Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1883-11-21
ZINTHA'S FORTUNE.

ZINTHhS FORTUNE.
Whiz whiz whir whir puff puff
and the Through Pacific Express, on
its way to the Golden Gate, paused be-
fore the station at Fremont, Neb. The
engine drew n long breath, like boy
after a race. The passengers hurried
out to get some dinner at the refresh
ment room near by; the train dis
patcher, conductors and telegraph opcr-
ators joked each other merrily; aud
every one was smiling and happy, al
though the day was unusually warm for
June.
On one side of the track stood large
grain elevator, and many men were busy
loading some ears with barley destined
for the New York market. The elevator
platform, like that OF the station, was
crowded with people. A little apart
from the crowd stood girl of twelve,
with long braids of hair down her back
and "A sturdy baby boy in her arms. At
the open window of Pullman car u
young lady and two children sat watch
ing this girl. a strange, wistful look
in her eyes attracted them.
Come here, little girl" said the
young lady; "comc and get some candy
for your little BROTHER
''Ic is not my brother, and she bids
me never cross the track alone" said
the girl, and her large brown eyes grew
more wistful. The pretty children in
the car reached out and tried TO toss
some chocolates across to her; they all
fell, however, on the track near the
wheels of the Grain cars
''ls she your mothcr?' asked the
young lady.
No; my mother is dead, =" replied the
girl.
"Oh, Aunt Sue, do you hcar?" cried
the girl in the car. 'Shc hasn't any
mothcr-just like Hal and me. I'm so
sorry
Yes, Vesta, hear" said the young
lady; 1.-the poor child looks unhappy"
just then the conductor came in to
say that some Chinese were engaged in
cooking their dinner on the prairie
c,ose by, and to inquire if Miss Perkins,
with her little niece and nephew, would
like to visit them.
Miss Perkins was delighted, and at
once nodded TO the little girl that she
was coming out.
Can you tell me anything about that
childP' she asked, as the conductor
assisted the party across the track.
"Thc one with the babyp' said he.
"No; have noticed her here frequent
", sometimes when it storms hard, and
she is always holding that heavy boy"
''She looks like picture once saw
in Rome" said Miss Perkins, land
want tospeak to her. Shall we take her
with us To see the Chincsep'
Certainly, if you wish" And, step
ping up to her, the conductor took the
baby and lifted him down from the
platform, and then smiled us the girl
leaped lightly TO the ground.
Unjust you carry that big boyP" said
Miss Perkins to her, as she was about
to take up the baby again. You look
tired. He can walk, can he not"
Eyes, Miss, but he does not like to. "
Miss Perkins took the little fellows
fat hand in hers, saying: Now
baby will you walk like big man"
and the party soon joined Hal and Vcsta,
who were already watching the indus
trious foreigners, and calling to Aunt
Sue to "come quick" II was curious
gathered around fires built upon the
ground, with various quecr-looking
utensils lying about. Hal walked
around one man, trying in vain to count
his pockets, for every moment he
empticd a fresh one. Miss Perkins said
that the Utmost rccesses of his clothing
must be all pockets. Hal was anxious
to buy some chopsticks then and there,
but his auntie told him he would sec
them frequently, for the servants in his
fathers new home at Los Angeles were
all Cinnamon. The wearers of piotails
would not answer any questions save
with the words mo talkee." The
children soon became tired, and were
glad to return TO the car, taking the
strange girl with them.
"What is your name. dearp" asked
Mss Perkins, when the child was
seated by Vesta, with the baby between
them.
"Zintha Dicrkc," she replied.
''Do you live near hcre?'
"Out on the prairie yondcr."
"Who takes care of youpf
Nobody but myself"
"But YOU live with some onep''
"Yes, Miss, with Hans mother" ex-
planned Zntha. ~ mind him for my
board, my father is away, and / look
for him everyday"
where is your fathcrp" said Miss
Perkins.
81 can not tell, Miss" was the reply.
'Iic has gone TO work, and when he has
made plenty of money he will come and
take rae. If / could know where he
was should be so happy. If ask
Mrs. Hansen, she says: You will hear
in good time,; but the good time never
comes"
81 am very sorry, DEAR" said Miss
Perkins, "but j am sure your father will
come"
81 come always to the cars" con-
tinued the girl. II can not keep away.
He kissed me and said; BE brave, my
Lintha, and will come for YOU But
my eyes ache with looking, and he does
not come.
''Brave is grand word, little Zintha, A"
said Miss Perkins, as she kissed the sad
I H.