Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1894-04-05

rest. | watched the water down below
and wished / could jump In, so l
would never be hungry or get whipped
again, when someone laid her hand on
my head and said: Little girl, what
are you thinking aboutp / looked up,
and there stood the loveliest lady l
ever saw. Her face was as beautiful
,s an angels, but her clothes were
ragged and she looked very pale and
thin. L said Il was thinking | was
very hungry and tired
&" Poor childv said She I, too, am
hungry and tired, but ] will share
what little have with you! She took
my hand and we crossed the bridge
and on the other side climbed q pair
of shaky stairs. She opened the door
and we went In. 1t was very clean
room, with stove, Il bed and one
chair and on the bed lay a young
boy She kissed him and said: L have
brought you u playfellow.' He had
big blue eyes and he opened them
wide, but only said: And nothing to
eatT'
" Not yet she answered him and
tears filled her eyes.
81 just stood there and wondered
what / could do, when ! happened to
think Of way to get some money and
| bounded to the door. Where are
you goingT she asked. TO get some
money / cried and shut the door be-
fore she had n chance to call me back.
| stood on that bridge and begged and
begged, but no one gave me one cent
and | was about to leave when an old
gentleman dropped II nickel into my
hand and hurried ON. stopped In
then | ran home as fast as my legs
would carry me. ] tell you we had a
feast that night. She taught me such
lovely songs and | sang them on the
streets and got lots of pennies. | called
her my good angel and my name was
her little messenger Of love. She
worked so hard and got so little for
her sewing. And now | must go back
for they will worry so. This Is Christ
mas night, you know" She slid out of
the easy chair and was about to turn
away, when her eyes caught sight or
IA picture on the mantel.
"Why. there's my good angel" she
cried in childish glee.
"Oh, how pretty she looks in that
white dress and those flowers" John
Blanchard's face turned deathly pale
and with trembling fingers he took the
photo down.
Look well. Are you sure" he said
Eyes, that's her, only she don't wear
such fine clothes now" the little one
replied. There was II great JOY In his
eyes and thankfulness In his heart as
he took down his ovcrcoat and opened
the door. "Come, little messenger OF
love, and lead me to your good angel,
for ! have been hunting for her this
world over" he said, and hand In
hand they went out into the night. In
n room near the west bridge sat II
young girl with boy ut her knee.
They were watching the stars and
praying that God In his mercy would
look upon them and send the orphans
help.
II am SO hungry Sister Edith" he
cried, cant you sell something"
III have nothing left but this locket,
and | would rather die than part with
it, Sire took 1t lovingly from her
neck and kissed 1t passonntely.
"Who gave 1t to you, sister," tho boy
asked
Someone | love very much, Clar
cncc, dear He Is In foreign lands and
perhaps some day he will come back
and find us. Then no more lonely
Christmas nights, for he Is kind and
good"
A ray of moonlight touched her
golden head and illuminated the little
room. Tho door opened and In walked
Il handsome man led by Il little child
Hello! I've brought you II Christ
man present" cried the little girl.
A wcli-rcmcmbcrcd voice said:
Edith, ut last l have found you!"
and with glad cry she was In his
arms and the little Clarence clinging
to his sisters dress.
"rhank Godw John Blanchard said
to the group, there will be no more
! good-bys, for have come to carry you
Off To wealth and sunshine, and al
ways, MS long M we live, will we bless
u certain little messenger of love-
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