The Russellville Democrat., 1892-06-09
HOW HEY solp HmLY.

set apart TOT fl00ETt G1uc3fOU Dy selling Billy, the horse that had done the family excellent service for many years, ard was loved almost as if he were human friend. Rob- ert was absent when this question of ways and means was decided upon. Like many other bright young boys, he was very desirous of obtaining a good education. He was a Chris tan, and wanted to make the most of his life. He felt that he would be a greater power for good with an education than without one. Some time, however, he doubted whether he was to enter college. Circum- stances seemed to be against the in- dulgence of any such thought.
 Consequently, great was his joy when he was told that the way to college was open, that Billy was to be sold, and the pheton, too. He threw up his cap with a jubilant shout. He kissed his father and mother in gratitude, and then hur- ried of to watch by the bedside of very sick comrade. It was nearly midnight when he returned home and letIhimself in softly by the help of his night key.
 He left his boots down stairs and went quietly up to bed so as not to disturb any one. He undressed in the dark, for he feared to awaken his sisters if he should strike light -it being the custom of the family to leave their doors open into the large hall it night. He had four sisters-Frances, Florence, Marga- ret and Sarah. There room was next to his. As he knelt by his bedside, the sound of low sobbing reached his ears. Then he heard his sister Frances, the oldest of the four, say presently:
 "What is the matter, Margaret I don't believe you have slept at all. Are you sicki"
 Margaret was the youngest, sweet, loving child, Roberts pet. She answered, brokenly:
 "Oh, I dont't know what's the matter. l feel as if there was great load on my heart. I guess I am sick, for l haven't shut my eyes"
 "I can't sleep, either,'' said Sarah, from the opposite bed.
 "Nor l !" from Florence, her bed fellow 'I wonder what is the matter with us all Have you been asleep, Francesf''
 "No," and the eldest sisters voice was full of tears. "Girls, I say, we might as well talk of what's on our mind it's Billy and she sobbed.
 ssYes, it's Billy and Margaret's sobs united with her sisters.
 "But," and Frances choked down her sobs, "We will not be selfish. We love dear old Billy, but we love Robert better. Think what a darling brother he isl And 90 good and kind to everybody, too. Most boys would rather go to bed and rest after working hard all day, but thsre's our Robert sitting up all night with poer Fred. Crowell." :"
 But, Frances,'' walled Margaret, ''how can we live without Billyf We can't never have any rides any more, never any rides. And what will poor mamma dofo
 "That's what troubles me most" i" said Frances, ''what mamma will do. Driving with Billy is all the out door pleasure she has"
 "Poor mamma !" sobbed Flor ence. "How white her face was when papa told her Judge Carroll was going to take Billy, and her eyes were full of tears-I saw them.n
 Robert arose from his knees and closed his door so softly that no one could hear sound. Then he went | back to his knees, for of course he | had not been able to pray under such 1 He had been forced | to listen with an aching heart.
 Mothers eyes full of tears" he l said to himself, brokenly, "and she 1 growing paler and wearier every | day. Dear Lord, I thank thee for opening my eyes. I shall never go to college by walking over the hearts | of my mother and sisters. I'd rather | be a know nothing all my days. l Lord l pray thee to make me strong, | to put myself behind the dear ones l of my home. ask thee to lead me l for Christ's sake.u
 And then, his mind made up, | Robert slept till dawn.
 Early in the morning he was at Judge Carroll's door. | Of the servant who opened it he in- iuired: "Am too early to see the | udgef"
 'I think not the judge is an early l Iser.
 And presently Robert stood in the | presence of the eccentric and wealthy l 'ld bachelor, Judge Carroll. He told | iim the story.
 Then, see you don't want me l O buy Billyi' said the judge.
 'That is wy errand, sir, if you ] please"