The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-12-25

A Sportve Yuletde FroIic That, Safely Bridged the
Cllasm That Divided Heart From Heart.
By ANNIE SPENCER JONES, Raleigh n. c.

defense, or explanation. But why do
think OF her tonight? She has gone out of
my life forever. Forever? Shall / never
see her again? Where can she be? Oh,
hang thought! I'm going to sleep" But
ne tossed and turned from side to side
liz vain through the long hours, and 1t
seemed to him that he had slept only
few minutes when he was awakened by
deafening noise outside. Jumping
angrily out of bed he CROPPED his way to
the window and peering out dimly des-
cried Tommy, Clyde and his fellows as
they tip-toed about, setting fire to their
fuses.
Curse the little devils!" he said,
reaching for his pistol. ''Ill scare the
life out of them And noiselessly rails
ing the window he fired. A sharp, child
ish cry of agony followed the report, and
one little mantle younest of the Grove
fell to the round while the others were
fleeing
"Oh, God!' cried the man, sit was the
wrong pistol!' And he fastened down
to the wounded child.
The boys all came back when they saw
that their cOmrade was hurt and bravely
stood their ground, even when they saw
the Bear coming rapidly towards them:
while Tommy Clyde, in his grief and an
ger, actually rushed at the tall man AMI
shaking his small fist as near as he could
get 1T 20 the Bears face, cried between
excited sobS: You're a hateful, nasty,
mean sneak to shoot little fellow like
Dayie Smith! I'm going to tell all tn.
papers at you're q bad, wicked -.
But brushing Tommy aside the man
pushed through the crowd of boys and
gently (the boys stared to see how ten
derly) he lifted little Davie in his arms
and bore him into the house.
go for doctor, he said, and three
physicians were on the spot in less time
than it would take to tell of the hurried
rush of little feet, the pounding on silver
lettered doors, and the flying fight of
painting steeds back to the house.
Little Davie, it was ascertained, had
been shot in the leg. The wound was net
a bad one, and they soon had it dressed
to their satisfaction, while of all the
tender hands that ministered to him
those of the Bear, himself, were the ones
which little Davie loved to have touch
him.
The boy had been so brave and patient
all during the operation that Mr. Everitt
was surprised, upon turning towards him
after the doctors had gone to see Eig
tears coursing down his cheeks.
What is it, little man. he asked gent
ly. But the tears were yelling too hot
and fast in Davies throat to allow an
, extended explanation. Mama" was all
he could say just then.
Eyes, yes. She shall come to you i'm
mediately. What is her name, and where
does she liver
II know where she lives" said the
faithful Tommy, who had not been pre-
vailed upon thus far to leave his little
friend alone in the Bears clutches. She's
a widow, an sews for my ma. Shall go
after err"
Yes, at once, and explain to her how
the accident occurred. She might think
Il
"Oh, I'll tell her how it was about the
wrong pistol an how good you've BEEN
And say that he isn't hurt dangerous
ly so she won't be alarmed. And now
Davie, my boy you must try to sleep
until mama comes, so as to feel fresh
and bright to talk to her."
Which of the boys would have believed
his eyes had he seen the Bear then as
~ SeNe ~ Vic DOu, Sculiy DdNic S
pale forehead and gazing tenderly upon
the sleeping child, while now and then a
tear slipped down his beard and fell, un-
needed. He hardly knew himself What
was there in the face of this child to call
forth all that was tenderest and best in
hiln-even his love?
Suddenly his hand trembled and ceased
it's passage, across the ehild's brow.
my God!'' and, for the second time that
day. he called upon the Father of Him
whom he had declared myth.
Bending down he looked intently into
the sleeping features. "Can it be?" he
murmured Can it be-
Noiselessly, he stole from the apart
ment, and went, himself, to open the
| front door for Tommy and Davies moth
er, whom he heard ascending the piazza
steps.
| The sun had risen and flashed into the
| dark hall as Tommy entered with the
slender, muffed figure of his companion.
Tommy said Mr.. Everitt, ''go very
softly into Davies room. He is sleep
| ing" And with one word Margaret :"
| ne stayed the steps of the mother who
would have rushed to her child.
She turned and threw back her veil,
rapidly unwinding the scarf from her
neck
'.Who are you that you should call me
Margaret" she asked, her large eyes
| fixed on hiS face ssYou who have cruelty