The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1898-12-09
WATER. CROSSES.

crosses? You know papa likes them,
and he'll be at home tonight"
Tell Janet to stop him."
"Oh, mamma. please let mel"
well, run quickly, or he will be
gone"
Running to the door, Violet call
ed: Little boy, little boy, stop. l
want crosses for papa"
The little fellow. Of not more than
years, looked up at the vision OF
white that stood ON the Threshold.
and smiled.
Come right in" said Violet.
Mrs. Fenwick stepped to the door.
What do you ask for your crosses,
little MANI" she said.
1.-TWO punches for cents; please
buy some. l haven't sold one, nobody
wants them" And tears filled his eyes.
Violet gave her mother look, and
Mrs. Fenwick said:
81 will take all. how many punches
have you?"
"Ten"
Janet came and took the crosses;
and as Mrs. Fenwick handed him the
money, she said:
You are a little fellow. to be out
alone, where do you live?"
in Lambs court never came up
so far alone before, but mamma is i'll,
and the doctor said she must have
wine and milk; and we are poor, for
she can't sew now; she didn't want me
to come, but papa told me to take care
Of her." Here he broke down and
cried, adding between his sobs: Il
must run home now, or she will be
worse, and thank you, and-and, will
you buy some Tomorrow"
Mrs. Fenwick was used to the city
imposters, but this seemed such deaf
little boy. Violet whispered: Mann
ma, please let him come in and have
a lunch"
Her mother hesitated. What did
you have for breakfast"
"a piece of bread"
Come in and have lunch, and I'll
give you something for your mother"
said Mrs. Fenwick. Where is your
father?" she asked. as she took him
down to the dining-room.
HE has gone to be with the Lord,
mamma says" he answered.
What is your manner" she asked.
"Almon."
After he had eaten all that he could,
Mrs. Fenwick gave him a basket with
rolls, oranges, and package Of tea,
saying:
Come tomorrow, and we will buy
more"
THANK you, oh, so much" said the
little fellow.
"Good-by, little Water-cresses," VIC
let called after him, as he trudged
down the street.
When Mr.. Fenwick returned home
after weeks absence he was met at
the door by his pet, who almost for
got Little Water-cresses" in her joy.
At the table he said: These are un-
commonly fine crosses"
'Oh, papa!" began Violet, and in a
torrent of words she told all.
In small attic room Mrs. Tracy lay
and waited. ooh! l did wrong to let
Almon 60" she murmured. will he
ever come back?" Every moment SEEM
ed an hour, but at last she heard his
step, and he rushed eagerly into the
room.
Look, mamma, look" he cried, and
he laid the basket and money on the
bed. e.
Mamma, dear, you said the Lord
would care for us, and He has!"
The next morning Violet said: PA
pa, don't you think he will conner"
II hope so, darling, but often we can
not believe all that these street arabs
say"
ooh! papa. he isn't street arab;
he's darling little curly-headed boy"
"Water-cresses, water-cresses," call
ed voice under the windows.
There he is" cried Violet ooh! pa
pa, told you he was no poster like the
arabs"
Here is your basket" the little fell
low said to Violet, after Janet had
brought him in; "and mamma thanks
and blesses you, ard l hope you'll like
these crosses, and yesterday she ate
two oranges, and I bought her some
milk"
Tell US all about your mother" said
Mr.. Fenwick.
Mamma is ILL.," he said, taking off
his cap and putting it under his arm.
"And is your father dead?" asked
the lawyer.
Eyes, papa died two years ago; he
was good, but grandpa didn't think so;
he was good, mamma said so" he add
ed decidedly.
What is your full manner"
"Almon Fenwick- Tracy; Fenwick
was my mammals name, and I was
called after her papa"
Mr.. Fenwick started up. What 10
you mothers first manner"
"Violet."
He turned to his wife, saying In q
INV lOAC. OAClC kAlAlOA . lOlCL AAdl
ried Tom Tracy"
Little Water-cresses" had o fine
breakfast, and then to his surprise the
lawyer went back with him.
Cousin Roger!" exclaimed weak
voice from a bed under the caves as
Almon led him into the room.
"Violet," he cried, lis this your"
When all had been explained the lit
tie boy said: "Oh, Mamma, aren't you
glad you let me 60 out to sell cresses?"
"The Lord be praised" cried his
mother, "for He put it into your
heart to go, and guided your footsteps
to the right door,"
So Violet found dear cousin and
playmate in Little Water-cresses, +"
and for the rest of their lives one root
sheltered them both.