The Colfax chronicle., 1891-04-25


and read it to the end. 1t was frankly
written in Dawes honest way, clearly
stating the case and asking for fifty
dollars.
Il hate mortally to ask you." he wrote in one
place, land wouldn't IL I thought there was
no chance OF my ever paying you. but assure
you, father. that the plan can not fail to turn
out in our favor il have the funds to carry me
through. 1t promises ten thousand dollars to us,
and then, father I'll pay it back with the twen
ty-five dollars beside, and princely interest on
both know you won't refuse me. father, so
send as soon as possible. Your loving son.
DAVE"
There was look of mute questioning
in poor Uncle-Si's eyes as she returned
the epistle, but she did not answer it,
only took down pail of feed for the
hens, and, tying on her sun-hat, went
ont, and the subject was dropped until
after supper, when she herself revived
it.
''What do you think about it. mother"
She asked. ''Ought to give the money
to Dave? You know how shabby the
parlor is
Mrs. Barney was deep in the china
closet and did not answer at first, but,
when she did, her voice was rather
shaky.
Il dunno, Marion" she said. do
just as You like; the money is yourn an
Dave amt got no right to it beyond the
claim of flesh and blood. You've worked
hard for it, an the parlor's shabby,
know. Poor Daver'
Marion knew just what her mother
tl,nVx<rhf Tho <.l.;rrr Of h.c 1,l,,r
eyes and frank nature was more to
them all than the claim of justice
Uncle ST was looking at her, and she
heard him murmur. as he took pine
stick from the wood-box and went out
doors to whittle:
poor Dave, he's good boy
I'm decide tomorrow she said,
shortly, thinking of the long cherished
parlor suite, then of her brother, with
his inability to stick" but love con-
quered. ''I'll do without for another
year." she whispered to herself. brush
ing away tear. Dave shall have it
this time as he did before, and may he
succeed"
She said nothing, however, until she
came back next day from her journey
after her school money, just fifty-forr
dollars, then she placed letter in
Uncle Sis hand.
Read it." she said, quietly. ..And if
you can, take it to town this afternoon
Uncle 81 laboriously spelled out the
few lines, while his hand trembled so
he could hardly hold the paper.
DEAR BROTHER DAvE-Inclosed are tie
fifty dollars desired. hope it is enough Let
us know how the case terminates.
Yours as ever, MARION BARNEY
God bless You. Marion calculated
Uncle ST, letting the paper fiutter to
the floor, while he clasped her hand.
Its a great sacrifice to yon, child. but
the good Lord will reward you, and
Dave will not be ungrateful Yes, I'll
go to the village this very afternoon;
never mind Dolly's lameness, nor the
hayin' either
The old claw-legged parlor furniture,
with its hair-cloth upholstering, was
refurbished and the worn carpet and
green window shades mended, while
the picture of Dave, in new frame,
smiled sercnely down from the mantel,
entirely unconscious of the darned and
patched furniture
One day Uncle 81 came down from
the village, his face all aglow with
pleasure. and his eyes shining as if
youth had been renewed.
Read thatr' he cried, tossing letter
into Marion's lap. ''Just read that,
Marion
Dawes plan had succeeded, strange to
tell, and inclosed was check for one
hundred dollars, principal and COM
pound interest, with a little besides
There, Marion, there" cried Uncle
81, fairly dancing in his glee. "What'd
l say? An now amt you glad you sent
the money to Dave? The parlor can
be furnished now, an you won't
have to teach school no longer. Oh,
Marion, amt the Lord good?'-
But Marion only smiled. 1t was all
the answer she could make just then.
Mittie &. Towle, in The Home,