The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1897-06-05

lookin' man that I'd like him to have
good wife,"
| In short time Olive discovered tina
the help was cross and incapable. TIL
children were dirty and neglected
and, during their fathers absenc.
they were scolded and slapped withou
mercy.
Olive was very indignant, but Amir
told her tersely that if she was goin
to begin, at her age, to manage he
neighbours affairs, she would have he
hands full.
One day Belial wandered into tn
neighbours yard, and the little cir
chased him home, calling: "KiS;y
kitty" and trying to catch him, mucl
to his disgust.
Olive, who dearly loved children
called the little one to her, and 500,
had her on her lap, enjoying a sex
cake and a story at the same time.
In short time the little boy arrivet
in search of his sister. He raised his
hat, saying, in quaint, grown-uE
way: I've come for my sister. Thanl
the lady, Sylvia, for the cake"
What is your name, little boy?'
asked Olive.
MY name," he replied soberly, SIS
David Leonard, and that's fathers
name, too. My mothers gone to Heav-
en-" he continued, feeling with a child's
quick instinct that he had q sympa-
thetic listener.
"Maggie's only the servant. She
slaps us sometimes, but don't tell ia
Their, cause it would make him feel
bad, and don't mind much, only when
she hurts Sylvia"
David told his new friend many other
things which made her heart ache for
the two neglected children.
At length they went away, promis-
ing to come again soon.
They kept their promise, and nearly
every afternoon was spent with Olive,
who told them fairy stories or taught
Sylvia to make dolls clothes.
Almira Powers grew much attached
to the quiet, respectful boy, who helped
her shell peas or pick beans, and who
often filled her woodbox.
But Olives heart went out to merry,
willful Sylvia.
The seedlings on the other side of
the fence grew more frequent, and
lasted from morning till
night with little cessation.
One day the children were PLAYING in
heir own yard when suddenly Maggie
rushed out of the house, and, seizing
Sylvia by the arm, gave her slap in
Ihe face.
David came valiantly to his sisters
'escue, but received blow which made
him cry out in pain.
Then suddenly tall, gaunt figure
Jumped the fence, and, swooping down
ike IN enraged eagle, encircled both |
hildren in her arms.
1t was Almira Powers, who had from |
Ter window witnessed Maggie's attack
II the children and had rushed TO their
escue.
You tech them children agin, If YOU
are" she cried, her very hair standing
ut straight in her wrath.
You miser'ble sneakin' critter, can
ardly keep my hands off of you'll
Come, David!" she continued, talk
1g Sylvia in her arms, "come right over
our house an stay till yer pa
ONES, an then we'll tell him a few
Kings he don't know"
Maggie hurled a few expletives after
lem, OF which Almira took no notice
hatever.
Olive took the trembling, sobbing
lid in her lap and rocked her gently
sleep, while Almira gave David
zee of maple sugar large enough to
reck the health of any ordinary child.
The mother feeling awoke In Olives
'art and filled her with bitter yearn-
g as she looked down into the tear
aimed little face. The child's gentle
'eathing was now and then broken by r
heavy sigh.
Olive held the child until the father
me, dreaming many tender dreams n
she clasped the tiny form to her S
som.
when Mr.. Leonard came home he a
ught his children, and listened sadly
the story his neighbor told him. III
'Of course Maggie must CO." he said, f
"Why did the children a
yer tell me? T.
Tears filed his eyes when Olive told
n what David had said.
'Poor little fellow" he said. IT can
YER thank you enough for your inter el
in my little ones, you and Miss Pow N
J." 9,
'Well," said Almira, II amt Of
'then, an l couldn't see them young pl
IS abused by that critter." OF
lew days later Mr.. Leonard went in
r at sunset to tell the two women p
i he had secured kindly, middle al