The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1886-12-15
fur tbs CHILDREN.
What Arthur Did.

NnaJ ArUnur Dlus
In the far West November brought
the first cold winds that blew around the
little one-roomed box house, the home
of the Myers family, who had taken up
a claim, and owned little else save the
unimproved land.
The father was dead, and the burden
of keeping up the farm fell upon twelve
year-old Arthur. He was stout and
brave of heart, and kind neighbors
helped him; yet he got along slowly.
Many comforts were lacking in that lit
tie home.
" Our coal is gone" sighed the
mother, as she tried to fry potatoes and
very scant supply of bacon one cold
morning over a not very bright fire.
&C | must 90 to the Nation and dig
some, them" said Arthur, decidedly.
The Nation " was the coal fields
belonging to the Cherokee reservation
in Indian Territory.
" You, Arthur" exclaimed his
mother. Why, coal-digging is hard
work, even for man; and we have
only one pony, and you know Snip is
apt to take resting-spells."
/" know, mother; but the only way
to get coal for you and the children is
to go and dig it."
So, soon after breakfast, Arthur har-
messed Snip to the cart, and, with pick
and shovel, was off to the coal banks.
twelve miles away, where coal was
cheap and abundant.
1t was noon when he arrived at the
coal banks; and, after eating the lunch
his mother had prepared for him, he
commenced his work.
All about him were stalwart men
who were busy digging out the black
diamonds, and the Cherokee Indian
owner of the banks was constantly di-
recting newcomers to place to dig.
All the afternoon Arthur toiled,
though his arms ached and he could
scarcely manage the huge black blocks
of coal; yet he was working for mother,
and the thought gave him fresh cour-
age.
Late into the night he worked until,
overcome by WEAKNESS, he accepted
the cup of coffee friendly digger Of
fered him, and then lay down in his
cart to sleep as best he could, for the
wolves that abound in the dense forest
of the " Nation" were bowling.
The wolves are not pleasant COM
pany; yet they cannot harm you, my
lad" said the Cherokee, who thought
Arthur might be timid. 50 It's only the
calves and pigs that the varmints attack,
unless they are very hungry"
Before sunset quite pile of coal lay
beside his cart After paying the forty
cents for one load he shoveled his cart
full, harnessed old Snip and started
for home.
The wind blew steadily, as if storm
was brewing. Snip started off at {
brisk trot, as if he meant to ego along )
all right
{" l do hope Snip will not take a rest
ing-spell. Mother'll be uneasy if I'm
out late" said Arthur to himself.
Right here sleep Overcame the weary
boy, and he loosed his hold upon the
lines and Snip was free to go as he
pleased
The pony knew the way; and, though
it was pitch dark, he trotted carefully
over the rough way, gently stepping
over the ruts, not spilling one small
lump of coal.
Some time in the night they reached
the rude stable of stone, rooted will
poles and matched with dried prairi,
grass.
Snip walked in, for he knew he wa
at home. A gentle rain had begun t.
fall; but Arthur slept on, unmindful o
the wetting he was getting.
The anxious mother went often t,
the front door to watch for Arthur, an,
all night kept the supper warm for he
boy. But the wind and patter of tn
rain kept her from hearing the nois
of the wheels.
At the first break of day she hear
the whinny" of Snip, and went t.
the stable to find her boy fast aslee
and soaked by the rain.
Snip and Arthur were both cared foi
and Arthur fortunately was not sick al
ter his toll and exposure. He is nov
one year older, and has gained a littl
more strength to work for mother an
the babies. -Erchanqe