The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-10-24


 had stolee hers, and how Tom was ec hide half his dinner in his cap. Then, as some summouing bell rang they parted-Tom, bright and brisk with his new ambition poor little lane, hmp with fear end renerse, but determined to follow Tom whatever his fortunes migk, be.
 At ten that night Jane, with a tear swollen face, a little bundle of cahl 0 trock and red flannel petticoat under her arm, and "the child" clasped to her heart, m"t Tom at the big tree outside the poorhouse fence. There was nothing 10 steal ID the establishment so, as no one ever wanted to go in, it was not very hard to get out.
 Besides "the child and the frock, lane had her bread in a bit of newSpaGer, aud Tom had made quite a bundle of possessions. He had his little bag of corn and beans, a fire-shovel. a shirt, his old shoes and a long stick with hook at the end. once the handle of an umbrella. On this he slung all their i>int property, except the doll, and addressed lane as tollo~s:
 Remember now, you are my wife, and must do exactly IS say-,ha,'s the law {; and must be s~,d to you and do all the hardest work; but you must cook and mend for me, and l think you'd better begin to sil me husband right away"
 Yes sobbed Jane. OA, isn't il dark -
 "No," said Tom; besides. if it is, all the better. We'll get into the woods be- fore they catch us. We shall be out of town by daylight"
 Then they walked on--poor lane sum. bling often, but Tom held her hand and did not let her fall. At length the last little white house was passed then came the church with its tall splre, and then long paling fences about bits of eadowland They were in the country. but not yet in the woods, and both children were grow ing very sleepy and very tired-so very tired that Ii 1ally there WAS nothing for it but to sit down on the grass under a hay. stack, with Toms head on lanes knee, and go fast asleep
 Sunrise awakened them. They ate their bread and butter, started on again. and in few hours the woods were all around them.
 We're safe at last" cried Tom. No body can ever find us here. I'll build house and plant my corn away. Do you know how long it takes corn 10 grow And beans ["
 No ventused Jane, douh,ins!,- " not long, guess
 guess no,,' echoed Tom; "but 1 wish We had some more bread and but ter"
 By and by the two explorers came to nice little spot in tic woods close to a pretty brook. 1t was very damp. but there was clearing which II was easy to plant. Tom dug it ovet with his ire. shovel, and put Tn his beans and corn Tn straight rows. Ehen, with an old knife that was his greatest treasure, he cut un. derorush and low branches enough to make queer kind of leafy hut big enough for both to creep into.
 We can eat out doors. We sha!! only want home at nights and wheM IL rains, said Tom.
 But Jane felt doubtful Her little flesh was black and blue already, and vt the grass was long in the hayheld; here i, was spare and dry Besides she wanted Ter warm milk and water and her sllce of bread and butter. Tom found some huekleberries near by, but they did dot help the empty s;oinachs much, and even al sunset the corn had not begun to grow, neither cid the be 4ns show their heads above the earth. Suddenly an aw- iul thought struck lne.
 When it grows, rom," she cried, " we haven't any saucepan to cook it in"
 More we hh hven't," said Tom. Then hope dawned upon him I've could 1 roast the corn," said he, and be. there's an apple tree somewhere"
 They wandered about looking for the | tree, or more berries of some sort. The tree did not appear, but at last they found | some berries-Iust one or two at time and the poor children had nothing else | to eat. Hungry Tom could have de- | voured his own shoes. Meek Jane, be- fore she lay down on the hard yet damp | ground, asked just one q lesuon
 Do you think the b.ans will grow to- night, Tom !"'
 " l told ysu to say 'husband," said Tom then added graciously, Yes, ma suppose they will"
 Then ane put the child" close to her ,heek, and slept the sleep of he weary.
 Good Farmer Morton and hls plump WIG, Cohinb nome"afd rom Visit to her marrled daughter about dark next lay, let the old mare walk as slowly as 'he pleased through the wood path They lad had tea and were in no hurry. Sud 1enly, amidst the soboing of the lttle brook the old lady heard louder sob. ping still.
 Peter" she said, "there is child :rying.'
 'lisn't nothing but the water" said he old man, who ; hearing was less sharp han his wife's
 l.s child" persisted the old lady VOW ] think see one si,ung ~n the ence. Stop the mare, Peter. Who IS here?"
 Me, ma'am-!ane, said little voice. heard carriage and thought i: nigat be doctor. 0, please, hes so ick kNL4 ,e ~l<