The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1885-05-30


terday, and I'm afraid he's been locked up
in the station for being drunk The young
ones have stood the want of fire and food
right well. except little Charlie, who had the
Group, and last night he breathed his very
last on this airth, the little darlint. and I've
no money to bury him."
"Never mind, my good woman" said l,
you and your little family shall be cared
for, so calm yourself. Remember that lit.
tie Charlie is an angel now, neatling in our
Savior's bosom, and his body will be prop
erly disposed of. I must first 20 and send
you food and fuel"
hurried away at once, but soon returned
with materials for glowing fire and good
supper in that deeolate home. l had the
remains of the dead boy taken to church
yard and buried, and ON some bright, clear
day you shall 60 with me, you and Bur, -
to see the tiny mound and headstone that
mark the spot where little Charlie lies.
When went back with a good Sister of
Charity to aid me in the work of arranging
for the burial, the forlorn mother and her
little flock fell on their knees to me in graf
itude. Their chilled frames had been
warmed and their hungry mouths fed, and
now they could look without dread at the
cold snow outside, although they felt bit
ter pang when they gazed at sweet little
Charlie and thought that this snow had ta-
ken him to his grave. Clear, white, cold
and merciless had it seemed to the good
mother, who often trudged througi, it in
search of her dissipated husband, Jim, who
was even now lying beneath it's chilling sur
face. Yes, little Ethel, found Charles
father the next day, and it was hard task
to tell this poor mamma of the death of her
Jim, who had fallen of the coal wagon he
drove daily, when the horses became fright
ened at a passing locomotive. Two wheels
of the wagon ran over him, and as he was
too drunk to rise he lay there in the snow
and died from cold ard exposure.
Poor Jim! He avould go into the rum
shops meaning to take only ca drop or
two," but always managed to get quite
drunk. He was taken to the morgue, and
the following day / went with the bereaved
wife and children to view the remains of
their unfortunate lost one. It was sad
and heartrending scene, for they had loved
the dead husband and father dearly despite
the suffering his evil habit had caused them.
After he was burled We all went hack to the
room and 1 sat down by the fire and talked
to my charges long and feelingly. In about
a week had found good situation for the
woman and charitable home for the b.
bies, as the mother called them, where they
remained during the day while she was at
work. When she returned at night she
could gather them about her and bless God
that " it was no worse with them."
"Oh, Uncle Early, did that pretty snow
make so much trouble and ,nak5 little
Charlie die?" interestedIy inquired Ethel,
who had been an entranced listener.
"Yes, my darling,''I replied, "with this
beautiful snow comes very cold weather,
and if little girls and boys have not enough
food, clothes and fre4to keep them warm,
they are liable to die of Group and fever,
jast as dear little Charlie did,
"Weli, then, Uncle, all little children do
not enjoy the snow as I do, do they?"
"No, indeed, my pet" said I, ;.'and it
shows to little Ethel and Graham how very
grateful they should be to good God who
has given them every blessing and only
those things that they cannot help but en-
joy; and hope you will both thank the kind
Lord tonight for his many blessings and
pray for all poor little children who may be
cold or starving"
"That was beautiful story, Mr.. Early"
chimed in Ethel's mother; and do trust
my little girl will remember to be always
kind and generous to poor children, fol-. We
know not " hat nardships they have to un-
dergo."
Graham thought it was q lovely story too,
but as the two children went of to bed with
nurse, Master Graham could not resist add
ing boyish moral as he bade Uncle Early
good night, and the last sounds Of their re-
treating footsteps chimed in with his rhyme,
which ran something like this:
Rosy dreams and slumbers light,
Sleep on your side and don't get tight.
Graham thought this awfully funny, and
Uncle Early laughed as heartily as if it was
the best joke he had ever heard.
A Clear Head ana Strong Heart.
If you muddle your brains with any Of the