The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-12-25

window and looked out. The snow, which
had been lightly falling all day was now
coming down thick and fast. How could
he walk those seven miles to Pemberton
in such weather, for he had no means of
taking the train? He was so tired now
after his mornings tramp around the VII
Iage. He could not do IL. They must think
of some other way to get money.
1t was some little time before Jessie
came back, and then she looked more
troubled than ever.
81 don't know what to do" she said.
1.-THE pain Is no better. If We only had
some of that medicine! on, Richard, II
mother should die!'
Her brother turned quickly from the
window.
Get me something 10 eat and then I'll
take the chain to Pemberton and try TO
sell it,
Jessie gave a cry Of dismay when she
noticed how hard it was showing.
"Oh, Richard, 1 don't believe you can
walk In this weather"
"Oh. IN manage" replied her prother
cheerfully ut won't hurt me. Just think
of mother"
And after eating the bread which Jessie
brought him, he buttoned his coat up
closely about his throat, pulled his cap
down over his ears, and set out.
IL.
Two wears before Richards father had
gone out west to try his fortune IN the
mining regions, leaving his wife and two
children with enough money in hand TO
maintain them comfortably several
months. The small fund had been exhaust
ed long ago and Mrs. Dale found herself
with nothing for the support OF herseit ana
the children but what she could earn by
sewing and Richard doing odd jobs for va
rious people in the village.
Then had come letter from their father
saving that ne mad not been SUCCESSFUL,
that he was sick, and begging them to send
him money for his return home
The worry consequent upon her inaplhty
IN do this had made Mrs. Dale III.
AS Richard hurried on his mind was 80
absorbed by painful thought that re was
unmindful of his fatigue and the increasing
violence of the storm. He had hoped that
some farmers wagon would pass him on
the road. which would have taken him IN
and thus shortened his journey. But no
vehicle of any description did he see nor
any person until he was just on the edge
of the town.
Then he met man who stopped ana
asked him in which direction Banvilie
,av. Richard pointed out the road.
The stranger was so wrapped up IN
heavy oyercoat and cap drawn down over
his face and ears that Richard could see
nothing but a pair of kindley gray eyes.
pretty rough walking, sonny?" he said
in a crisp, cheerful voice.
VERY bad" assented Richard.
81 missed the midday train, and it's too
long to wait for the next one, as this IS
Christmas eve, so I'm going TO walk II.
Rut | fear this snow will turn out worse
than / thought"
"Its only four miles" said Richard en-
couragingiy, and sighed as he thought OF
the long return walk awaiting him.
There were three jewelers. in Pember-
ton The first two to whom Richard APP
Piled refused to buy the chain but the
third took il. though offering for IL price
much less than Richard had hoped TO re-
ceive However. il was enough for the
medicine. and little sum over
Richard shrank from the long. hard
walk before him. There were some per-
sons living in Pemberton with whom he
was acquainted. He thought of applying
to them for shelter for the night but re-
Elected chat Jessie would be alarmed II he
failed to return, and that hs mother ought
to have the medicine as soon as possible.
This latter thought gave him fresh cour-
age and strength. and he had soon left
the town behind him and was once more
upon the highway.
Presently the wind went down, the
down fan Of snow decreased and the stars
came out The loneliness OF the scene
and the intense, mysterious silence of the
snow -laden woods on either side Of the
road oppressed the boy.
He felt tempted to go back to town ard
seek shelter, but again the thought Of his
mother spurred him on.
HIS progress was slow. now wading
through great drifts, and now slipping
into a deep gully. but he pushed on per-
severingly.
lie was nearly two miles from Pember-
ton when he stumbled upon some large,
dark object family outlined IN the snow.
IA vas a man half reclling against a tree.
Re groaned family as Richard bent over
him. but made no other slse o. hfe'