The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1889-12-12

AuACSsu8 AElCAse
1--WE lost my pepper-pot," said Debo-
rah. looking sharply about the kitchen.
Il wonder il you've been up to any OF
your tricks, Jim?'
Jim gave no answer, except toss of
tho head, as he slowly walked across
the kitchen; but Deborah's quick ears
caught little chuckle as he went out
the door.
"I'll give it TO you some day, you
young rascal. IL you carry away my
things" went on Deborah, shaking her
fist at the little fellow.
What's the matter, Deborah?' asked
her mistress, coming into the kitchen.
"Oh, it's that Jim. He's always up to
mischief. 1t comes natural to that gip-
syish sort to be tricky and sneaky, and
there's no such thing as gettin' 'em out
of it."
IF it's natural to them we ought to
make some allowance for it," said Mrs.
Graham, with a smile, as she helped
Deborah 10 hunt for the missing pepper
pot.
mo use a-harborin' such, seems to
me- said Deborah.
Maybe So" said Mrs. Graham, "but
none Of rs, somehow, seem to have the
heart to drive him away"
.Ihave" said Deborah. very decided
j.. "Look.a-;herc nova everlastin'
tease
The two watched Jim as. with roguish
| twinkle in his small black eyes. he made
| his way to where old Carlo was taking
his morning nap under the lilac bush,
and gave him sudden poke. The dog
raised his head with growl, but Jim
stood at q little distance, with . grave
and innocent look at something on the
ground.
carlo settled down again. and, quick
rs lightning, Jim gave him another
poke. Up jumped Carlo. with savage
look at his tormentor: but Jim stood in
the same place half asleep, and Carlo lay
down again with a long-drawn sigh
Jim kept it up until the poor dog went
to find a quicter place.
I've seen him do that dozen times,
said Deborah. laughing, and know he''
hidden my pnpper-pot Why, 1t amt *
long since read a story about one Q
| that sct-must a. been first cousin 4
| Jim, reckon--that stole . clegan
brcastpin. and it was laid TO poor yonn,
! girl that worked in the family. She wa
disgraccd and turned of, and ever $,
long after ii was found ont that that cree
tur'd heen the thief. I've no use 70
SUCH
And so every member Of the famil,
could have declared, but no one woul,
be tho one to say that jim
must 60. In the course of
long drive over country roads, through
heavy storm, the farmer had found jim
drenched and half starved. OF cours
he brought him homo, and after bein
warmed, fed and made comfortable, tn
wjld-eyed, dark-looking little vagabon
{ had wisely settled himself in such goo
quarters and had since showed no desir
to leave them.
"You can come and help peel tn
| peaches now. Marian" called Mrs. Grs
ham to her daughter.
Marian came, looking admiringly q
the baskets of rosy-cheeked. down
fruit on the great table, all Of whic
was waiting to be made into peach-bu
1
ter.
lis that your pearl ring?" asked he
mother
"On-ycs. was clearing my drawe
and pat il on t" see how pretty 1t look'
and forgot it. I'll take it off,"
The pretty lassio worked for hour
over the peaches, pairing, stoning, meas
nring out sugar, stirring and tasting
At length she skipped up to her room
dress, hut soon came running back wit
IN anxious face.
MY ring, Deborah! left It on I'll
) corner OF tho tablc--aack here. Ha,
yon seen it?"
"Tnc land, Miss Marian! No. I ain
And Two just this blessed minute scrape
up all .hc peeain's and flung EN- out
I aba pigs