The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1884-12-19
them. He says the Sea Bid q duo to
morrow"
Capt. Cain took the letter and read il
aloud;

morrow
Capt. Cain took the letter and read il
aloud;
RIO JANE1Ro, Oct 10-Dear Papa and Nam.
ma: Did you think WAS lost? Why, God took
care Of me all the time Kitty's here, too, and
such funny monkeys, and Tvegot aparrot,
only she can't talk English yet and the sailors
and the name Of the ship is the Sea Bird, and
we're going home ina week.
From mammals RUTH and papa's JIM
Capt. Brooks had added q few lines
to the letter, explaining the manner in
which the little girl had come on board
the ship, and saying that the voyage
had been good for her, that she was
brown and hearty, and the bravest lit
tie sailor he had ever seen.
Jim couldn't give her fathers ad-
dress, but she knew the street, and
he would send the letter to the chief Of
police, who would no doubt know where
to deliver 1t. All, how quickly those
sad hearts were changed into joyful
ones, and those words Of despair-.into
glad thanksgivingsl
EDO not DO disappointed, /" said Nor.
ton. rs he babe Capt. aud Mrs. Cain
goodnight; '.if the ship does not ar.
rive tomorrow. She may be detained
by winds, the same as this ship was, on
which your letter came, but I'll keep
watch and telephone you If she does
come"
When he had gone papa took of his
slippers and put on his boots, exchanged
his dressing gown for his coat, and made
S,ranarAkiona for n,osnrp mt
where are you going2" asked his
wife,
It's Christmas eve. you know, my
dear, and Jim mustn't think that Santa
Claus has forgotten her. Well hang
up her stocking, and if the biggest doll
and the handsomest picture books that
can be found won't go into it candy and
knick-knacks will. and the rest can be
piled upon the floor" and kissing her
fondly, he vent out into the street, the
happiest man in New York. Every poor
child he met had reason to remember
the Handsome gentleman" as they
called him. He had five dollar bill
changed into small coin, and this he
placed in his overcoat pockets, where it
Was handy; and he gave literally to-
every poor child he saw: At one place
he saw crowd Of poverty-stricken
Shildren gazing hungrily into window
ct the dainties temptingly displayed,
and took them ell in and bought gener.
ous supplies Of cakes, candies and or
anges, something for every one, saying
to them: ''These are from my little
Jim"
II is Christmas morning. The big
house 10 ell alive to-day; The curtains
are all drawn aside, and the glad sun
shine streams in everywhere. Mamma,
with happy smile on her face, goes all
over the house, up stairs and down
stairs. IS lively as girl. Nannette has
opened Jim's pretty little room and put
it all in fresh order. Christmas greens
are all over the house, and every one is
happy and busy, for Jim is coming
home. Capt. Cain has not left his own
room (where the telephone is located)
since breakfast. At about II O'clock
comes lively ring, followed by Hello!
j. that you, Capt. Cain?"
eyes, is il you, Morton?"
"Yes, the Sea Bird is ct the pier!"
Before the captain took one step away.
from the telephone he fell on his knees
and earnestly thanked God for the safe
arrival Of the ship. Ashe 1859 he called