The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-05-02
THAT BOY.

huS08D0 vUGEe'S 2 S0mGOOoy 0uI ln the yard saving wood. Who do you s'pose it is"
 Farmer Granger turned himself in bed, listening a moment, and then, with sleepy sigh of one who realizes that the lime for dreaming is over and work hours are at hand, replied
 ~It's old Warner, likely. He's had lime to get over his tantrum. I'll see"
 The farmers toilet was not one that required hours to perfect, and before Mrs Granger had concluded that it was time for her to "be stirring" the brown trousers and blue frock of her husband could have been seen at the farther end of the kitchen, while two keen green-gray eyes peered through the half open blind.
 No red.nosed, or haggard-faced old man met his gaze, but pale-cheeked, bare-footed boy, whose low whistle kept time as he worked, while the heap of sticks at his feet gave evidence that his saw had made quick pace since sunrise "What are you about, my boy~ was the farmers salutation as he neared the wood-pile.
 "I thought, maybe, you'd give me some breakfast if sawed awhile" an. swered the lad, looking up as if to note how this proposition would be received. " Breakfast Of coursel We never turn folks away hungry. Where'd you come fromr'
 cover east" was the indefinite reply.
 "Where'd you sleep last night2"
 "Under the bushes, down the road piece" the boy answered.
 "Well, you're great one !! should not wonder now, if you'd run away ?" half interogated the farmer, with pleasant twinkle in his eye. "Do you mind tell ing your name r'
 Jap. sir"
 "Jap, heyp
 "Thats what they all call me-my real names Jasper"
 "Who are they-your father and motherr
 "I haven't any, sir"
 Brothers and sisters F'
 "Not one," was the curt reply.
 The farmer looked sharply at the boy from under his broad-brimmed hat, as the saw piled to and fro, and doubtless he would have pushed his inquiries still further had not the impatient lowing of Whitey and Doll reminded him that it was milking time.
 "Well, you don't look over and above strongish. You'd better let that wood alone till you get some victuals down"
 I'd rather keep on," was the only an- swer and the work proceeded with no further interruption till Ethel, the three years '-old pet of the family, came trot- ting around the corner oi the house, to announce in her baby fashion that "b'ek'ast" was ready.
 "Come right in, come right in. You've airned good meal of victuals :" and Farmer Granger led the way, with his
 The lad silently took the place assigned him at one end of the square table oPpo- site Ethel and her father, while Mrs. Granger and happy-faced old lady oc- cupied seats on either side.
 The first supply of boiled ham and baked potatoes had disappeared from the boys plate, and the second installment was vanishing bit by bit, when Mrs. Granger suddenly discovered that he had no butter.
 "No, ma am don't care for it-this bread is good enough without any," was the reply when the plate was passed.
 Mrs Granger received this compliment with pleased smile, and an extra large doughnut immediately found its way to accompany the butterless bread
 I'd like to work awhile longer to pay for that breakfast" remarked the boy, as he followed the farmer through the woodhouse. "I haven't tasted anything so good in long time," and the saw was taken up without permission.
 Well, if you're a mind to cut and pile up spell, you can stay and get your dinner. We always mean to have good victuals and plenty of 'em here"
 HNow, where are you bound for ?" questioned the farmer, as the lad picked up his bundle after dinner and seemed ready to take his departure.
 don't know, sir" he replied, dig ging his bare toes in the dirt. s'pose I'll stop anywhere can get work"
 "What's the matter with this place % with little twinkle of the gray eyes. That woods to cut, and it1l take three or four days, ct the least calculation. I'll agree to give you enough to eat and a comftable bed. Maybe by that time yoa1l want to run home again."
 The boys eyes flashed, but he set his lips firmly together and made no answer for minute; then he said:
 "You are very kizd, sir. l will stay if you will let me-"
 Solomon Granger, you're crazy" ex- claimed the nervous little woman, when her husband related the foregoing con- versation. 1.-The icea of having that boy in the house all night! shan't sleep a single wink. Likely as not he'll kill us all before morning, and make off with everything there is here"
 "Oh, no; guess he's all right" was the farmers rejoinder, while sweet voice came from over the knitting
 "l never saw boy with such face that had anything in him but good and honest blood. Depend upon it. Lowry, there ain't nothin' wrong about that boy"
 Two days passed. The lad kept faith fully at his work, saying little and re-