The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1892-07-22

hausted her completely and brought two
brilliant red spots to her cheeks. She
grew weaker and weaker. Nothing
seemed to give her any strength. The
doctor said very little, but ordered
medicines which cost much money. I
staycd all day by the side Of my little in.
valid. Soon she could not leave her
bed, and then she had many fantastic
wishes; she longed for expensive fruit,
tor toys and flowers. had no money,
aud not knowing what to do, was
forced to borrow. How coul6 / refuse
my darling7
A neighbor. lent me the money, for
which he made me sign a note. Iwoul5
have signed away my hope of place in
Paradise to make Solange happy, to
watch her smile. or see ray of return
ing health. One afternoon in spring
she said to me in the little coaxing voice
which I could never resist, "Deai
father, feel we'll! want to see the
flowers. Will you bring Riquet aud put
me on him and take me out little
way2'
wrapped her up warmly. She was
as light as a feather. Riquet seemed
pleased enough when he felt this tiny
burden, and held his ears erect as if To
show his good intentions. Solange cried
out with joy, she was 80 glad to be in
the fresh air and bright sunshine. Her
small hands, which were almost trans
parent, scarcely held the reins, but
Riquet stopped of his own accord at all
the best places for her to gather wild
roses and sprigs of the hawthorne, which
shed its white petals like snow on my
little darling.
ooh, it is so nice here, is it not papa2"
As the poor child said this her head
dropped. She had sort of convulsion
and fell back on my arm which was
about her. She was dead.
The doctor told me he had expected
it. They took her from me and was
alone.
AS had not paid back the money
borrowed, and had signed note for it,
they came to my house aud seized every
thing. The Sheriff locked all the clos
cts, fumblcd in the bureau drawers,
went from cellar to attic and out to tho
stable, and finally on All Saints day
they held the sale. The auctioneer stood
on our large table. From distance I
could see him take each article in his
hand and hold it up to view-our china
and glass, the clock, my clothes, tho
baby's cradle-everything was sold.
Hidden in little vine covered arbor, I
watched it all, and 1 felt my heart
breaking rs one thing after another went
under the hammer. Finally, raising his
voice, The auctioneer said, "There is
also young donkey good for work. Is
there buyer for forty fraucsi"
No one spoke.
CAT thirty2"
Not word
"Twentv-tive2"
Then he said, "Gentlemeu, he is worth
more than that"
They went to fetch Riquet. He came
very slowly, pricking up his long ears,
aud looking defiance from his eyes. He
seemed to realize that he was to be sold,
and that for him also happiness was at
an end.
"This donkey is offered for fifteen
francs, gentlemen"
Twenty" said one.
"Twenty .onew said another.
"No one bids higher2 Gone!" and a
burly, red-haired, red-faced farmer
claimed him.
Poor Riquet, who had always been so
gentls, tried to kick, but his new master
struck HIM with a heavy stick, and
dragged him away. | suppose it was
very foolish, your honor, but when
saw that ran off sobbing.
had to live, so | went to farmer in
the neighborhood, who hired me by the
day. | worked like brute, and that
tired me SO completely that it kept me
from thinking of my grief. At night
slept soundly, but the awakening was
terrible, as l realized more and more
each day my burden of sorrow.
At the end of a year the farmers
daughter was married, and there was a
grand fete at the house; but the sound
of the wedding music was a death -knell
in my heart. Ifelt that must get away
from 1t all.
Quite alone, l walked across the
country, and, in spite of myself, took
the road to Sorgas. swear to you, sir,
] had no evil intention in my mind. I
went along III half -daZeu manner, feel {.
ing that had grown very old. Life is
hard for the poor. Finding myself near
the cemetery, l thought 1 would visit
the graves of my wife and child. Not
wishing to be recognized, took short
cut across the fields. The corn harvest
was over, ard as 1 walked | heard the
stubble creaking under my feet. All at
once, on the other side of a ditch, saw
donkey, and heard loud and pro.
longed bray. Coming closer, saw it
was Riquet, who had recognized me.
He stretched his neck as far as his cord
permitted, aud looked at ne with his
beautiful eyes wide open. He stopped
cropping the grass, and when was near
enough he took my coat very gently be-
tween his teeth and shook his head sew
eral times | caressed him and sat down
to look him we'll over. | found him
much abused. On his back we're sores
made by wearing too heavy saddle. His
legs were covered with bloody scratches,
and his coat, formerly so glossy, was
now all rough aud rusty. Poor Riqueti
He laid his pretty head on my knees at the
same time looking behind me to see, il