The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1895-10-24


paper Company.l
A glorious aay IL promised to be. Prairie
poppies and roses saucily nodded their
heads in the gentlest Of warming breezes.
The dew drops sparkled like diamonds in
the early morning sun, and the air was
laden with the sweetest perfume.
The child awoke shortly after sunrise,
and turned his large blue eyes inquirlngly
upon his companion Allen knew he want
ed to ask some question, but was unable to
tell what the question was, or convey any
answer to the boy.
The light of the morning sun revealed a
still nearer resemblance to Bertha, and he
knew that the child must be very hear
relative of hers. She had not said how
nearly related the child was to her, or that
he was any relation at all. There was SO
much hidden in the manner of the beautiful
CIR, that Allen was unable to come to any
satisfactory conclusion.
Al last the little fellow began to show
signs of restlessness He gave utterance
to inarticd1ate sounds and pointed down the
road
II suppose hei anxious to know how near
we are to our journeys end, Allen thought
'If even knew, it might be impossible to
get him to understand. 1t can not be over
ten miles, and | will try to tell him some
way"
The child's mind was very bright, and he
understood by the mods and gestures of his
companion that it was not far.
For several moments the little fellow was
| quiet. and then he began to make signs that
be was hungry.
"Poor little fellow, no doubt you are hun
gry,n said Allen. yThe first house we come
TO, we will try to get breakfast and have
our horse fed"
Unaccustomed to the saddle, Allen was
stiff, sore and weary in every joint. The
long ride, without a moments sleep or rest,
was telling even on his iron constitution.
He drew rein in front of a country house,
and hailed farmer who was just harness
ing his horses to go to his days work.
"Can we get breakfast and horse fed
here?" he asked.
The farmer, with one eye closed and head
slightly to one side, gazed at HIM moment
and SAID:
II reckin So stranger. Breakfasts bout
over though | reckin the old CONAN kin
skeer up leetle fur We. Whar'n the worl
dye come FRONT"
The fire of an inquisitive old farmer was
until this moment unthought Of, and for d
moment Allen was little disconnected. He
knew so little about the mission on which
he was engaged that he doubted if he could
make the explanation satisfactory TO the
countryman, even il he attempted it. He
evasively answered that they came from VI
the country
"Umph, humph that your boyr asked
the farmer.
"No, sir, am taking him to some of his
relatives who live further down the coun
try, and are going away"
Looks like We rid most all night" sale
the farmer, examining the horse with one
eye shut
1--WE have travelled good part Of thu
night We had to do so to reach the child''
friends in time. -
alright boy-ar' We hungry, youngsterp
Unfortunately the poor chlld is both
deaf and dumb.
"Ah Is that sol Well, it's too bad
Mighty pretty leetle Teller. Here, Chef,
called the farmer to ragged dirty urchin
who was running about in the yard, Ego il
the house an tell yer nav that thar's |
gent an leetle boy here lwhat want thei
breakfast; an then you come back an fec
this boss"
IAN right" answered the boy, running Il
the house.
With feeling Of almost complete ex
haustion, Allen dismounted When tn
farmer took the poor child from the saddl
he could scarcely stand. Our hero took tn
child's hand in his and led him to the house
where both sank down in chairs.
The farmer remained behind to see tina
the horse was properly fed and curried b.
Chef. ~t
II tell We that boss hez bin rid might
hard" said the farmer, shaking his hea
knowingly. "That Teller aiat pulled tn