Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1898-06-25

Iaking a small package from his
pocket, he opened it and showed her
several curious needles and some
coarse. shining thread.
They gave them to me when / left
the-the place where l learned my
trade" he said, in low voice. Il don't
suppose ] shall ever use them. My
folks will not let me do that. But I
shall always keep them near me. Some
time may need advice, and this little
package will be able to tell me great
many things-a great many sad things
which you viii never understand, lit
tie one" he added, gently.
Mildred gazed at him wonderingly,
but as she saw the skilled fingers draw
the leather over the ball and fasten
II securely In place, her look of won
der changed to one of pleasure.
I'm ever SO much obliged she said,
gratefully. I'D hased awfnily to lose
the ball. Grandpa gave it to me-" She
watched him a few moments in silence,
and then aided, with a sudden burst
OF confidence: Grandpa lives at our
house. and we're going home as soon
as it gets warm
The young man sewed on for some
moments in silence. At last the ball
was finished. and he carefully replaced
the needle in his pocket.
Tn going home, too" he said grave
iy, as he handed her the ball; "Im
waiting for the train now
And have you got a mammal" she
asked with sudden interest.
Yes. and she has been waiting for
me a long, long time. Poor little
mother!" the last too low for her to
hear.
As the little girl was moving away,
he recalled her with a sudden ges-
ture.
Il wish you would take this" he
said, earnestly. as he gave her tiny
box of exquisite workmanship. "I
made it from piece of ivory which
was found ON battlefield. and in
tended TO give it to my sister. You
make me think OF her,
But won't she want it?" Mildred
objected.
She is dead" was the grave an
swer.
The little girls face grew sympa-
thetic
I'm sorry" she said, gently: land
I'd like to have the box ever so much.
But i must ask mamma
In a few minutes she returned.
Mamma says / mustn't take gifts
from strangers" she said; '.but I'm
ever so much Obliged. just the same"
The sun spots moved slowly across
the grass and disappeared, one by one,
in the thicker shadows of the trees
The young man watched them listless-
~. At length clock began to strike
in the distance, and he counted the
strokes carefully. When it ceased he
got up and once more began to walk
back and forth. But now his head
was erect, and his left foot had lost
its dragging motion. And on his face
was tender, expectant smile.
Mildred had grown tired of her ball
and was watching the water as it fell
splashing into the broad basin of the
fountain. As the young man ap-
preached she looked up timidly.
Are you going now" she asked.
Not for another half hour he re-
piled. Il had rather wait here than
down at the depot" For some mo-
ments he stood gazing at her. Evil
IDENTIFY her face brought up some mem
DRY of the past, for he sighed as he
turned away.
A little later Mrs. Bradford was
aroused by excited voices. Several fig
ures rushed past her. For moment
she gazed around wonderingly, then
she rose and followed Near the foun-
tain was group Of excited people,
and in the open space beyond she
recognized Mildred playing with her
ball. What was the matter?
But even as she wondered came the
wild rush Of a pair Of frightened horses
into the open space. What followed
happened so quickly that she could not
realize II until II was over. Mildred
was placed, sobbing. in her arms, and
a hushed group closed about a silent
figure on the ground
IL Was lue uEdNtSI InlnE L ever
saw" said one man in low voice.
But a sad thing for the poor chap
and his people-if he had any,. said
another, compassionately.
Two of the guards from the peni-
Tertiary came across the plaza and
Joined the group. A moment later one
of them gave a few quick directions
to hackman who was standing near.
1T is No. $685. Mrs. Bradford heard
him say. Poor fellow. and he has
only been out few hours. / must
telegraph to his folks"
Mrs. Bradford waited until she saw
them place the motionless figure in
the hack. then she walked slowly back
to the settee.
Under the live oak she saw some
thing glisten. Picking it up, she found
1t was the little ivory box.
Here. Mildred" she said, in a low
voice. "you may keep it,
Preferred English.
French politeness is proverbial. and |