The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-02-15
JOEL M A RITZ N.

Il was very rude cabin, indeed. built of
unhe1n logs. with chimney of sticks and
clay. that stood upon hillside surrounded
by natural forest trees, which at this sea-
son OF the year had shed most of their
leaves. Through their naked branches
the fall wind was signing a requiem for
the soul that had just taken its departure
from the emaciatsd form that now lay
wrapped in its winding sheet within the
humble home.
Bearded men, coarsely dressed, stood
about in little groups on the grassy sope,
conversing Ia low tones. while within
few neighbor women moved about in
silence preparing for the las, sad rites for
the dead.
4 little boy, scarce ten years old, with
fearful eyes, sat beneath an old chestnut
tree, patting a long evred. gaunt-looking
hound upon the head deeply absorbed in
sad reflections. for kind and gentle hands
had just led him from the bedside where
the form OF his mother lay, aud he now,
for the first time. realized that he was
alone in the world.
The Martin family had come to that sec
ton of Pennsylvania from the South just
otter the close OF the war. and had settled
es renters Ito farm on the shears" as it
vas called, amongst the hills. Death,
however. soon found its way into the little
family, and joel Martin. the husband and
father, was called away. Good neighbors
contributed. each little, and Mrs, Martin
and little joe continued to live in their
cabin home until Mrs. Martin gave up the
battle OF life, aud little joel was left an
orphan.
AmouC the group OF men was one, a
tail. eek-looking individual, wearing a
wel.-wOTn black frock coat, tall elk hat,
that bore evidence OF l0nF-continu~d wear
and many aard knocks, and who held in
his hand a book From his manner of
speech IS well as the subject of cOnvsrsa-
ton. Il required no further introduction
10 prove that be was a minister, come not
only 10 speak words OF consolation. but 10
sssist all II his power 10 Gaze Tor the home
less boy.
1 would take him home with me-" the
minister was saying. but | already have
large family of nv own TO care for. |
think, Mr.. NoTWood. a. he has never
known any other home than here uoOn
vOur farm, and as your family IS small, il
would 10 best for al concerned that YOU
take the lad home with YOU and care Tor
him, ~ least Tor the present. Remember
that the Lord givelh and the Lord taketh
away, and it is for JUS, such cases as this
He has promised d reward TO al who lend
helping hand.
James Norwood, the man sBoksn TO by
the minister. Vas middle aged, rather be-
low the medium height, heavy set, with
reddish hair and beard and q face that
denoted shrewd. though no unpleasant,
disposition. He owned the land all
around there-hilly AID broken, It's true
but he own-d also large focks of sheer
and was considered by mis- ne ghbors we'll
TODD and a much-resDected man. His
family consisted OF vile and one child,
Susie, a bright little girl OF eight years.
So, when Mr.. Norwood turned about and
seated himself beneath the old CHESTNUT
tree beside little joel, the compact was
made, and Mr.. Norwood had added one
more t0 HE little family.
It was not ike his dear old home to
little Joel. nor could Mrs. Norwood fill
the place OF his mother, but the cd
familiar hills and winding creeks and ell
the dear scenes q childhood we're his vet
to enjoy. and with Susie for his partner
little Joel soon. in a measure, forgot his
more with mis- bOyish shouts sad laughter
A strong attach msnt sprRsg up bstwsen
him and Susie ami they became almost
constant con panions. JOsl knew where
the wild grapes and persInmons grew he
knew all the streams where fish could DO
caught; he knew where 10 look for wild
flowers and ferries, and If ii 50 happened
that Susie could not accompany him in
his ramblss, the choicest punches Of
flowers or grapes gathered in his wander
ings were brought TO her She was over
called 10 inspect his string OF fish or TO
hear bis story OF adventure.
With such occupations time sped on
for five wears The Norwood fl0cks multi
pied and fourished. and their homs life
had apparently all that could be desired
of happiness and thrift Little Susie and
joe had arrived AZ the ages Of fifteen and
thirteen respectively. and already fairy air
castles and plans of future greatness be-
gan 10 take fora in their minds, always,
however, blended together, and each and
every structure added was deemed all ia
complete were not large share set apart
for the others uss. They were, indeed,
80 far but another Paul and Virgins.