The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1886-12-22

ana INC munger again; tnaJ ii he wished
heseould become one Of this happy house
hqld, he was speechless from sheer be-
wlderment at the dazzling prospect, un-
til Sandy perhaps, fearing it all BODIED
no good to him, gave vent to prolonged
howl; whereupon, with a big gup, as if
to choke back the tears that filed his
eyes, Jim answered:
"Please, ma'am, don't think hard of
me, but I couldn't dot Yer see, he was
sich little 'un, when | saved him from
being throttled by Mike Flint, and his
leg was broke but he was that smart,
- he's stuck to me liver since. Sich
hiends as we've been, ma'am, | couldn't
go back on him now. He's all the friend
iver knew till see you, ma'am l hope
ye won't think me ungrateful, and if
ye'll give me job now and agin I'll only
be too thankful, and fur all ye've done,
1 cannot say it rightly, but feel it,
ma'am, do"
Here, with a slight catching of his
breath, Jim paused, and hugging Sandy,
who had crept into his arms, close to his
breast, he awaited his dismissal
Two motherly hands were laid loving
ly upon the boys shoulders, as in tones
that Slightly trembed Mrs. Christian
said:
"Did you think, sonny, we would be-
grudge the bit and sup to the poor beast ?
OF course he's to stay, too, and it will be
his own fault if he goes without, when
there's plenty for him. Isn't it so, Tom2"
And Mrs. Christian turned smilingly to
her husband, who, holding out an en-
couraging hand to Jim, answered:
II 70 10
can't go far wrong" And thus it was
Jim and Sandy became members of the
family.
Ten years had come and gone since
the Christmas day that Mrs. Christian
took Jim to her heart and heme. Up in
Harlem there is cosy little house. This
night the snow decks like bridal veil
each tree and shrub of the pretty garden
attached, which, were it summer, would
be gay with many delicate blossom.
Shall we peep in? The blind at the lit
tie window is drawn up. Such pretty,
home-like picture does it reveal this
New Years Eve. A sweet, kindly.
faced woman, whose silvery hair is par
TALLY hidden by a soft null cap, sits in
low rocker, busily knitting a zephyr-like
article with bright colored yarns.
The soft light of the student lamp
falls upon the bright, expressive face Of
youth of about seventeen years, who is
playing checkers with very pretty girl
me two years his junior. A cottage
stands invitingly opens, while be-
rate, where glows a glorious
mr., etched dog. Surely we
have Sc. n before, although his red
dish brow coat was not then thickly
streaked with gray Suddenly the dogs
one ear is cooked, and he rises and hob.
bles as fast as his stiff joints will allow
to the door, uttering feeble bark. A
ringing step sounds outside, then a latch
key turns in the lock, and second after
ward young man enters the room with:
"Well, Sandy, old fellow" and as he
stoops to pat the dog, the young girl,
with an impulsive cry, springs up, eX
claiming:
"Oh, jim, tell us all about it Pm
dying to know" Smiling, he gives
her delicate little ear pinch, as he an
swers:
"The mother first, Rosie" then, kneel-
ing beside the elderly lady, whose eyes
are bent fondly upon him, he continues,
with
sNIother, congratulate your son he is
now junior member of the firm, and on
the high road to fortune.
''Rosie, do you think we'll be allowed
to call him lin any longer: I'm sadly
afraid we shall have to take back seat, F"
and with lugubrious sigh, the boy sank
as if overcome into his chair.
Chow ridiculous you are, Eddie, Just
as if jim, dear old Jim, would be any
different if he were the firm ITSELF" re-
piled the young girl, half laughing.
The mothers trembling hands are laid
caressingly upon the broad shoulders of
the young man, as in a voice full of emo
ton she murmurs
"GOd bless and prosper and reward
you, my son, for all the loving care you
have given the children and me the
years since their father died, for never
can"
Mother look back and think of the
little waif you took to your heart and |
home. Can he ever repay all the moth
erly love you lavished upon him. Do |
you think it is nothing to him to have a
home, brother, sister and you, my
mother" a
A peal of bells is borne lightly toward |
them on the night air, and as they die
softly away, Jim cries cheerily:
ga Happy New Year to our home"
After the HOnPymOOn had Waned