Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1891-06-03
AFTER MANY DAYS,

AT ! LII MAN = LA Z y,
Mrs. Whitney walked more slowly as
she neared the butchers shop. Itstood
just on the edge of the droWsy New
England village, on the road leading to
the shirt factory in the valley.
Mrs. Whitney, who was one of the
''tinishars," had carried her week 8 work
to the factory, and had her wagesin hel
pocket She had sewed until after mid
night all the week, that she might be
able to buy a larger piece of meat than
usual this Saturday. Yet, after all
there was SO little money in her pocket
She stopped. inspecting the juicy
Joints which hung on Mr. Radios hooks.
How strong and cheerful the rich people
must feel who could eat such meat as
that every day.
Then she went inside to the counter
where the small pieces lay. She always
took bit home once or twice a week
for her husband, who was an invalid
but to-day she was sorely tempted to buy
a larger portion, and eat some herself
She felt SO weak as she walked, and the
thought of the cold bread at home al
most nauS0aC6O n0r.
Here's a nice bit of steak for Mr..
Whitney," said Jabez Radd. Cor
here's bigger One," the Renewed
you're looking tagged out, Jane. A
solid meat meal will strengthen you.
shall let you have that piece cheap"
She turned 1t over, weighing it anX-
iously in her fingers.
Nov that Whitney isn't able TO work,
it won't do to let yourself run down."
said the willy Jabez.
That decided the question. cpl take
it." she said, laying down the money.
She knew that Whitney would never be
able to work again, and that she must
alone support him and their child. She
could not afford to break down.
1t was not q proof of greediness or
coarseness that Mrs. Whitney stole into
the cellar once or twice to look at the
tender, Juicy bit of steak, with its rim of
yellow fat. She was faint with hunger,
and she felt that she had fairly earned
tea-table carefully, put on two little pats
of butter and loaf of bread, set the tea
to draw, and then laid the precious meat
In the pan.
"naI That smells good !" cried her
husband from The chamber. ga Whit
Is almost mealr' He rocked the
cradle more vigorously, and in a few
minutes came out.
lack Whitney, as everybody knew,
was ''in Decline" but he was as ready
as ever to joke and laugh. "Baby's
asleep" he said. "I'll Just run to the
blacksmith's shop while the supper's
cooking, and hear the end of Joe's COW
story"
Don't stay but moment, or it may
be cooked too much" said Jane, anx-
iously bending over the meat. 1t
seemed such tender beef! If baby was
only old enough to eat bit ! Now just
SUSPICION of pepper; no salt-that would
harden it.
As she took the box, shutting sound
at the door made her look up hastily.
A boy of about is stood on the step.
His clothes were worn and rusty, and
his feet were bare. Something in the
pale, sunken features startled Mrs.
Whitney
you look faint and hungry" she said,
coming quickly toward him.
He tried to laugh. Il guess I never
was so hungry BEFORE" he said. 81
have walked twenty miles since morn
my; E, .,
She pushed a chair toward him, seeing
that he trembled as he leaned against
the door.
II sold my shoes yesterday for my
dinner / had nothing to sell to-day,
and | couldn't bring myself to beg-till
now"
Again he laughed, but the laugh
to his eyes, ~ didn't mean to beg now,
Loo lyTy nd cot
smelled so good ~
1T is good meat"
Mrs. Whitney turned it in the pan.
1t was such little piece, after all, hard
~ enough for one, certainly not enough
for three.
"Who are you? Tell me who you are"
she said, with sudden crossness.
He did not answer.
She looked at him. "Why don't you
speak? Perhaps you've no good to tell
of yourself"
II have no harm p He staggered to
his feet Indignantly. "I'll tell you the
whole truth. My name is John Dali. |
was discharged from the House of Ref
uge two days ago. You needn't look
scared I'm no thief | was put in there
Tor stealing horse and buggy. [ was
with the boys who had it, but | didn't
know Tney naQ stolen 1t. CnOuSnC IL
was Ben Pratt's fathers buggy. |
couldn't prove that at the trial, and [
can't prove it now; but it's true. Pm
telling you the truth as I'd do it to my
own mother"
His honest blue eyes looked straight
into hers as he spoke.
Il believe YOU, she said, after mo-
ment's silence. "But why don't you 60
homer"
''My father has died since / went in
there, and have no other folks. The
people in the village wouldn't be very
friendly 10 me. | wasn't a good boy,
ma'am-I ran with a bad lot. But want
to 90 somewhere and start fresh. Pm
going to make for the West, where no.
body knows me-"
Jane Whitney looked at him keenly.
Doubt, suspicion, belief and pity chased