Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-04-12

"Good-give me the paper"
IL took him nearly two inmates to write
his name. He casned his subscription OF
. half dime on the spot
By this time their mother had become in
.erested. She read the paper, smiled little
and the children thought they saw . tear in
her eye. She had al~avs wished her young
daughters to grow up kind and helpful to
those in need. 90 she could but encourage
Gertie in her undertaking. She wrote her
name-Mrs. Margaret Folsom She paused,
then made figure Ave on The line beios
Berries.
IL expected, mamma, dear" said the little
girl eagerly watching the pen. may be
you'd give . quarter" She seemed dissp-
pointed.
But when her mother placed before the
figure. this character, - making her sub.
scrption i've dollArs, Grrtie Was surprised
and delight d. Uncle Tom 60 to the pooI-
house! Why. no; he would soon be rich
While The child was thinking whom TO
go TO next, her Uncle Wesley came down
the street, an 1 vas about - pass the hou-e
She started to appeal to him. but At the
thought Of offering her sub .crip,ion paper
outside of her own family, her heart began
TO fail her.
Laura" she whispered to her six year
old sister in . hurry, cant you run and
ask Uncle for some money for Cncle
rom?'
"Cert'n," sas the pleased answer. I'm
help you get lots.'
An eager little voice cried. Uncle Wessy,
Uncle wessy!' and = pair Of little arms
clasped his knees 50 that ne could not 70
on. Give me some money"
He, thinking it only a childish freak,
drew out .ck knife and offered her.
No, said the child, give some cents "
"Wba. for. little h'ghwayman?' he
asked.
Poor Uncle Tom Don't you see
Gerties skiption paper? we's signed all
our moneys"
sdil thinking it merely j,ke. her Un-
ole gave Laura q dime, saving:
You may give me back the change"
mo. Uncle" ssid Laura. IL must keep
it all. and buy something gooi for poor
| msn"
Uncle Wesley went up to the gate. be-
yond " hich Gertie was waiting shyly. With
out giving him time for inquiries. she
pa 'sed him the paper.
well, we'll, returned her uncle, "this
il go I'd beginning. l must do my part E"
LAYING the paper on the top of q gate
post. he produced pencil and wrote some
thing
(Which Of you is treasurer p he inquired
holding 9 twenty dollar bill.
Gertie opened tinv portemonnaie:
Thank you. dear Uncle West."
"Don't lose it" cautioned Uncle Yves
ley.
my money doesn't grow on bushes. nv
dears, and intende this for another use
The next to be invited was the children
papa
You say you have given ali your pen
niesf'
Yes. pa3s," replied the three.
"but if give all my money, who will
buy your food and clio hesT
You can get some more" said Der lie
Give enough to make sure Uncle Tom
needn't go TO. the poor-hou,e, beg led Gertie.
so WILL" sAri her father earnestly,
AS long as | can keep him gu, he shall be
never fear"
The earnest young worker row ventured
out among their neighbors, nor did she
pause in her charity work till the little sub
scription paper was covered with nance and
quite a large amount had been raised for
| Uncle Tom
More than one man, upon finding it vas
her own idea, and seeing how mo1estly she
persevere5, told Gertie to come again when
this money was all spent.
All the village wondered they had not
thought Of taking hold of poor old Uncle
Toms case. No one felt the poor for
what he had given. They settled it that
some Of them should visit the old couple
daily. and attend to making them comforta-
BILE.
How happy vas Gs rite when she carried
the roll Of greenback'. much to large for
her portemonnaie. and presented i, 10 the
sick man, with some oranges, and other
nice things to eat. How surprised and glad
he was! He said his neighbors kindness
was better than medicine, And he felt a. if
he should get we'll now. right away.
Mrs Alden cried. and said she had been
praying. though not with great faith, that
God would send help. And thus did little
Gertie save Uncle Tom from the poor house.