The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1901-11-09

You know what the judge told yo
at the 'cademy exhibition, Sammy,
said Hiram Lane, slowly, his eye
fixed on the boy stretched on the gras
near him. He said if ever you want
ed to leave Moorby to let him know
that he'd like to do something for
boy with such good brain, and heat
for figures. Those were his words
Sammy"
The boys thin face flushed as h
turned to look at his uncle, and h,
spoke with nervous quickness:
Hes forgotten all about me Ions
before this, Uncle Hiram. Why, tina
school exhibition was two years age
last June, and the judge didn't come
to Moorby last summer, you know.
should be afraid to go and ask any
favor of him"
81 wish you hadn't such a bashful
streak in you, Sammy" said Uncle Hi.
ram, looking down at the boy with a
half-reproachful, wholly affectionate
smile. You're just like your poor pa.
A better man never lived. but he
wasn't built to get on in this world.
and he didn't get on. I was hoping
you might have little more push than
your pa Sammy, along with the good
ness. Now your mas gone, could be
moved anywhere; or could be put in
the county farm, Sammy, II so be 1t
seemed best for you to strike out to the
city alone I'm nothing but helpless
old hulk, any way"
Don't you say that again. Uncle
Hiram! Don't you dare to-" cried the
boy, fiercely. springlng to his feet. and
rushing like a whirlwind upon the
figure In the old armchair. Aren't
you all I've got in the world that be-
longs to me? Do you suppose I'd go
away and leave you for the town to
take care Of? I'd deserve to be hung"
Sho, now. Sammy" said the occu-
pant of the armchair, gently. as he saw
the hot tears that stood in the boys
eyes. 1--WE haven't got anything but
each other, either of us; but here ami,
lame SO I'm no good to stir about;
hands all knotted up with rheumatics.
80 can't use 'em, and you just spend
ing lour days distributing milk, and
saving and splitting, which any boy
with no such head for figures as you've
got could do full as well. How much
did you earn last week. Sammy"
Only three dollars, Uncle Hiram"
answered the boy, slowly. you know
my work Is always slack after the sum-
mer people have gone. The Judge and
his family are going next week. Their
hired girl told me to have Mr. Sargent
make out the milk bill When went
there yesterday morning the Judge was
sitting on the side piazza. but he didn't
know me-
did you make your manners 20
him, and give him good look at you.
Sammy" asked the uncle, anxiously
Il mistrust you kind of half-turned
your head away. or maybe the sun
was in his eyes,"
Il took off my cap the best knew
how" said Sammy; "but he barely
nodded to me. He wasn't reading or
anything, either"
Maybe he was calculating in his
glancing up at the boy, and then avert
ing his eyes. You recall how he told
you he used to love to do those mental
sums, same as you did at the exhibit
ton, Sammy"
The boy shook his head, and stood
for a moment looking across the fields
UP to the hill on which stood the
judges house. its windows cleaning
bright in the morning sun.
mo. he's just forgotten me, Uncle
Hiram, that's all" he said. after a few
moments of silence. I'm just one of
the country boys to him. and | guess
that's all ever shall be. He's the
only one that could give me a chance.
Now must run over to Mrs Lapham's
and finish piling her wood Will you
stay here and read till l come bacl-
at noon? The suns good and warm
today"
You'll find me sitting in my castle,
same as you see me now" said Mr..
Lane, cheerily. PAY my respects to |
Mrs. Lapham. and tell her / wish she
could get out to enjoy this beautiful |
weather, but l always think of what a
slightly view she has from that south |
window of hers. took special note |
when rode past the house, three years |
back"
The CHEEKY smile fingered on Uncle
Hiram's face till the boy was well out
Of sight beyond the turn in the road,
and then it gave place to look of
patient pain.
He'd counted on the judges know
ing him." said the crippled man, turn
ing his head YEARLY against the soft
old cushion. Il know 1t just as well as
it he'd said SO! "If the Judge had
shown signs of remembering him,
Sammy would have plucked up courage
to ask him IL there was any chance
for him down below. Don't l know
how he's kept at his study evenings
when he's been most too tired to sit
up? Seventeen years old last week,
and going to be hived up here all win
ter. and only just earn enough to keep
us a-going!"
Mr.. Lane pounded on the ground
with his crutch in excitement, and
scared away a squirrel which was on a
journey to neighboring elm.
Poor little creatur'! didn't mean
to fright you." said Uncle Hiram. re-
gretfully: "but I just recollect that
asked me IL I'd full as soon
call him SAM now he's seventeen, and
I've clean forgotten 1t ever since till
this minute! And he such a boy, and
me such drag on him. and forgetting
such an easy thing as that! I'll get
my mouth fixed for it when he comes
back. SAM I'll say to him. Sam. I'm
glad to see you back. Sam; and, Sam,