The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Tenn.) 1888-1946, 1889-03-08

he ever stand upright on them and
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 petting 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. / 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 obi with
what suspense Jim watched while
bandage after bandage was unrolled
and the bits of wood were taken away.
He held his breath while Mr.. Pell Tay-
lor ran his hand over the thin little
legs and then lifted first one and then
the other.
Eyes, that's all right. Mira 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
cycling so anxiously. We're 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! splendidr' he exclaimed.
1--WE must have a 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 d cast"
as it all right, Sister? Shall be
able to walk on them?" whispered
Jim.
Yes; it is quite right. You shall
run races and win them, in a 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.
81 suppose you'll be home soonP''
said his mother.
II s'pose so. Do you think father
would give me cage for my birde
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 don't want to sell it. / 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 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: Hit Sister, "Gclly!
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 Mr.. 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 handy
| legs, "-Chambers' Journal