Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-04-18

the last month sparrow had showed his
pretty spotted breast beneath the lilacs and
blackberry bushes by the fence; and Dick
was sure that he had heard real robin
piping away among the naked boughs OF the
apple-trees, down In the orchard but alas !
the very next morning the three boys had
looked out OF their window only TO find a
great, white clustering world Of snow, fill
ing the crocusc cups, aud sending the aston
ished sparrows off TO the very deepest part
part of the woods, where the pines and frs
held out their kind arms 10 them, as il they
were babies left out in the cold.
But to-day the sun was shining warm aud
bright; the west wind blew softly, and
whispered no end Of pleasant things TO the
crocuses and snow.drops, who nodded gaily
In return. From a post in the old fence
near the house, song-sparrow chanted his
little hymn over and over again. In short,
the ground smelled 30 sweet and fresh, the
birds sang so cheerily, and the sun sent
down its warm says 80 generously, that
when Thomas, Richard and Henry Gas their
grandfather always call them) flung open
the side door of the old gray house, after
breakfast, rushed out into the air and sun
light, and realized that to-day was q whole
holiday, there was nothing for it but throw
their caps up as high as possible, and shout
for several minutes. This done, they paused,
out OF breath, and held council as 10 plans
for the day.
"Tops /" said Tom.
"Ball &" said Dick.
"Marbles " said Harry.
Dick thoughtfully ratified a few "two.
sers " and alleys" between his closed
hands, and that delightful sound decided
the question. A ring was traced with a
slate-pencil In the soft brown earth beside
the driveway, and they were soon swapping
away in good earnest.
Now why it should be so never could
tell, but it certainly seems fact that three
boys cannot play marbles together for any
length of time without beginning to talk all
at once, in tones that are loud, earnest, and
generally rather cross. And it is astonish.
ing TO see how the least bit of crossness will
spread and spread, until it spoils all the
fun. Just as small pinch Of dust will
make whole bowl of clear water muddy
and unfit to drink.
"Hold on, Tom it's my turn"
"There, you put your knuckle an inch
too near the ring"
"Oh, that amt fair,-is it, Dick Just
see how he gained upl"
Eyes, twas too !"
"Twasn't "
h'Twas
".Well," (sulkily,) "have your own way
I'll put that agate back"
This quiets the storm for few minutes
Then Harry starts up. "Why, Tom Forbes
you know you stopped that marble with
your foot
"No, l didn't either. Go on with your
turn"
"No, won't, less you'll play fair"
"All right | don't want to play anyway
Cry-baby For Harry's lip was quivering
lie was the youngest of the three, and it
made lump iu his throat to see his big
brother stroll off toward the barn, with his
hands in his pockets, and his face drawn
into bard, ugly look.
tom, please come back IL didn't
mean-to be-cross
You hush up and 60 into the house.
Come, Dick, we'll have some fun in the
hsymow."
DICK, who was good-natured, easy
gong boy, hesltated moment; then, from
habit turned to the older OF the two, leav.
Ing Harry standing alone on the broad
drive, with only three small marbles, his
share OF the general treasure, to keep him
company. Poor Harry What had become
OF the beautiful holiday he had been look
ing forward to for 80 long? The tears
welled up into his eyes, and he tried in vain
to stop them with his grimy little knuckles,
which each bore brown patch of earth,
where he had conscientiously "knuckled
down in the game that had ended 80 sadly.
Tom " he sobbed again. But the two
big brothers sauntered away without look
ing. do not suppose they knew it, but
they had somehow got into the habit Of
having their own way, without much re-
gard to the wishes of the youngest. 1t
really seemed natural that he should do
everything they told him, and that his feel
ings should not be consulted at all. Besides,
he'd cry as quick as girl, and
Tom, please don't. I-didn't-mean-"
Suddenly the childish sob turned to a sharp
scream Of terror. atom, Tom, Dick, help
me Baxter's dog has got loose,-he's after
me Oh don't let him-don't let him I"
This time Tom turned; and this was
what he saw. His little brother stretching
out his arms for help, but seemingly unable
to stir from the spot where they had been
playing that miserable game the blue eyes
dilated with fright, the trembling lips, even
the poor little muddy tearmarks on the
white face; and not four rods away, rising
above the gate, the square, vicious head and
cruel eyes of the bulldog that was a terror
to all the children around, even when he
was chained.
"Tm coming, Hal /"
How Tom got there, he never knew. He
dimly saw the dogs ugly form come bound
ing heavily over the gate; he heard the
low, gutteral snarl in the animals throat as
he made straight toward the little figure
standing there alone, with the three
marbles at his feet. Tom saw the marbles,
and, in that instant fash of light which
sometimes comes at such moments, thought
what they would mean TO him all the rest
of his life if the dog should reach them
first
Run, Harry, run |" he shouted, as he
spraug up the path. Before he could say
more, the dog had reached him. But Tom
was there too, and gray jacket-sleeve met
two shining white teeth, as the three went
down, and rolled on the gravelly path to-
gether. Poor Dick screamed for assistance,
and circled around the struggling heap,
trying helplessly TO find some available
point for attack or aid. All the time the
beast kept up fierce, worrying snarl, and
worked his jaws viciously, upon what,
Dick could not tell. Presently Harry tore
himself away from the fight, and lay pant
ing on the ground. His hands were spotted
with red. :.
90, Harry, Harry are you hurt Was
he biting you 2" sobbed repentant Dick,
raising the little dirtstained form in his
arms.
Harry shook his head family, and pointed
t0 Tam xuhn 1xytp t.arfaot1xt attll