St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1892-05-12
BEN PRESTON'S PLUCK.

1t was cold morning. The peo-
pie in the village were almost frozen,
and at the little red cottage in the
hollow, where the wind had free
sweep across acres of meadow land
and hillside, it was great deal
worse.
But when Ben Preston jumped out
of bed to build the fire for his mother,
it was not the cold that worried him
most; it was because he knew that
in the cupboard there was only scant
provision.
The ladies who brought sewing to
his mother would not come up to
the hollow in such weather, nor
could she cross these heavy drifts to
go to them, explains writer in our
Dumb Animals.
Well" says Ben to himself, as he
danced about to keep his feet from
freezing while the fire burned up, II
don't see any way but to take the
support of the family on myself for
few days. l can't do much, but may
be can help bit. I'll try, that's
what" And he drew himself up,
looking very manly and strong.
When the little breakfast was eat
emit was nothing but corncakes
with butter, and milk too drink-as
they had a cow-Ben carried in a
load of wood and pail of water,
and then began to button up his
coat.
Not going out, Ben ?" asked his
mother Yes, mother, I'm going to
look for Job in the village"
po,, he al
Think not, mother. am strong
as a young horse, and it's fine
morning for sweeping sidewalks and
crossings, you know. I'll just take
my shovel and see if I can't bring
back something to fill up that cup
board"
You're good boy, Ben," said
the widow, with deep sigh and a
smile at his bright face.
Ought to be. Got good mother,
you know" responded Ben. And
then. putting on his old hat, he dart
ed into the shed for his snow shovel
and was off, plunging through the
drifts as if it was 6rstrate fun.
He had no overcoat, and his hands
were hardly covered by the old nit
tens, but he put first one hand then
the other. in his pocket to warm
them, and trudged along with a
CHEEKY whistle, never minding the
cold.
When he got to the village, he
stopped just before DIR. Hutchinson's
big house. The doctor was just
opening the shutters, and Ben hailed
him Good morning, doctor; don't
IL, rIo Of
We'll, l might" responded the
doctor. Think you're heavy enough
for the job ?"
Just you try me-" said Ben begin
ming to dig away at the piled up
snow.
"All right, sonny. Make a good
job of it and I'll give you quarter"
And with that the doctor went into
house. Ben worked and tugged, and
in half an hour he had that side walk
well shovelled off. Then he raped
at the door, and received the quarter
from the doctors wife.
well, that's a beginning" said he,
and trudged on, stopping where he
saw a good chance for a job, and in
most cases getting it.
Two or three times he was hailed
by boys going down to the dam to
skate and asked to go with them,
but his only answer was to shake
his head and pitch into the drifts
with renewed energy.
When noon came he had $1.25.
pretty we'll for one alfday," said
he, Guess we can live while snow
lasts, if mother don't sew any"
He ran around the corner to Bal
zer's grocery, and bought loaf of
bread, half pound of cheese, some
tea, sugar and several other little
necessaries, and still had little left
He borrowed basket from Mr.. Bal
ger, put his packages into it, dashed
out and stepped into the butchers
to buy juicy steak. Then he took
the road to the hollow again. And
l tell you his mothers bright face
when he ran into the house with his
we'll laden basket well repaid him for
his mornings work.
What should l do without my
good, brave boy?" she exclaimed as
he told his little story. Ben laughed
and said. ''Oh, that is nothing" He
was very proud of her praise.
That boy has a future.