The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1888-07-28
A STRANGE GUEST.

Farmer John Harmon stood in III
glow of the broad fireplace, wrapped i
his great-coat and muffler, his fur ca
pulled down about his ears, and hi
whip in his hand, while the pawn,
hoofs OF his impatient horses crunchet
the snow outside. He stooped a, b.
spoke, and lifted his little daughter!
chin till the clear, brown eyes looked
up with the frank smile which AWAY:
warmed his heart.
mo, indeed, father! How could
be lonesome with such little chatter.
box as Tonyl Hark! I do believe he:
waking now, the darlingr
'Tm sorry that Manda Lawson
couldn't have como to stay with you,
but, of course, if Jacks sick, it stands
to reason that she can't leave him. But
Steve and I'll be back before dark,
never fear. Hullo! you were right.
Jennie. Here comes the little gen.
eralv'
A chubby boy of three years old ap-
peared In his night-gown from the ad-
joining room, with cheeks rosy, and
yellow curls tangled from his morning
nap. The father caught him in his
strong aims, and held him, shrieking
with laughter, above his head.
"Father's little man! Walked I'M IN
say good-by. He'll take good care of
sister, won't hel"
The child leaped into the young girls
arms, and hid his face upon
her shoulder.
"Well. good-by Jennie~ He paus ed
moment, wistful look creeping over
his strong, SUM- Drowned face. sYou're
dker your mother every day, nv girl"
"Fatherl Father~ called a cheerv
voice outside.
Coming, Stevew
The door opened and let in a great
wavo OF frosty air, and, as it closed be.
hind him, the sturdy farmer clambered
to seat beside his son, and, with crack
Of whip and jingle of bells, the laden
'leish slipped cheerily away.
Jennie stood at the window, still hold.
ng the child. She was Just fourteen.
although her slight, childish figure
made her seem younger than that BY
wo or three years. The death of her
mother when Tony was but a helpless
ABE had thrown premature burdens
'pon her young shoulders, burdens
which she had borne with patient, un-
elfish courage far beyond her years.
She turned away at last, and, taking
Ter place on low seat before the fire,
roceeded to dress the child, making
,erry game of the task, as she told
yer and over on his pink toes the story
the five little pigs"
Then, when she had given him his
reakfast of bread and milk, and placed
n the floor box of well-worn play.
hings, she went briskly about her own
ousehold tasks. The market-town to
hitch her father and brother had gone.
Jas fully fifteen miles away, and, once
here, they must wait for the grinding
their load of grain.
1--WE shall have long day to our
lives, Tony DEAR" said Jenny more to
erself than to the child; ''but there'n
plenty to do, for sister must bake
lie bread and cakes for Sun day, and
ther and Steve will be wanting a good
1t supper tonight"
A few feathery flakes came floating
own as she spoke. and these proved to a,
but the forerunners of mighty host, ,
the storm settled over the landscape. :
our after hour passed. There were no
niger any tracks to be discerned along
e narrow roadway which was the
ly avenue through the forest. 9
1t grew presently so dark inside the
bin that Jennie was fain to place a Z
'hted lamp upon the table, and seat
rself to listen for the first sound of y
slant sleigh-bells. Toney curled him. 7
# upon her lap, and soon lost himself 9
sleep. =,