Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-20
Patchy and Htpp;ty-Hop.

The Silver Cascade was waterfall
of widespread fame. It was very FASH
ionable to visit the Silver Cascade.
The road leading to the waterfall ran
near Brook farm, turning into the
fields a quarter of mile from the
house through gate. Inside the gate,
few rods to the left, was tiny gate
house of boards roughly rooted and fur
nished with bench for the gate-keeper.
There, on certain July day, sat a
girl busily studying. The gate-house
stood in the full blaze Of light and heat.
1t was very hot. AS the little girl
turned the pages of her book, never
once lifting her eyes, the perspiration
stood in little beads upon her fore
head. Her bright hair was brushed
back and her freckled cheeks were
crimson. Presently the wooden latch
of the gate was lifted and a boy passed
through.
He was tall, manly boy, but his
clothes were as patched as beggar's
might be. His straw hat, too, was
badly battered, and through rip in
the brim, his light curls showed.
Hard at work, Viny?" he said.
The girl looked up. A smile broke
over her face. eyes, I am hard at
work. These verbs seem more irregu-
lar than ever to-day"
Because it is SO hot" said the boy.
"It is too hot for work. Let's go and
be lazy awhile under the trees"
"And miss my gate money? That
won't do. Therell be stream of car
riages in little while"
just then an elegant carriage APP
peared, filled with children. The span
of coal-black horses arched their glossy
necks and took light, prancing steps as
the driver drew up at the gate. "You
had better open the gate" said the
keepers visitor. "They will be more
generous to you"
The girl laid down her book and went
out. She limped painfully. A boy in
black velvet suit called out from the
carriage, what fine frm-Patchy,
Hippity- Hop & Co."
aren't you 'shamed?" said a little
boy in kits. And reaching as far as his
short arms would permit he put silver
quarter in Why's hands. OF rolled
the carriage toward the Silver Cascade.
Why limped back to her bench. Her
visitor sat down on the door-sill at her
feet.
II can't bear to have you insulted for
my sake, Teddy" she said. Tears
came to her soft eyes as she spoke.
"Td like to give that little rascal q
good drubbin'." The speakers eyes
blazed and his face was hot with angry
blood. But he soon grew cool, as cool
as the day would permit, and joked
with his friend over their new names.
Why put the silver piece in her pocket,
and it went chink, chink, to meet other
members of its family. "What brave
little fellow it was who gave it to you.
But you haven't told me how much
money you have taken in since l was
here before"
Enough to help you get suit of
Clothes" said Why. 20, Ted, you are
doing too much for me. You built the
gate-house and you ought to have half
the toll.
wasn't it capital idea, building
this shelter and setting you up in bust
ness?" said the boy, taking no notice OF
why's remark about his clothes.
"Don't talk about dividing toll with
me. I can never pay what l owe you,
said Teddy.
This talk was broken off by success
sion of carriages that kept Why busy
till sunset-Mrs. NJ F. Butts, IN or
| Little Men and Woneen, for OCTOBER.