Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-09-26
Its the tree, sir!" cried Sammy, his


gray ones. Mrs. Lapham is an in
valid; it's years since she could leave
her bed, sir. Her husband pulls it up
to the window every morning before
he goes off to work, SO She can look
out. She can see just strip Of sky
and this piece of your meadow; your
willows and the old apple-tree are her
picture, all she has to look at"
The judge stopped to pick up a long
blade of grass as the boy stopped for
breath, but did not interrupt Hill. John
Roberts and the other men stood open
mouthed behind their employer.
''In the spring she watches for the
very first sign of green on the old
apple-tree," Sammy rushed on, never
taking his eyes from the judges face,
land she sees it, too. And then when
the blossoms come, and are in full
bloom, why, that's her happicst time,
sir. That long, straggly branch" the
boy pointed to one arm of the old tree
as he spoke. 'lies right across her win
dow, sir, with the willows behind it.
You see, way across the road the
meadow space between the apple-tren
and the willows doesn't show; they
look close together, all in her picture"
Sammy paused. and the flush faded
from his face, leaving it unusually
pale. The judge stood looking off
across the meadow, drawing the blade
of grass through his fingers.
That's all, SIR" faltered Sammy,
"but-but l thought you wouldn't
perhaps you wouldn't have the trees
cut if you knew, for Mrs. Lapham has
such a very little pleasure, sir, and
she's feeling so sad about the trees
"Um! I'm sorry for that said .le
Judge, turning his keen eyes 'oward
the boy at last. 81 suppose you're over
run with pleasure yourself, aren't you
like most of the rest of u.s."
Sir" stammered the boy.
do those old willows over there
come into your friends picture?' asked
the man, abruptly, pointing to clump
far along the little meadow brook.
'Oh, no, sir" said Sammy, quickly.
"She can't see those at ALL"
Take the men over there Roberts,
and begin work at once. These trees
may stand as long as they're needed to
make a picture for Mrs. Lapnam."
| said the judge. Then, as the men
moved away he turned again to the
| boy.
Its a pity you'd rather help RIM a
milk route than learn to be an account
ant" he said, in his former curt tone.
I'm rather disappointed in what |
hear of you now. l thought you had
ambition
Sammy's face grew scarlet again ard
his lips trembled, but he kept his eyes
fixed bravely on the judges.
Il Think am anxious to do some
thing better, SIR" he said, slowly. But
| | thought you'd forgotten all about NE.
and didn't like to say anything, and
| i have my uncle to support, Judge
| Saunders"
'I never forget face" said the
/ Judge. briskly. and you can earn more
money in an Office | know of than you
ever can here. I'll call to see your
uncle this afternoon. and have talk
with him. Now you'd better go bacs
! to Mrs. Lapham and ease her mind.
| I'm not sure that you wouldn't maxi e
a good advocate" he added, with a
grim smile Perhaps | shall be de-
/ frauding the law if l get you start. l
/ in business
AS the boy turned to go he looked
up at the Lapham window, and his
grave young face broke into smile.
How glad she'll be, sir!" he sa a..
81 don't see how can thank you-for
her and for myself"
Look here!" said the Judge laying
his hand on the boys shoulder. Listen
to me- Take seven. multiply by four
uivide by two, subtract five. add three
multiply by eleven, divide by four, add
two. divide by seven, multiply by six,
divide by ten-and what do you have?'
The judge had spoken as rapidly as
fast for Sammy.
Three. sir" came the instant reply,
delivered quietly, with shining eyes.
We'll call that thanks" said the
Judge. calmly. Il have three boys. and
not one of them can add twelve and
thirteen without pencil and paper.
Good-by,"
When Mrs. Lapham, crying softly
for joy. had been left behind, and a
whirlwind had fallen upon Uncle
Hiram Lane. and made clear to his
mind the mornings news, the lame
man set his lips for self-appointed
task.
SAM" he said, carefully, you de-
serve it all, and. Sam, your old uncle
is glad. Sam, and from this day on,
Providence permttinf;. l will never
call you Sammy again! n!"-Youth's s
Companion.