Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1886-12-24


through it. They listened with delight
10 q description Of Fioia. the black
colt that would shake hands with Mr..
Allen. They were glad 10 hear Of the
swing in the woods beyond the daisy
strewn meadow. But when Daniel
spoke of the little woman at home who
was going to be a kind fond mother TO
them they burst into tears of JOY. The
description exceeded anything they
had ever imagined.
They had both spent most of their
previous lives behind the high walls
of the institution, and under the rigid
discipline of a master. They knew Of
no other life, expected no different
future. 1t was no wonder then that
the bright, pleasant home which loomed
up before them so suddenly was thought
To he dream.
Harry" said little BERTHE, 81 can't
believe that we are going to live in
such home. | think we must have
died. and that there is an angel taking
us to heaven. Don't you think so
Harry"
Mr. Allen laughed heartily at this
idea. He told BERTHE that he was most
there then, for the house yonder among
the trees was his home
Very soon they were drawn up before
the porch, where they found Keziah
;.,o.;aD.It ,,.aftfnrr thair n rrivol Shn
came out to meet them. kissed both
little boys, and half carried them into
the house.
After supper was over, Mrs. Allen
took BERTHE on her lap, drew IIarry's
chair close to her own and asked her
husband to tell her about his visit to
the city. NIr. Allen did so, not forget
ting tomention that he was taken for an
angel for once in his life, anyway.
The children's bedtime soon arrived,
and Mrs. Allen took them to coy
room above. She tucked them carefully
under the snowy covers. and gave
each goodnight kiss. When she went
below again she found Daniel nodding
over the fire.
"Now. Daniel Allen feel as though
had something to live for. | do think
Bertie is IA darling. don't like Harry
at all Them big black eyes look too
crafty for a child of his years"
THAT'S the reason ! brought two,
Keziah, so You and me could have one
apiece You can have BERTHE Under
my directions llarryl make a fine boy,
mind what | tell you. If you want
BERTHE the same I'd advise you not to
pet him too much returned her hus-
band.
The boys were up early and before
night there were not many inches of
tie farm that they had not travelled.
They found everything quite as nice as
Daniel had pictured it to be, and
passed the day out OF doors.
Harry soon noticed that BERTHE was
Mrs. Aliens favorite, and there arose
in his passionate heart strong dislike
for his brother. He did not attempt to
drive il out. He let il take root and
grow until his whole soul was filed
with bitter hatred Of innocent BERTHE.
They had not been at the farm year
before Harry commenced TO abuse the
child. He was very careful in his con-
duct before Mr.. and Mrs Allen, conse-
quentiy they both regarded him with
Crea; pride and affection Mrs Alien
often told Daniel that Harry would
make more OF amafk IN tine world than
BERTHE, who was Of an easy, gentle dis
position. They did not know that he
treated Bertic rs he did. The child had
such q fear of Harry that he dared not
complain Of his ill-treatment to any
one.
To add to his troubles, iiairy, who
was decidedly Mr.. Aliens fayorite. con-
triyed to shake the farmers confidence
in him by representing that he was not
always truthful and honest. Several
times he threw his own miSdemcanors
upon Berries shoulders, an the child
dared not tell the truth for fear Of the
punishment he knew his coWardly
enemy would inflct As a natural con-
sequence, Mr. Aliens treatment of the
poor little victim OF circumstances was
stern aAd hard, keziah being his only
friend. She never lost faith in her
pet.
Tor years this cruel course was con-
tiEued, then its desired object was ac-
compished.
BERTHE was Just fifteen when be made
up his mind That he would ran away
that he could not live in this atmos-
J here Of in Justice another day. 80 one
night he tied few things In u kerchief
and took a sowowful departure from
The only home he had ever known.
Not unpcrccived, as ne had supposed.
however. Every movement was viewed
10y larry with the u,mo,t satisfaction.
Mrs. Allen WCn.t.,,, H,ca. when
4. l.