Cheyenne transporter. [volume] (Darlington, Indian Terr.) 1879-1886, 1885-04-30
MATTE VAN WYCK'S STORY.

The fire burned low in the little
homo of the Van Wyck's; nothing was
heard but the ticking of the clock and
the purring of the old gray cat. The
night was frosty without, the tall pine
trees cast their long shadows across
the snow; everything seemed tranquil
to Matte Van Wyck rs she looked out
of The window, then going back to the
stove stirred the scanty fire.
The Van Wycks were very well-tO-
do few years back, Mr.. Van Wyck
having had quite a property left him;
but being an easy-going man and not
having the ability to make money, his
property gradually slipped through
his hands; and after selling his farm
ard paying his debts, left him but
little. He decided to go West, and
finally drfted up into n Northern
town, buying little home which took
nearly all he had He had worked
hard in the pneries and kept his family
supplied from day to day; but from
severe exposure, contracted hard
cold and died, leaving his wife and
four children to the mcrcies of north
ern winter.
The Oldest child, Matte, was
bright, energetic little girl of 15. She
was attending school, but would have
to give it up for while at least, and
stay at home to help her mother. who
by taking in sewing had kept the wolf
from the door ever since her fathers
death. Matte had sat up later than
usual to do her sums, and now, with
her chin resting on her hands, sat
looking intently into the fire, won
dering what she could do to help
along. The problem was hard one
for slender girl, and she gave it up
for the night, and, locking up the
house, took her light and trotted oft
to bed.
The next day was Sunday. After
the frugal breakfast, the dishes were
washed and the house put to rights.
Mrs. Van Wyck got the children ready
Tor Sunday-school, combed their hair,
made them look as neatly as possible,
all except Johnnie, who was a sturdy
little fellow with black eyes and red
cheeks. He had played hard and
stubbcd out his boots, so he would
have to stay ut home for while till
Providence or Santa Clause sent him
some new ones. He made up quite a
lip, and big tear rolled down his
check as he looked out of the window
after his sisters; but "hc must to dry
his eyes and be good little boy,"
his mother said ''fOr some day he
would be man, and take care of
them ALL"
Johnnie caught the idea at once,
climbed down from the window and
buisied himself helping his mother
by bringing in wood, and in various
ways; and was very happy. The day
passed quietly and plea sanity; the
children came home each with a fresh
new book
In the evening, as they were seated
around the table reading, Matte broke
the silence by saying:
Mother, wish l could write sto-
ry. When we were at the library
to-day heard Lusie Foster telling
Gertie Manning that she had an aunt
in Boston who wrote stories and made
lots of money. Now if could only
do something like that how nice it
would be-"
"You might try, Matte" her mo-
ther replied; 1--WE never know what
we can do till we've tried"
"lf l only knew what TO write
about"
write about your home, brother
and sisters" Mrs. Van Wick suggest.
cd.
Matte was quite imbued with the
idea, and went and got paper and pen.
Gil. II she could only make some
money, all herself, buy some new boots
for Johnnie, some mittens for Amy; and
Christmas would soon be here, and
how nice it would be to surprise then
all.