Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1901-10-27


Mrs. Hardwood. dropping her fresh
batch OF doughnuts. ono by one" We'll.
he won't be home afore noon.
II was not thinking OF that, Maria
sa,d Michael Hardwood, gently. IL
occurred TO me that. perhaps, since you
had no children of your own
THAT l., MI my house with all the
nauper children OF the neighoorhood,
sa,d Mrs. Hareyood. No. Michael
Hardwood. you're mistaken there l
wouldn't have Jim Hales young ones
in my house after the way Kate treateu
YOU. not IL | was TO be paid a dollar
day. And besides, amt matron oil
the poorhouse."
Then what are they 10 DOR
Mrs Hardwood shrugged her hony
shoulders.
IT'S no business OF mine" she said
indinerently. Nor | amt going 10
concern myself in IL"
Michael Hardwood went back to the
| room where the two little orphans were
| admiring a gsudy. stuffed parrot that
swung from the ceiling.
Children" said he. get on your
| things"
Amt US TO stay here?" piteously de-
| manded Becky. I'm 80 tired and SO
hungry, We didn't have any break
fast this morning
| please. Mr.. Hardwood. said Billy,
where are we to so? Nobody wants
| u.s..
II want you.s said Michael Hare
wood his heart giving u great Jump as
he saw Hates old look shining out OF
the wistful, upturned face of the child.
| "You shall be my little ones heneefor-
ward"
There was no lack of talk and gossip
| in the neighborhood when Michael
| Hardwood left his brothers house ana
set up housekeeping for himself In
little unoecupied cabin just on the
verge of the woods. with the little Hale
children proteges and companions.
Michael Hardwood was an artist by
profession--one of those erratic, irres-
uiar geniuses who seldom make mueh
money, yet possess natures OF genuine
| gold. He paid little attention to the
huzz of the neighbors. the sarGfsms Oh
the world In general, but painted Sc
renely on. disposng of his pictures a'
| ludicrously small prices as fast as they
we're laid off his easel
For II isn't as II could walt Tor a
| good chance" said he. They must
sell at any figure, the little people can't
starve"
So the three led strange, eccentric
life. Little Becky swept and dustea
and did what she could. Billy brought
water. weeded the onion beds and made
himself generally useful, and Michae'
HARDWOOD did all the rest. When there
CHANGED TO be meat enough Tor tnret
he ate and was thankful. When there
was not his meal was Off yesatao'es
and he told the children 1t was for hi'
heaIth's sake.
Don't. you love Uncle Michael
Becky" said the little boy one nlgh'
when Michael had tucked them safeiy
ND in bed and heard their simple pray
ers
Yes" said Becky, rearing up IN mel
little patchwork covered nest Aho
when grow up mean to marry hiin'
Michael Hardwood, smoking MS pipe
under the window below, heard the ht-
file voices. and his heart grew SOL
within him.
God bless the little ones. he muir
INJURED And God bless Kate, where
ever she may be-"
Kate was nearer than he thought.
Have yer heard the news SAID inc
widow Castleberry to Mrs. Hare"ooo
Kate Hales come back.
Hump" was Mrs. HARDWOOD com
ment. "A bad penny always returns
Who does she suppose is going to run
after her now?'
"Ah. but" said Widow Casteoerry
warging her head, "yon didn't hear me
through. She's widow! And shes
as rich as Croesus,'
mo" said Mrs Hardwood. ut ain'
possible"
But it is, though" said the WIDOW
Wears diamonds as big as dewdrops
and a black silk dress as viii stand
alone for richness, and has her maid as
genteel as the Queen of the Canniba
Islands"
"Ah. dear dear" said Mrs. Hare
wood. Wonders never will cease
Them children will be brought up like
prince and princess now. ! suppose
I most wish I d taken them myself, rs
Michael wanted me to do
For once the tongue Of rumor was
correct. Kate Hale, now Mrs. Alden