St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1888-02-04
HUGH'S PROMISE.
How q Great Sacrifice Brought q
Great Reward.

HOW q Great SACRIFICE Brought q
Great Reward.
Mother. can I have that old cage
up garrett asked Hugh Elliott. enter
ing the Kitchen where his mother was
at work. . small. covered basket in
his hand.
''Yes; it is of no use to me. But
hope you are not going to cage wild
bird. Hugh. 1t will be sure to die"
'.But this is wild canary. mother.
a regular beauty. and ] had such hard
work to catch it! I want to keep it
until the fair next week. and then try
TO sell it."
Il fear it will die Of neglect long be-
fore next week, my son. You remem-
ber the fate of your rabbits?'
Hugh's cheeks flushed hotlv. The
memory Of those rabbits was very pain
full to him.
THAT was more than q year ago,
mother. ! am old enough now. hope.
to know how to take care of things.
l promise you this bird shan't want
for anything, and I may get q good
price for him during fair week"
''Very we'll; you can take the cage.
and will give you one more trial"
Hugh ran OF to the garret at once.
and five minutes later the canary,
looking very unhappy. was hopping
about in . gilt cage which had lately
been the home of . tame predecessor.
Hugh took it out and hung it in the
Toulouse. provided it with seed and
water. and then ran off to help his
father in the farm yard. He was nail
ing loose board ON the cattle shed
when he heard the rattle Of wheels on
the road. and. looking up. saw his un-
Gle, William Nelson, who lived IN the
thriving town ef. Scaford. twenty miles
away. stopping his horses 1T. the front
gate. Hugh was very fond of his un.
Gle. and ran At once to open the gate
for him.
YOU'RE just the person I wanted to
see, Hugh" said Mr.. Nelson. as he
drove in. and Hugh sprang into the
hack of the wagon to = seat beside
him. Il had to 60 to Barclay on bust
ness yesterday. and the boys told me
must come this road ON my way home,
and carry you of to spend Halls birth.
day. You know he will be sixteen day
after tomorrow, and they are to have
a glorious time celebrating the event.
There is TO be . picnic At Crews Pond.
and all sorts of fun. All my change
for week past has gone to buy fire.
works. Hal said to tell you he
wouldn't half enjoy the day il you were
not there" tst
-. feel sure father will let me 60"
cried Hugh. his face fairly besming with
delight I'VE are not very busy now,
aud he can spare me As well as not"
Il would ask to take your brother,
too" said Mr.. Nelson. ''but l know
your father could not let you both 60
and you are nearer Halls age thar
Ralph is"
Mrs. Elliott came to the kitchen
door to ring the bell for dinner Just ..
the wagon entered the farm-yard. and
while Ralph put up the horses and fed
them. Mr. Nelson went into the house
and told of the invitation he had
brought Hugh. No difficulty wa.
made about letting the boy 60. and a.
soon Is dinner was over Hugh rushet
up stairs to put on his best suit; and
half an hour later was driving dowr
the broad country road with his uncle
his mind SO fnll of the pleasures il
store for him. that not one thought o.
the little prisoner confined in the tool
house found room to enter.
Seaford. the town in which his un
Gle lived. was reached Just before dusk
and Hugh received a warm welcom,
from his cousins. with whom he was
great favorite; and he was quickly
made acquainted with the plans TO
Thursdays celebration.
I'VE must get the fishing tackl,
ready the first thing in the morning.
Hal said. as xt ten o clock he and Hugl
were getting ready for bed. land thel
well practice for the target match o.
Thursday. When father bought ar
rows for us he bought some for you
too: and I believe you'll get the prize
Hugh. you were always such q goo
shot. I'm awfully glad you came"
ut was very kind in uncle to stop 70
me-" answered Hugh. land it was al
the better for being q surprise. ha
forgotten all about your birthday"
The next morning dawned clear IN
bright, and Is soon as the fishing tackl
was put in order. Hal got out the bow
ami arrows, and took = little woode
plate from his sisters dollhouse for
target.
..You run 10 the tool-house for han
mer and nail. Hugh" he said. IAN
we'll fasten this to the old elm"
Hugh made one eager step forwar,
then paused. and over his face came