St. Landry democrat., 1889-12-07
DANNIE'S THANKSGIVING.

1t was Thanksgiving eve. Neither john
ME nor Dannie had the least doubt about
that In fact they had been longing for
the time to come when the turkey should
be brought home, and the holiday dinner
prepared. To be sure they were far from
certain that they should have turkey, or
even chicken. But as they hung out Of
the window and saw the neighbors come
home, almost all heavy laden, it did seem
as if they must be as fortunate as the rest.
1t was past supper time and they were
very hungry, Surely their mothers long
days work ought to be done, and the next
person who turned into the narrow street
must be she and the turkey.
Mrs. Longley had not always lived in
these humble quarters. Once she had a
pretty, cozy home, and loving husband,
but the drink demon entered, stripped the
man of his money, his home his health,
and finally laid him in dsunkards grave.
But with rare courage Mrs. Longley had
secured these small rooms in an obscure
street, and realizing that the little ones
must be fed, had engaged several places to
do washing, thankful that she had the
strength for her day.
Her oldest boy, Dennis, bright, help
full little fellow, used to care for his little
brothers while their mother was away,
but year before this he fell and hurt his
back, and after long months of painful i'll
ness was laid to rest, so these younger boys
were obliged to remain alone and enter
tain themselves as best they could. -
''Dere goes anudder turkey" announced
Dannie, wistfully.
Huh, that's chicken. Can't you see
the yellow legs2"
"Dey's bofe de same. Turkeys am
growed up chickens" said Dannie, posi-
lively, and Johnnie was not able to con-
tradict him.
"S'pose mother will bring turkey ?"
said Johnnie for the hundredth time.
of she can ford it," replied Dannie,
'sand if she can't Mrs. Pease, or somebody,
will div her one."
az don't know" said Johnnie obviously,
"mothsr says we mustn't expect things
given, but must work and save, and then
buy them ourselves"
Il s'pose could buy" began Dannie,
but was Interrupted by his brother who
shouted:
"rhere she isl there she comesp' al
most tumbling oFt of the window in his
excitement.
"Why, she hasn't got any turkey, or
chicken, or norsipg," walled Dannie, his
little heart already beginning to ache with
disappointment.
''Perhaps she's got money instead" said
Johnnie trying to hide his own disappoint-
ment.
The boys rushed out to meet their
mother, nearly upse: ing several baskets
that people were carrying, in their haste.
so mother! we thought you'd get a tur-
key" cried Johnnie.
mo, dear, no turkey this year.. l fear. "
''Nor chicken ?" asked Dannie, still cling
ing to his fond hope. Il s'posed some OF
our friends might lend one"
81 guess every body Is too busy to re-
member us this year, but we'll try and
have something nice, y said Mrs. Longley.
When they reached the kitchen, Mrs
Longley sank into chair to rest bit. and
Johnnie leaned on his elbows and looked
out of the window to hide the tears that
would come in spite of his efforts to be
brave for his mothers sake.
No one noticed little Dannie, as he
slipped into the bed room, took down his
bank, and shook out the precious ten cents
tina he had been 80 long collecting.
81 dess we can have chicken as well
as other folks +" he whispered as he tigh ly
clasped his treasure and hurried out on
the street.
"Please, sir. want chicken" said the
child, pushing into busy market full of
customers.
''Get out, you urchin, don't bother usl''
was the not very pleasant reply.
Dannie was indignant and marched out
of the place feeling very sure that the
man would be sorry if he knew how much
money he had to spend.
81 want to buy chicken" he said to
the man on the next corner.
mighty small chicken you'll buy,
guess"
.3ut want the biggest one you've got,
and I have ten cents to pay for it too"
A hearty laugh was the only answer the
| little fellow got, SO after waiting few
| minutes he left with tears gathering in his
| bright eyes.
Next he tried a small market where he
| was sure the good natured looking man
| would sell him chicken, but was told
that ten cents would not buy chickens
| wing.
This was too much for Dannie. He ran
out of the market and down the street al
most choking with sobs, and nearly blinded
with tears.
oh, how the mothers heart ached for
her little boy as he related his bitter expe.
rience, but what could she do2 She
| brushed back the tangled hair and wiped
| the tears away, but he refused to be COM
forted. Throwing himself on the sofa he
! sobbed until sleep closed his eyes and
ended his grief for that day.
In cozy room in another part of the
city that evening two young ladies were
talking about the eoming Thanksgiving
and what they expected to do.
It was quite late when one Of them re-