St. Landry democrat., 1888-02-11

'sTo Johnny Shay, Esq, from St. Valentine"
1t was almost shutdown when they
came to the lonely vacant lots between
the scattered houses of the outskirts
and the side hill where Johnny's house
stood apart by itself By that time
much of their fine spirits had efer-
vesced, although they were painting
and ruddy with their brisk walk.
What dingy little den"' said
Paul. II should think he'd freeze to
death"
mo, he has fire; there's smoke
coming out of the chimney. I'd like a
peep inside. It's about as big as dog
kennel"
The light from the west shone in the
patched windows with a glow as if
there might be cozy comfort within.
But the show of warmth from west
ern sun is short-lived. It seemed to
fade out all at once. The path lead
ing to the door was but poorly beaten,
and Ned laughed as he detected marks
of Johnny's stick at either side in the
snow.
''You could tell it was a lame man
that made track like this" said Ned.
Paul had the envelope slipped just
inside the breast of his overcoat, and
so he lead the way. When almost up
to the door he saw little old woman
in white cap come to the window and
look out. Her hair was very gray, and
struggled out from her cap border
about her face. Her poor, shrunken
features were drawn in pitiful way,
and she wiped her eyes with her apron.
Paul saw she was crying His heart
sank. Every bit of the zest of their
joke was taken from it by the sight.
Ned, in the rear, saw nothing. and
Paul could not collect his thoughts
quick enough to turn and tell him he
thought it best to turn back and give
up their sport Somehow, since it
had been arranged just how they
were to deliver the letter, and with
just what gravity and ceremony. he
did not at the instant see his way
clear to any thing but to do it. So he
stepped upon the rude stone doorstep
and knocked.
Ned was on guard, to run if Johnny
should be more than commonly threat
ening. He was dumbfounded when
the door was opened by the little, pale
old woman, who tried, but was not able
to stop crying.
| Paul had his hand inside his coat
upon the envelope. but hesitated as tc
how he should proceed. He was toe
d generous at heart and too tender te
willfully wound any one, and how
could he hand out the painted bur
| lesque to that forlorn creaturep
| ..Is this Mr.. Shay's houseP' he STAN
meringly asked.
She nodded her head, with a corner
of her apron still to one eye.
SIS he's he at homer" said Paul
Not a word of answer, but only an
other nod.
IL Hope he ism sick, said Paul, Sc
touched at her distress that tears start
ed in his own eyes.
!, "He is said the old lady. John
ny's very sick. Come inside, youns
, gentlemen.
What could they do but enter tn
low doorway?
It was squalid place. There scenes
to be but one room, or, at most. only
pantry and one small bedroom of
The stove, in which there was only
little fire, stood nearly in the center
, and in one corner was a bed, from
which Johnny raised his wild, haggar'
!, face as they appeared.
my stick" he muttered, "Give m
, my stick! Quick-quick! Give it t
me, mother. ! can drive them away.
mo, no, Johnny" she comforted
1.-THE young gentlemen have only com
to ask how you are. They knew tina
you were sick, and wanted to see if 20
} were better
These words soothed him and h
| tried to smile.
'"They are not the ones that run afte
me, are they, motherP''
mo, no, Johnny; these are mic
D DOyS. Lie uOWu INV, ssHA u w 81
Sleep"
!, He laid his head back on the pillo'
: with weary groan.
3 She turned to Paul and Ned.
{ He's been so wild all day. / thin
it's his old hurt. couldn't leave hir
to get doctor, but he ought to hay
+ one right away, I'm sure" appeal
iingly.
D LET me run and get one for you,
4 said Paul. my father is doctor, an
! l know he'll COME
Ned had turned away from the clea
!, but shabby bed to look around tn
] room. The fire was low. and ther
3 was neither wood nor coal in sight.
e "And don't you need some wooe
+ Mrs. shayp" he asked. eager to be
service.
4 johnny tried to get me some read
d before he got 50 bad. But the pain cam
!. on, and he couldn't do any more
d There's some outside, but it isn't cut.
81 The boys drew apart, and whispere
to each other.
r,,, .cd oy,lit cns,,n ,xYonS