burned wood. The
whole sky seemed overcast and thick,
heavy haze was settling down upon
fields aud buildings as far as the eye
could reach.
Harry Harry she called, excitedly,
where's father?p f
leone to the woods, told you. o
there he comeslr and Hal peered into
the gloom rs he looked in the direction
of the woods.
Ruth saw dark moving object COM
ing toward them She waited for no
second look, but sped away like the wind
into the nearest field.
20, father, what's happened?' she
cried, breathlessly, running up to him
and catching his arm as she turned TO
keep pace with his long strides toward
the house. &
We're going to burn out he an
swered, with set teeth, land there's no
time to lose Get your mother ready to
move, while harness the horses. We
must reach the lake within an hour,
Or
How can we?' uttered Ruth, aghast.
ssTen milesr'
1T must be done. Quick, daughterr'
The girl needed no further bidding,
but ran homeward, calling to Hal as she
passed. and charging him to keep near
the house with Scott:
Ruth made straight for the store-room.
and filling her arms with a pile of
blankets, she carried them to the door
and threw them on the ground, ready to
spread in the wagon. She then fastened
to her mothers room. and found her
pale and composed. trying to quiet Lou,
who was sobbing Historically.
Mother, we're gone. Not thing