Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1893-02-17
GRAYFUR.

rug. ana never were tnefe SuCn happy
beings. An old oak tree was our
home. In the grand and magnificent
forest OF Fountain bleau One thing
however. marred our bliss and that
was the danger we were told. which
was lurking around us. Mother com.
manded us time and again to keep as
still as mice whenever we heard the
least noise.
Father was often away. and left
her to p otect her BARNS and one
wintry day. during his absence she
was again warning us. when we were
startled by low rustic in the trees.
Before we were aware OF its meaning
our poor mother received her death
blow. Then we were rudely seized
and hastily carried down before our
fathers return.
Our kidnapper was a small boy.
His brother was with him but re-
manned below waiting. We reached
terra firma in safety. and then arose
the question how We should be car
| ried. Our captors were considering
this when beautiful lady with her
two daughters drove up. Our beauty
had attracted her and she inquired
what price they would be willing to
take for u.s. Five francs for the
two" quickly responded the elder
boy so without delay the lady handed
him gold coin. saying: Here you
are-mind you spend 1t wisely ~
Yes ma'am." answered the boy
taking off his cap. Then we were
handed over. and tied up in hand
kerchief
When we reached our new home
we were rolled in warm blanket
and laid in the tin-lined box OF the
register which was built in this floor.
| My poor brother did not survive. Jack
Frost had gotten the upper hand oil
him it had been such u bitter day
| Thus was | left alone-but my sor-
row soon turned into happiness for
kind friends surrounded me. | had
hardly been in my new home an
hour before a deep love kindled in
my heart for all of them and especial
ly for the old lady. She allowed me
to run about the house. and at dinner
when coffee and desert were served.
she permitted me to jump upon the
table and help myself to anything
fancied. A piece of sugar was my
favorite dish. SO with a lump and q
jump Abounded on her shoulder.
crunching to my hearts content and
sometimes l was allowed sip of COT
fee from a silver spoon.
When the oldest daughter went tc
school, she took me with her in hel
pocket and / would usually take 8
visits afforded the girls much amuse
ment and they almost killed me with
kindness. They put an end to my
daily trips to school, for the decline
of my health was feared and it wa,
thought that SO much teasing anC
caresses would result in nervous pros
tration.
A wooden house was built for me-
containing three rooms-my bed.
dining and exercise room. My mis-
tress loved to watch me every morn
ing while made my bed. though
never let on | saw her. 1t seemed tc
amuse her. to see me take out my
blankets, one at time and shake
them vigorously in the doorway
One chilly morning, while taking
my usual exercise. the nail on which
my house was hung broke aud dow
came !, n little frightened but luck
lily no precious bones were broken
The door was thrown open by the fall
thus enabling me to escape. A bat!
chair stood near, on which | bounded
and in few minutes had recovere,
my self-possession. When my mis-
tress appeared. she seemed delighte
that had no intentions of ESCAPING
so that from that tim on | was nj
lowed to run about the place and int
the woods close by
The distinguished name OF Grayfu
was given me and ! passed year il
this delightful home Then a trip T.
the seashore was suggested. and oil
we started for Brittany. The journe
was rather tedious for such littl
squirrel I thought and | was gla'
when it was ended. The morning
after our arrival my mistress oldes
daughter with her sister went for
walk on the beach. | went too bu
oh, how frightened l was when | be
held that terrible monster the sea
and hid quickly in the girls snu
little pocket when it came too near
had always prided myself on m
beauty until one day my pride re
ceived a severe shock. The younges
daughter had "a friend to visit her
who caught sight OF my house bu
WINS unable to get glimpse of me-
OH" she exclaimed. Show m
your pet rat
lit is not ratr' Indignantly an
swered my little mistress.
Then it's little baby bear"
No; it's =" squirrel you it'll
gooseH'
oh! is that what you call squir
rel in the country"
Ipitied her for her ignorance. BE
eides this little incident nothing oG
c,yred to mar my happy life.
One beautiful spring morning ha
n longing to visit my dear old father
who was now living with his secon
wife. When l returned TO him h
recognized me in no time. My step
mother was watching over her tw
little darlings who were playing Il
gether in their downy nest | ha
not been with them long when a Wis
itor appeared. a stranger me but ev
IDENTIFY staunch friend OF father :
He was a fine young squirrel OF larg
stature. with long. bushy tail and
coat like velvet
Il ala Inn tfsEfsa aaFt