The Russellville Democrat., 1889-03-07


 walk like other boysP Mrs Milan came constantly to see Jim, for she was a good mother as East-end mothers go. She was never cruel to the boy; she was even kind to him in her own way; but she never dreamed of betting or caressing him.
 "How's my bird, motherP Jim always asked.
 ''Oh, it's all right; ever so much bet ter nor it was when you was always foolin' it about. l reckon you'd better sell it before next winter, though. You'd get five shillings for it easy"
 Jim had another plan in his mind, but he kept it secret for the present. At last, after many long days of patient waiting, came the anxious time when the splints were to be removed. The great surgeon himself was there to see the result of his skill; and oh! with what suspense Jim watched while bandage after bandage was unrolled and the bits of wood were taken away. He held his breath while Mir. Pell Tay- Tor ran his hand over the thin little legs and then lifted first one and then the other.
 .'Yes, that's all right, Mir. Roberts. Wonderfully successful! Where are those casts?"
 Sister fetched the casts of the two little bow-legs out of cupboard, and Mr Roberts put them side by side with the two straight limbs which Jim was eyeing so anxiously. Were they really his legs? He tried to move one, and it felt dreadfully heavy and queer, still it did move little, and certainly the great surgeon seemed content.
 Splendid! splendid!' he exclaimed. We must have cast of the legs as they are now, and keep both for com parison Put a plaster of paris band age on now; but before the boy goes out, be sure and take cast"
 'Is it all right, Sister? Shall be able to walk on them?n whispered Jim.
 Yes; it is quite right. You shall run races and win them, in week or two"
 The next time Miss Milan came, Jim told her the good news with a smile. The old grave expression was leaving his face, and he was always laughing now.
 q suppose you'll be home soonP" said his mother.
 T s'pose so. Do you think father would give me cage for my bird? I've got tenpence here the doctors and people have gave me"
 "Bless me, child, you can keep the bird where it is till you sell it.
 But it's my very own bird, mother, and l don't want to sell it. l want to give it to the doctor what made my legs straight"
 You little stupid! he don't want a bird.
 Please bring it next time, mother, and let me try
 Sister was rather dismayed when she found a canary in full song located at Jim's bedside; but when she learnt what was in the boys mind, she was greatly pleased. A few days after wards she came running down the ward; and none of the children had ever seen Sister run before, so they called out: 'Hil Sister!'-"Golly! look at Sister running,' But Sister only smiled, and ran on till she reached Jim, who was sitting on a small chair with two crutches by his side. Sister seized the cage and put it in Jim's hand and whisked away the crutches. Just then Mir. Pell Taylor entered the ward, followed by the usual crowd of students.
 Now Jim," said Sister, walk to meet him and offer him the bird
 Jim struggled to his legs and walked down the ward, firmly and uprightly, till he met the great surgeon. For you. sir said Jim holding up the cage, ''cause you have cured my bandy 1 legs. ."-Chambers Journal.