The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1895-02-15
HE EARNED 1T.
A VALENTINE STORY.

that IS, Tor most people. 10 Lhuule IL
was rather gloomy, though he saw tho sun
shine and the snow sparkle and heard the
sleigh bells tinkle, as everybody did. But
Laddio was lttlo fellow---very little for
2 years--and he hadn't many ways Of
amusing himself when shut up In the
house. especially when mamma was too
weak and tired IT, read 10 him or invent
games. This was the case now, and 1t
was very hard time for poor Laddie, as
you may imagine. He waited on mamma
quito cheerfully, however, and even helped
Hannah, tho woman who came now and
then to 60 the heavy Homework, with good
grace, but still there were many empty
hours and some very sad ones.
Mammals headache seemed to grow
worse, instead of better, as tho days wont
by, and often ho saw her crying quietly.
He know then that she was thinking of
papa, for sho always cried when she
thought or spoke of him. Papa had gone
away in big ship somewhere, long ago,
when Laddic was baby, and the ship had
been wrecked, and no never came back.
Laddic often asked X there was no hope Of
his ever coming, but mamma looked so
sorry when she said, I'm afraid not, lit
tic one, " that he had about given up try
ing 20 una out any more.
One day, it was the 18th day of this
sparkling February, Hannah sent Laddie
down town on an GRAND, and he gayly set
off, glad of any chance to DO out II only
for short time. AS he passed the gay
shops he eagerly looked at the bright pic
lures their windows presented, wishing he
were rich enough to buy some Of the love-
ly things for mamma.
His cheeks burned with excitement as
he looked at tho gay pictures and thought
how surprised and glad his mamma would
be II he should send her one.
Without stopping to remember that he
owned only three pennies in the world,
and that money was scarce at home he be-
gan trying to decide which one of the val
entines would be most appropriate for his
sweetheart mamma Finally ho chose one
which had blue background, with Cupid
riding across 1t on a rose colored cloud.
The card was framed with plush border
and would look very rich on mammals
mantelshelf. So in he walked boldly and
said to the clerk near the door:
'How much Is that blue valentines"
1.-Two dollars" answered tho clerk,
with a queer smile at the small rather
shabby, figure before him. The smile
changed to a look Of pity, however, as he
saw Laddie's eyes fill with tears. He put
his hand on tho little fellows shoulder
and said, See hero, my boy, there arc
some very pretty valentines on this shelf
for 80 cents. and hero arc somo nice ones
for only e."
Laddie frightened and then began
choosing among the cheaper ones until
he remembered that even 25 cents was a
large amount when ones entire fortune
consisted of coppers. He suddenly looked
up and said:
"A fellow couldn't earn 20 cents be-
tween now and tomorrow, could her"
why, daro say he might by trying
hard" answered tho clerk cheerfully.
There's quito n good bit to DO earned
sometimes by carrying peoples satchels
from the station
So quite hopefully our little man sped
away In the direction Of the Western sta
ton. AS he ncarod the place he saw that
tho train had already como in, for num-
bers of people were hurrying toward town
In carriages or on foot. Very few OF tho
latter, however, appeared TO hnve much to
carry, and at first there seemed no chance
of getting job. But rs no saw big, good
natured looking fellow carrying u small
valise, no accosted him eagerly:
Don't you want mo to carry your bag
gage, sir, please'"
The man looked down at the bit of hui
mainly before him and then at his valise.
Then he laughed long and loud, shaking
SO that I.addie felt as though an earth
quake woro CONFUSING tho pavement be-
meath him. AT last the man found breath
to say:
well, little fellow, don't see that I
need much help with this thimbleful of
baggage, but that man who has just
passed has "A lot TO carry Maybe he'll
hire you.'
Before tho sentence was finished Off
darted tho boy so fast that ha overlook tho
heavily ladci traveller and fairly tangled
himself in tho long ovorcoat Us he said:
will you please let mo carry this big
gest satchelf I'll do 1t chcapl',
This man did not laugh-at least not
aloud--and Laddio felt encouraged, though
the satchel looked rather formidable
We'll, w"ll, younes;er," said the
stranger, you don't look as though you
could manage such u heavy lead, but you
may take this smaller bundle If you can
carry 1t as far as Central hotel, for I'm in
a good deal Of hurry"
Laddle heSltateQ. WOulu you pay
more for the big satcbol?" he asked.
This time tho new man did laugh and
said pleasantly, No; carry tho small one,
and I'll pay you whatcycr You ask. "
Whatever you ask" Gould it he posi-
blef Then he could get the whole sum at
oncel But, no. Perhaps this would seem
too much to pay 'Twould 30 No harm to
ask, however, SO he saiIi, tai:ing the bun.
die and trudging bravcly alonG:
Would 20 cents DO too muChf"
well, that's rather n queer SUN, but l
think can stand it, Why don't you
make It an even quarter thoasl''
Then I.addie told all Gbou5 his valentine
plan and the . cents already ~ his pocket,
and the pretty card at tho book store
which could be boughs for n gnar;er Tho
gentleman was very much Interested and
watched his little companion closely as 10
went on. AT last, wien Euddie stopped
to take breath, he said:
why don't you ask your papa for tho
money!"
"'Cause papa isn't bcro. He never WINS
here since l can remainder, and don e
know If. he's dead or not. but mamma al.
ways cries when she tells. about him. "
The gentleman stopped suddenly, and
looking eagerly into Iaddins upturncd
Face asked mn more uucsttQp: