The Mineral argus., 1884-12-25

Leaving the captain writing at Jim's
dictation we will return to Captain
Gains residence in New York. Mrs.
Gains broken ankle is nearly we'll, but
she is so pale and thin that you would
hardly know her. The great mansion
is silent and desolate, for its light went
out when Jim went down the front
steps into the busy streets of the city so
long ago. 1t is Christmas eve, and
papa and mamma are sitting in their
W room sad and heavy-hearted. ait
has almost broken my heart to see the
display of Christmas goods in the shops
the last few weeks, and when 1 came
home tonight and saw so many happy
people h%urrying along with their bun
dies" Poor papa He could say no
morel
Tears we're rolling down mammals
pale cheeks, and she said: "Ive almost
given up all hopes of ever seeing my
little Ruth again"
"Well, said papa, 1--WE k~epthoping,
and have never felt so inclined to des-
pair as tonight. I've employed the
best detective skill to be had; I've of
fered rewards enough to ensure her re-
turn if she had been stolen; I've done
everything I could think of or expert
ence suggest, but all seems in vain"
eff we could only know that she is
taken care of and is happy But / think
and think and think of so many dread
full things that may have happened to
her, that / am nearly driven Wild"
"Yes, dear, I know all about it.; it is
the same way with me, and yet, Ruthie,
we ought to trust our Fatherl"
II know, but oh, Harry, it is SO. longl
such a weary, weary time"
At that time the door-bell rang, with
a peculiar double ring that announced
the detective.
"That's Norton" said Capt. Cain,
Fastening from the room.
"Show him up here" said he to the
servant, who also knew the detectives
ring, and was hurrying to the door.
II have a letter for you," said Nor
ton, as he entered the room; "just
brought to the Office by a sailor, who
said they should have arrived a week
ago, but a storm off Hatteras delayed
them. He says the Sea Bird is due to-
morrow"
Capt. Cain took the letter and read it
aloud;
RIO J~ANEIRo, Oct 10-Dear Papa and Mann
ma: Did you think / was lost? Why, God took
care of me all the time. Kitty's here, too, and
such funny monkeys, and I've got a parrot,
only she can't talk English yet, and the sailors
are real good to me, but 1 like my captain best,
and the name of the ship is the Sea Bird, and
we're going home in a week.
From mammals RUTH and papa's JIM.
Capt. Brooks had added a few lines
to the letter, explaining the tanner 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 adj
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 thanksgivings!
"Do not be disappointed, said Nor
ton, as he babe Capt. and Mrs. Cain
goodnight; eff 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 off his
slippers and put on his boots, exchanged
his dressing-gown for his coat, and made
preparations for going out.
Where are you going?" asked his
wife.
cts 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 went 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 a 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 a crowd of poverty stricken
children gazing hungrily into a window
at the dainties temptingly displayed,
and took them all in and bought gener-
Gus supplies of cakes, candies and or
anges, something for every one, saying
to them: "These are from my little
jim"
1t is Christmas morning. The big
house is all alive to-day; the curtains
are all drawn aside, and the glad sun
shine streams in everywhere. Mamma,
with a happy smile on her face, goes all
over the house, up stairs and down
stairs, as lively as a girl. Nannette has