The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1897-04-17

ing to ask for Nettie as he had In
tended. Pete hurried out and q few
minutes later slipped into his place a
the table where the Williams family
we're eating their scanty breakfast.
There wasn't nothin'," he reported
-and the teller seemed real cross about
It"
Presently Mollie stole out with some.
thing carefully concealed under hel
apron, and dropping the two valentines
into the letter-box marched boldly to
the little window, knowing that now
there was something for the "Will-
iamseA"
However, the something was not
ready for distribution, but about half
an hour later Jake rushed up the
rickety wooden stairs, shouting ex-
citedly:
1.-TWO valentinesl One for me and
one for Nettier'
Little four-year-old Nettie was
charmed with the pity woses," but
jake eyed his rather doubtfully and
then gave voice to the dreadful sus-
picion:
"Mollie, don't you think 1t looks
sorter like it might be homemade"
Course it is" said Mollie. Shows
how much she thinks Of you. All the
tony folks makes 'em for each other"
jake frightened up. do you reck-
on 1t was the little girl with the yell
low curls and blue silk dress in our
Sunday school class?"
well, now, 1 wonderT said Mollie,
rather mendaciously, and the home
made valentine became in Jakie's eyes
a priceless treasure.
Pete came home at noon proudly
a comic daub representing
a grotesque-looking cobbler patching
a gigantic shoe; for Pete was somehow
to inherit his fathers trade,
though his only ability as to shoes had
been directed toward wearing them
put.
The Williamses were feeling encour-
aged, and well might the long-suffer-
ng postmaster wish they had lock-
box, 50 often was he called on to an
'wer the now familiar inquiry. At last
his patience gave out
mo, there's not anything for the
and what's more, there
Won't be; so clear out the whole lot
II you and don't come back here any
more"
Not come back any more! How,
hen, were they to get the rest of their
But, not daring to dis
hey, they hung dejectedly about the
'ostofice door, until about four O'Clock
hey saw 'old crosspatch" step across
o the bank, leaving his newly ap-
'ointed deputy in charge.
The bright boyish face did not look
bit cross, so Mollie seized the oppor- |
unity to try once more.
Anything for Miss Mollie Will
ams?" he repeated. Yes, think |
here is. Just come in on the after
Don train. Miss Mary Williams?'
hats the same as Mollie, l guess.
'ou're in luck, little GIRL" and a large
asteboard box was handed out TO
Iollie.
She was so dazed by her good luck
hat she forgot the rest Of her family
III reminded by the pathetic little
dice to ASK for Jake Williams" So
be went through the whole roll, but
re boy assured her there was nothing
Ise for the "Williamses," and the
hole crowd trooped excitedly out Of
"A he -Ao nd Int he |
sitting-room."
Then "Oh! OH amt 1t perfectly
'velyr' and truly the valentine dis
Iayed might have pleased more artis-
C eyes.
A soft, snowy border Of swan's-down
a panel Of ivory satin, on
hich was painted an exquisite bunch
pansies, caught together by a tiny
lvelope tied by a bow OF violet rib
On.
What does the writing say?" asked
etc, trying to decipher the gold let
ring.
ct can't hardly read IT, they're so
said Mollie. at says, Here's
lnsies, that's for thoughts Well,
y thoughts are. Much obliged, who
Ter sent II"
Wonder IL there's a note in the little
lvellup,'" said Pete, snatching at the {
bbons.
Don't touch It! Your hands are al
avs dirty" screamed Mollie, and the
IveIope was not disturbed.
But that night, after the twins and {
ettie were asleep, and Mollie sat up g.,
asting her starved soul on the beauty {
her valentine. Pete's question re-
rred to her. s
Like Bluebeard's wife, MoIlie found I
r curiosity brought its own punish
emit, as she sat reading the note =
lich dropped from the tiny envelope :
my Dear Little Niece.-May the '
oughts these flowers bring be the 2
BILE thoughts that lead to kindly s
eds, Is the wish Of your loving
Aunt Mary" {
Bring the scissors, Quick!'