The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1889-11-06
MISSING FROM HOME.


MISSING FROM HOME.
"Penniless - said little Rnth Eyerton.
"Oh, never thought would come to
this"
1t was duh. gray winter day, with a
raw chilliness in the air which threaten
ed snoR, and npw and then bleak gust
sweeping across the river, like some an
CRY demon bearing storm threatening on
its wings.
Aid Ruth stood under the shadow OF
the bridge, pailid and shivering, with
her stone gray shawl wrapped around
her slim shoulders, and the scarlet birds
wing in her hat shining like a speck of
fire in the semi gloom.
II was one thing to run away in spirit
of girlish adventure from the old farm,
because her sunt had no sympathy with
youthful aspirations, and wanted her to
sew carpet rags and work button holes
on endless piles of vests; it was quite
another 70 find herself alone and friend
less in great city.
She lad been walking untiievery bone
and muscle was sore-her last penny was
spent for cup of muddy coffee at a street
stand-coffee which had no. even the
merit OF being hot, and nov she did not
know what to do.
She had believed, this little Ruth, that
life was full Of romance and adventure,
and how bitterly she had been disap-
pointed How thankful she would be to
get back 10 the farm now, and the button
holes. if only she had money 70 take her
there
Here, young woman hold this bask-
/ ct for me a minute"
Insoluntarily Ruth obeyed the behest
A stout little lady, in black fur cloak,
stood opposite her, overburdened with
baskets, bundles and parcels, fumbling in
her pocket for her purse.
"Oh, here it is" said the little woman
'Ialmos; thought l had lost tor had
my pocket picked
please ma'am, said Ruth, in falter-
ing voice, ~might-might carry it across
the bridge for you p
The little woman turned a pair Of
black, beaiy eyes quickly upon her in
terlocuior
NO" said she, in voice that sounded
like snarl "You're an impostor You
needn't think I'm TO be imposed upon
because came from the country"
And she snatched her basket from
Ruth and went her way.
Sbivering and discouraged, the girl
shrunk back. At that moment she saw
q benevolent looking old gentleman buy
ing some roasted ehestnuts from stall,
while a weird faced little street Arab
was deftly engaged in spiriting his white
silk pocket handkerchief from the recess
OF his oyercoat.
stop. thiefr' she cried, springing for
ward. -Stop, thief -
But in her haste she had not perceived
huge four horse van laundering down
the bridgeway.
There was ery Of alarm on all sides /;
she was j.rked vehemently back by
policeman, but not until her shoulder
had been violently struck by one Of the
wheels.
"Are You tired Of living, my girl ?"
sharply questioned the policeman; ~be-
canse if you amt, I'd recommend you
to keep out from under warehouse carts
for the future. Here, stand up You amt
much hurt. are you?"
And while Ruth was trying to stam-
mer out that she was not much hurt, ev-
erything turned black around her, and
she tainted away.
Number Fourteen, in the Accident
Ward" said DIR. Fletcher, airily, glanc-
ing at his note book. "Oh, she can 60
out any day now"
Ruth looked wistfully up
IF only knew where to 60 said
she.
"Why, to yonr friends, of course" said
the young surgeon, carelessly.
Ruth's head dropped. She could no;
tell him that old Aunt Peace was the
only relative she had. and that TO her
she absolutely dared not return.
"For WAS so ungrateful and obstinate, /"
Ruth had told herself ~Oh, never, new
er can look Aunt Peace in the face
again
The trained nurse who was bandaging
q broken ankle in the next bed looked
up at this moment She, in her time had
been friendiess and alone Perhaps she
understood Ruth better than the doctor
did.
"If Miss Harrison would like place, "
said she, Il know a nice old lady in the
country who wants lively, cheerful
companion and helper about the house.
The wages may not be great at first, but
i; would be comfortable home"
"Oh,s cried Ruth, Il should be so
much Obliged for your recommendation
For, by curious adnixture Of events,
Ruth and the poor victim of lamp ex-