The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-10-27
Spring Water.
ny AMY BLANCHARD.

II was very hot I'm the city. The pave
ments fairly blistered the feet of those
well protected against the heat. and as
for the little, bare-footed urchins who
ran about over the scorching surface OF
asphalt or bricks, 1t is a wonder they
could stand il at ali.
So Perry Wheeler thought, as he stood
waiting to see the parade which was to
come that way. He had come TO the city
that morning with his father, who had
some country produce TO sell, and, hearing
the music Of fife and drum. had run to
the corner 10 see what it was all about
AS he stood there, with the sun beating
down upon him, he thought with grateful
appreciation OF the shady yard at home.
OF the cool grass over which he could
run bare-footed all day and never mind
it. Now his feet felt cramped and tired
in his shoes. and even the excitement OF
seeing the soldiers marching by with ban
ners waving and bayonets glittering did
not make him long for a city life. Pretty
soon the end Of the parade was indicated
by the appearance Of wagons bearing ad-
vertisements, by the rabble OF boys bring
ing up the rear Of the last company Of
soldiers. and by the dispensing Of the
crowd.
Perry turned to go back to his father.
Glowing his way through the hot, per-
spring throng.
My how hot it isl" he heard some
one say I'D give anything for a glass
of real good. cold water"
There's plenty Of water TO be had,
replied the mans companion.
Yes, such as it is, but such stuff
liquid mud; and when it is boiled and
filtered, it seems as II all the life were
taken out of it. I should ike a good
long draught Of water from the old well
at home"
The men passed on. and Perry soon
found his way back to his father.
did you see the parade?"
Yes" answered Perry: "lt wasn't much,
after all. Are you nearly ready to 90,
father?'
Just about. You look tuckered out.
The city is no place in hot weather. is
itg"
Il shall be glad enough to get home"
replied Perry. Il do love the dear little
old place"
His father gave long sigh. and the
anxious expression which Perry had seen
so often of late on his face again took its
place there. He was a frail, meek looking
little man. with faded blue eyes and a
faded. tired look. as IL he had found the
burden of life too heavy for his shout
ders.
Il wish ! knew what is worrying faith
err" thought Perry. Il believe I'll mus-
ter up courage TO ask him on the way
home. He hates TO tell when anything
ais him. but maybe he won't mind this
time"
Before long the horses were jogging
along over the country road. and, as the
city faded behind them. Perry grew less
troubled. and fell TO wandering what they
would have for supper and thought, with
serene content of the quiet freedom OF
his home.
''Aiyi but I'd hate to live in the city,"
he said suddenly.
His father started from the brown
study into which he had fallen. Don't
say that" he replied. You must learn,
in whatsoever state you are. Herewith
TO be content. You may have to 20 to the
city to live"
Perry looked up quickly.
His father nodded graveiy. Eyes, small
as our little place is. il costs something
10 keep II up, and 1t has hardly made
us living this year. Those late frosts
killed nearly all my crops. and I don't
know what is best. I'm sure. There's not
going to be much TO take to market this
year. that's certain. and the little truck