South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1882-02-17


asked. that he had not touched the
gumd-ops. At noon Farmer Pritoh-
ard came into the house, and ste
his dinner. After dinner be called
Tommy to him.
Tommy he asked, did you take
the gumdropsi'
No, didn't said Tommy.
Very WE'LL said the farmer 'my
horse is harnessed. Lucy pat the boys
cap on. l shall carry him back 10 the
poor-house, because he will not tell
me the truth
w ny, | don't want TO go back
said Tommy very soberly. But still
he denied taking the gumdrops.
Mr. Pritchard told bis wife TO Get
the boy ready. She cried as She
brought out his little warm coat < cap
and put them on him. But Tommy
aid not cry. lie comprehended that
an injustice was done to him, and he
knit his baby brow and held his little
lips tight. The horse was brought
round. Mr.. Pritchard came in for
the boy. | think he believed up 20
the last moment that Tommy would
confess; but the little fellow stood
steadfast.
He was lifted into the wagon. Such
little boy he looked, rs they drove
away. lie thought of the cold. for
lorn house TO which he was returning,
and shuddered. The helpless old wo-
men, and the icering boys, the nights
of terror--all these he thought of.
when, with pale face and blue lips he
was taken down from the wagon and
sent up TO the house. Farmer Prilch-
ard watched him as he went up the
steps, slow, forlorn little boy. lie
went in. The matron come out for
an explanation. 1t was given and the
farmer drove away.
The farmer laid n fresh stock oil
gumdrops on his bureau at night, and
thought grimly that these were safe.
lie retired early not knowing what
else to do; but his sleep was broken.
Mrs. Pritchard could not sleep at
ALL The tears stole through her eve.
lids long after the candle was put out
and the house was still. She was
thinking of the poor little boy, even
then, perhaps, covering IN his cold
bed with terror
Suddenly curious, small sound at
tracted her attention. 1t was repeat.
ed again and again, and now and
then there was tiny rustic Of paper
The sound came from the bureau. -
She listened iGtently, aud her heart
beat loud with excitement. She knew
the sound we'll.
Joseph : she whispered. Joseph =
'What, Lucy said her husband, in
a voice that sounded as if he, too, had
been lying awake.
DO YOU hear that noise, Joseph?
It's micer
Il know it. What of itP'
It's mice, Joseph, and they are af.
Ter your gumdrops.'
Good gracious, Lucy groanei
farmer Pritchard upon his pillow. ],
flashed upon him instantly. lie, and
not Tommy wac the sinner. The
noise stopped. The little depredators
were frightened. but soon began again.
And rare feast they made Of il.
1t seemed as if that night would
never end. The farmer heard every
hour the clock struck, and at five he
got up aud made fire in the kitchen
Ills wife arose at the same time and
began to get breakfast.
Il won't wait for breakfast said
he. You can have it hot and ready
when we get back. I'll harness Up
and start now, so as to get over there
by dawn
In few moments the wheels roll
ed noisl!y over the frozen ground ont
on the road, and away drove MIR.
Pritchard in the morning starlight.
Mrs. Pritchard brought out the top
and primer again. and made the kitch,
en- look its cheeriuicst. Then she got
breakfast. She baked potatoes. and
broiled a chicken, and made iritters.
She put the incest syrup on the table.
aud plate Cl Jelly taTt5. She laid
Tommy's plate and knife and fork in
their place. and set up his chair. The
sun had risen, and the bright beams
fell across the table. She went to the
door and looked up the road.
Yes, they were coming They
drove into tho yard they stopped at
tho door and the wondering, smiling
little Tommy was lifted down in Mrs.
Pritclard's eager arms. She held
him very eight.
'Ohl my lamb my blessing 2 she
murmUrod, womau like.
Lucy, come let's have breakfast
now, said the farmer, cheorfulIy.-
This little chaps hungry. Hes our
own i,ttIe boy now, Lucy Hes me-,
yer going away from us again.
I hal severe attacks OF gravel and
kidney trouble: waa unable 10 &c. any
medicine OF doctor % euro mo uatl r
uerH Hon Ilttfrr4 --E fI-. -,.--.1 go g.