The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1886-10-09

1 i
have done to-day"
Colin gave low whistle, and
took one Of the sabots in his hand.
What, Paul have you turned
cobbler? Are you tired of your
former work?"
| Paul flushed slightly, and shook
his head.
No; but wanted to give poor
Ninettc something-she has so lit
tie pleasure and thought these
would be most useful" he said
gravely.
Colin laughed. and after a short
chat with his companion. carelessly
bade adieu, and went off.
On his way home, he passed be-
fore Ninctte's door.
The child sat in her accustomed
place, and except for an added
WEAKNESS in her attitude, one would
have thought she had but just be-
gun her work, so swiftly did her
hands move amongst the delicate
threads.
Colin stopped to speak; but
the girl, anxious to finish her task
before the sun left the sky and light
faded. answered his merry ques-
tions almost brusqucly.
Noting this, Colin grew offended
and short but sharp quarrel en-
sued.
Ninette would gladly have soft
ened his anger; Colin, however,
was obstinate and cross, walking
off at length with his heart full of
ill-will towards the poor girl.
Tears stood in her eyes as she
watched him 60 he had reproached
her for caring more for Paul than
for him, welcoming the former
always, whilst she barely troubled
herself to respond civilly to Collins
kind greetings.
Ninette knew this was not true,
though Pauls gentleness pleased
her more than Collins rough good
nature. Both boys were nice, true
hearted lads, but Colin had a vein
of spite in his disposition, absent
in Paul's.
Perhaps it was this which made
him feel so embittered against
Ninette and his friend.
The sabots were finished, and a
thrill of pride stirred Paul's breast
as he gazed at them.
Early next morning, before
Ninette had wakened from her
peaceful dreams, Paul fastened to
the cottage and palced his offering
near the door, where the girl would
see it as she stepped out
Smiling to himself as he pictured
her amazement and delight, Paul
slipped quietly away.
Not unnoticed, however another
youthful form glided down the
path he had trod and paused beside
the pretty sabots.
l Will spoil some of her pleas
ure-teach her to treat me different
ly to Paul." Colin whispered, and,
taking one of the wooden shoes
in his hand, he dashed it with such !
force against the wall that it snap
ped in two.
Chuckling delightedly, Colin
stole noiselessly away, soon disap-
pearing amongst group of thick
trees.
Presently, fresh and bright after
a sound sleep, Ninette appeared at
her door, pausing one moment to
drink in the pure morning air.
AS she did SO her eyes fell upon
the sabots at her feet, one so frail
and pretty, the other broken.
Her cry of joyful surprise was
followed by one of grief, and tears
welled into her blue eyes.
What a shame! Something
has fallen and crushed that pretty
shoe. / wonder if they were for
me?" she said aloud.
A harsh laugh answered her
words, and Colin stood before her.
spiteful triumph written on his face.
at took Paul a whole day to
carve those for you, but it only took
me an instant to spoil them?" he ex-
claimed exultingly. IL expect
next time we meet you will know
better than to behave so surilly."
Scarcely had he spoken, needless
Of Ninette's tears, than moving
nearer in his excitement, he stumb-
ed over the broken pieces lying on
he ground.
Small though they were, they
caused him to lose his balance and
all heavily to the ground, striking
his head violently against the stone
porch.
For many weary months Colin
ay i'll, and during that time he had
eisure to think over his silly con-
luct, and the spite which had
,urned against himself.
Ninette rad her sabots after all.
or Paul, hearing the truth, soon
carved another even prettier pair.
md delivered them safely in her
,wn hands, but the odd shoe. which
lad been his first attempt, was