Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1886-02-13

stream of other little drops, right
through the midst OF a beautiful
wood, ut the end Of the valley. Now
and then a Leaf ~ two, from near
tree, dropped down upon the quickly
moving stream, and we're hurried
along until stopped by some brier,
which dipped and cooled it's branches
in the clear water, The little drops
were gay and festive, for they MUIR
INJURED and sang their low melodies
day and night without ceasing.
Thus they passed along much
quicker than when travelling through
the ground and after long journey
they reached a greatriver, into which
the brook emptied its waters. The
mighty river carried them onward to
the sea. For days and weeks they
were flowing along now more quiet,
yet equallya light-hearted as when
they were yet in the brook. They
heard the shrill shrek of steamboat
whistles, and with a tremble they
chung to each other, thinking thus to
give mutual protection from danger.
1t was on a calm, summer morning
that they learned that the sea into
which the river erlptied would soon
be reached. Not lluch longer, and
they were discharged into the sea.
The waves dashed and fOamed, but
still our five little heroes chung to
each other and were, if possible, even
happier than before. They were now
quieter, and but slowly moved from
place to place. They saw huge ships
pillow the waters, and intently watch
ed the numerous sea inhabitants,
which seemed ever to be engaged in
some kind of frolics and sports. Thus
a long time passed-so long that the
little drops were growing tired of the
monotony.
Therefore they were well satisfied
when one day, lovely sunbeam
brought message from some aerial
power, telling them that they should
accompany the messenger to another
place of abode. They Immediately
prepared for the journey, and all five
were soon conveyed through the all
by the hand of the fair messenger
Upward they went, passing many
birds and other representatives of the
winged tribe. After IA long but fal
from wearisome journey, they arriv'
ed at their destination, which they
had heard people call cloud. Here
with millions upon millions of theil
kinsmen, they were rocked to ant
fro by the restless frolicSeme wind
They eagerly watched how the popu
lation of their little "island" wa
: steadily increased by the never firing
messengers, bringing still more o
, their kinsmen. One day (the island
l had grown to be very large) mes
5 sage was received that many, man.
1 little rain drops were needed below
e Accordingingly an innumerable mul
titude of these little "citizens," anon;
: which were our five little heroes
4 were sent forth. So many of its in
habitants had gone, that nothing bu
o a mere shadow of the islands" fol
$ mer self was left. The little drop
. passed quickly downward.
: After long journey they reache
what the people called the earth
o They fell at window by the side {
n a cozy little cottage. The windoN
e was open, and the sound Of man
n cheerful voices came to their ears.
e "Have we not been at this sam
place before?" exclaimed one, in
st tone of wonder and surprise.
q Memories of days long past cam
d up to their minds, and in chorr
d they exclaimed:
l. "Why, yes, this is the very sam
d place at which long, long ago we sa'
TT a little girl sitting beside her MANN
re and looking out upon u.s."
y "Oh, how / would like to see tt
y sweet face of that little girl again
m passionately spoke the smallest drol
IN and they all joined in the wish.
v Just then they spied beautifj
i'd young lady, dressed in weddir
il robes, and by her stood a mani
ut form. In front of the bridal coup
er stood the reverend pastor, and su
~ rounding were large number of re
~ atives and friends. Our heroes no
Oh knew it all; the object Of their wis
in was before them-nO more as the i
~ tie girl of long ago, but blushil
~ bride.
" The wedding ceremonies were owe
~ and the restless little drops set out ,
he -.