The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1888-05-05

which he received. and indeed, they
were many. had no effect hatever IN
subduing it. HIS sisters declared that
he was born 10 be the family's "black
sheep" and there was no use in trying
10 make him anything else.
But in reality Tommie was n
martyr. He was peculiarly fashioned
by nature. and unfortunately for BIN.
in his home members there was
lack OF sympathy, and intuition of
childish character.
His mother was hard working,
practical woman. whose energies were
so devoted to The material things oil
her home, that she gave no thought
90 divining the nature OF this peculiar
child. Nor had she any faculty for
drawing out and encouraging the good
i'm his character, and snbduing the evil
by wise and loving discipline. The
tempers OF his twin, spinster sisters,
had become acrid under the burden OF
their thirty years. and SO strong was
their tyranny in the home. that they
were really the arbiters OF his actions,
and however disagreeable or unrea-
sonable were their wishes he was made
to submit implicitly TO them.
When the contents OF Jacks letter.
announcing his intended visit, was
impaired to the family, Tommie's Joy
was unbounde ed He commenced q
series OF boyish antics, accompanied
by the most extravagant exclama-
tons OF delight.
ooh, you need not be feeling so
glad" said his sister Camella, 'for
you're not to make your appearance
that day. II Jacks girl should see
you that would settle the question OF
her marrying into this family. You'd
be sure to disgrace us all"
eyes, indeed you would" joined his
sister Catharine. "Cammy is right.
You're lust to make yourself scarce
that day. have no doubt but Jacks
whole prospects would be ruined and
we all disGraced, II you should be al
lowed to be seen. Now you see what
you get by being such bad boy"
And so it was settled that on this.
happy occasion Tommle was TO beck
cluded from the circle, leaving his Sis
ters TO make whatever excuses
they pleased to Jack for his absence
1t was this disappointment that filled
Tommie's heart with gloom during
those days OF preparation.
ats dreadful mean to treat fel-
low So" said Tommie to himself as
he sat whiting at the end OF the
house, at the time when Jack was ex-
pected. 81 JUS hates Cam. and Cath.
/ JUS hate 'em. An won't pay 'em
back il / ever get 20 be a manY"
That instant the sound of
wheels were heard, and peermg eau
tiously around the corner OF the
house he saw a handsome carriage
stop, and Jack and the young lady
alight. He soon heard the pleasant
greetings going on in the house. and
his sisters gay talk and merry laugh
ter. Soon he heard Jack say:
"Where is Tommie?"
30, he's off some where, said Camilla
"You know Tommie is very bashful
about seeing strangers.
Every few minutes he could hear
some one come TO the window near
him. He knew it was one of his SIS
ters keeping watch TO see il he was
still in his hiding place. 1t was n Sc
Guided little nook at one end OF the
house, where an old rustic seat was
kept. 1t was a favorite spot with
Tommie. and his sisters. thinking he
would be more contented there than
elsewhere, had assigned it rs the place
for him to stay until his dinner was
eaten. After which he was to enjoy q
long half holiday at fishing.
IL was not long before the rattling
OF dishes told him that dinner was
i'm preparation. And such n dinner
tool And TO think that he must stay
there while the others enjoyed III This
was almost more than Tommie could
bear. He nursed his wrath and VOW
ed vengeance on every member OF his
family. Jacks girl included, when he
became man.
After n very long time, as it seemed
TO him, his mother came out and
brought his dinner on plate.
Now TommIe," she said, "when
you eat this you can 90 fishing with
Jimmie Blake. You'd better not
come in the house at oil. for you
know what fuss the girls will make il
you do"
81 don't want'er come in" said
Tommie. III hate every body too bad
to come in"
There now, Tommie." said his
mother. "that's just the reason that
nobody likes you is because you talk
so bad. Pm sure don't know what
bad end you'll come to-" So saying
she returned TO the house.
When dinner was completed. an old
neighbor. knowing that Jack was at
home, came IN TO consult him on
some legal questions. Mrs. Brown
and her daughters were engaged in
performing tho alter-dinner work in
! the kitchen.