The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1889-07-06
LITTLE GOLDEN HAIR.
HOW THE SIGHT OF HIM STIRRED
THE HEART OF AN OUTCAST.

A Mothers Undetinabie Feeling of Fear
and Its sequci-"Let Me Look Once In
His Face. Near, and smooth Only Once
the Sunshiny Hair"
It was here in New Orleans during the car
nival The streets were filed not only with
our own people, who seem somehow or other
to put on new life ut this period OF the year
and to dwell outside of their own homes, but
with, the many strangers who had come from
far and near, some merely TO see the sights,
and some 10 take them in while at the same
time enjoying the tempered breezes OF the
south, SO in contrast TO their own fierce
winds. And, as is always the case, here and
there were 10 be found some face and form
that told too plainly that no search for either
health or amusement had been the incentive
to bring them here, but that restless tramp,
tramp, which forced them from place To
place; southwark during the winter and
towards higher ATTITUDES at other seasons.
THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER.
And 80 il happened that the little mother
who figures in this story had been out with
her children and was on her way home in the
cars when, without any outward motion
aware las one will sometimes without being
able to explain why that she and her darl-
ngs were being unduly gazed at by some one
IA man seated on the opposite side of the
car, but somewhat further towards the door.
Her eyes turned over again in that direction,
but no sign of disrespect on his part called
for interference. He was one who as far as
could be judged from n rather rough and
seedy exterior, had known better days.
There he sat, his gaze almost constant, but
free Of any intended discourtesy. 1t was un'
pleasant, though, and annoying in itself.
The man, it was evident, meant no harm
TO her; could it be he meant harm to any of
her little onesl An uncomfortable feeling
stole over her, and few squares this side Of
her residence she could bear it no longer, but
stopping the car she continued the rest of
the way on foot.
Once within the precincts of her home a
calmness came to her, and she soon began to
smile at herself for being so easily worried
by such matter, and that, too, in n crowded
car. In half hour or so the whole affair
had become thing Of the past, an incident
that would have lain forgotten in memory's
storehouse save for its startling reproduction
a few days later.
Some one of the many professions was pass
ing up town, and the rattle Of drum and blare
of trumpet had so aroused the children to the
fact Of the nearness of the pageantry that the
only way TO quiet them was to take them to
see the show.
There was nothing to mar their pleasure
till about half the column had passed, when
that same indescrbable feeling of being
oh ba T IN
uncanny sensation that had with her sue
ceeded the hitherto enjoyment; the pleasure
of the day was gone.
More than once she was minded to take
her little ones home, but each time she
thought Of the deprivation to them and how
foolish were really her fears; and SO it was
not till the last flower decked steamer had
gone by that she started homeward. But
few steps only had been taken, when that I'M
pleasant feeling grew more intense and she
heard a voice close by call to her: Lady!
ladyr
Quick as flash all the dignity of her wo-
manhood came to her, aud she turned, well
able now to cope with whatever might be
her fate. There near her stood the man
whose presence had worried her few days
before in the car, and whose proximity for
the last half hour had been felt, if not seen.
But as on that first occasion, no sign of dis
courtesy was apparent, no disrespect was in
tended. Instead there was a something in
the mans face, a softened, believed eye, a
hope and despair in his expression that
touched some concordant chord in the moth
er's heart AMI awoke a sympathy that must
have made itself apparent, for, seemingly
more at his ease, he advanced a step or two
and asked permission to say bat few words.
Excuse me, lady" he went on, 81 have
been once another man from what now you
see have, or perhaps should say had, Il
wife and one little boy up in Illinois God
bless themy, but bad habits got the better of
me and my wife turned me from her. That
little boy there Is just as | remember mine,
the same blue eyes, the same mischevous
smile, the same bright golden hair; and ever
since met you in the cars the other day his
face has been present with me in my waking
hours and with me in my dreams. want TO
ask one favor, don't oh! don't refuse it; let
me look once in his face, near, near, and
smooth only once the sunshiny hair. Don't
refuse me that"
Something like a smothered sob choked
somewhat the last few words, and the man
fairly trembed as he stood.
"Why, certainly, You may do that" an
swered the little woman with naturally
sweet voice softened by the pathos Of the
scene; and | only hope that this unexpected
meeting with one who, you say, resembles
your own little boy may arouse in you so
great yearning for him and your home that
you may find strength to so back man. /
surely wish you that"
The little scene was quickly over, and the
mother and children continued on their way.
The man watched them for some little dis.
lance and then, with slow step, disappeared
down the street.-Selby in New Orleans Pic.
ayune
Degrees of Credulity.