The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1897-02-10
DAVID'S BABY.
BY ELLA L. MoSBY.

Wilmots question about the size OF
Mrs. Browns boy. Mrs. Wilmot was
the minister's wife, and Mrs. Brown
ono of his outlying parishioncrs, n
mountaineer from one of the steepest
and widest peaks of the Ridge. Her
husband had died in the great snow
storm of the past winter, and David,
her only boy, was her sole prop and
stay. Mrs. Wilmot thought suit of
clothes would not come amiss, even if
secondhand.
But what was ga common size" for
boys? In Mrs. Wilmots experience
they were of all sorts and sizes. Her
mind reverted TO Richard, her long
boy, and his Aunt Ellcn's frequent en-
treaty: "Richard, my dear, uncross n
few of your legs!" to Robin, head
shorter, who was now crumpled up in
heap over "Stories of Lion Hunting
in South Africa" aud John, a round,
roly-poly of boy--and she looked
slightly perplexed.
Nom, he amt to say big, nor yit
small; he's jest q common-sized boy,
betwixt and between"
Mrs. Wilmot in despair won't after
the clothes, aud saw by the delight in
his mothers eyes as soon as she saw
them. that they might at least be worn
by David.
"Pm mo- than thankful, ma'am.
Her voice trembled, and Mrs. Wilmot
hastened to ask:
Haven't you little girl, too?"
"Thar's two gals-Lucy, she's goin'
on seven, and the baby; tho folks calls
her David's Baby he's so good-na-
tured with her. never see boy SO
tux up with baby befo'. She amt
mite of trouble when he's round; )"
and her hard. worked thin. worn face
looked quite illumined by her smile of
pride and delight
Robin let his book fall "Are there
any bears on Priests Mountain" he
asked, suddenly.
ooh, nonsense!" said his mother;
but Mrs. Brown answered seriously:
"Ef it's mild winter, mebbe you
won't see one; but in long freeze
they'll come right low down the noun.
tain. They don't ginerally attack
humans, the damage they does mostly
is to young creeturs-pigs and sech
things 1 seed one myself; twas in
the summer too. three or TO years
ago and I don't want ter see an
other"
"Tell me about it, said Robin, CON-
ing over to the chair next hers.
"Well, twas long hot spell, and
I'd gone out to git black berries. Mos
of EN- was leetle and dry with the
drouth; but Just above my head on
long ledge of rocks see big clump
Of briers, all hanging with berries,
big juicy berries. ez shiny ez silk. l
kin see 'em now, or pretty ez any pic
ter. put my hand out to pull the
nearest branch down, and then 1 heerd
growl-there amt much more on
pleasant noises than growl or hiss
in the woods, / kin tell ye! Thar
stood big bar Just on tother side o.
the blackberries, shown his teeth in
an ugly sort O. grin. didn't stop to
have no words bout the berries-in
fac, there was mighty few berries in
my basket when ] got home. came
30 fast. Them was the finest berries
on the mountain" she added. regret.
fully; "big and shiny and sweet -look-
in, aud jest burstin' with juice; and
hadn't fairly teched EN- when heard
that growl."
"Would he have showed fight if
you had stayed?" inquired Robin. Gag
erly.
Mrs. Browns eyes twinkled.
II don't keer to argy pint with
him, she answered.
"What other wild beasts live near
your" pursued Robin, in tone of pos
tive envy.
"why, squirrels and 'possums and
foxes aud wildcats-it do sound
mighty lonesome to hear 'em cry. ]
reckon tho woods is right full o
prowlin' varmints artcr nightfall.
"But you hare David to take care
81 you," said MrA Ny;lmot,