Waterbury Democrat., 1901-08-31


 ''In the spring she watches for ths very first sign of green on the old apple tree," sammy rushed on, nev. CT taking his eyes from the judges face, "and she sees it, too. And then when the blossoms come and are in full bloom, why, that's her happiest time, sir. That long, ,straggly branch, :" the boy pointed to one arm of the old tree as he spoke, slies right across her window. sir, with the vii. lows behind it. You see, way across the road the meadow space between the apple tree and the willows doesn'i 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 of across the meadow, drawing the blade of grass through his fingers.
 That's all, sir,'' faltered Sammy "but-but I thought you wouldn't perhaps you wouldn't have the trees cut if you knew, for Mrs. Lapham has such very little pleasure, sir, and she's feeling so sad about tha trees.''
 ssUml I'm sorry for that" said the judge, turning his keen eyes toward the boy at last. s'I suppose you're overrun with pleasure yourself, arn't you-like most of the rest of us?''
 ''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. s'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 picture for Mrs. Lapham.' 7 said the judge. Then, as the men moved away, he turned again to the boy.
 Its pity you'd rather help run a milk route than learn to. be an ac- countant," he said, in his former curt tone. ''I'm rather disappointed in what I hear of you now. I thought you had ambition
 Sammy's face grew scarlet again and his lips trembled, but he kept his eyes fixed bravely on the judges.
 "I think-I am anxious to do some thing better, sir,' he said, slowly. "But I'd thought you had forgotten all about me, and didn't like to say anything, andI have my uncle to support, Judge Saunders.''
 sI never forget Q face,' said the judge, briskly, ''and you can earn <>f than you ever can here. I'll call to see your uncle this afternoon, and have talk with him. Now you'd bet ter go back to Mrs. Lapham and ease her mind. I'm not sure that you wouldn't make a good Advocate" he added, with Q grim smile.
 As the boy turned to go he looked up at the Lapham window, and his grave young face broke into smile
 t'How glad she'll be, sir!" he said. ''I 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, divide by two, subtract five, add three, multiply by eleven, divide by four, add two, divide by seven, multiply by six, divide by ten-aud what do you haye?" a . t |
 The judge had spoken as rapidly as his tongue could move, but none too fast for sammy.
 ..Three, sir" came the instant re- ply, delivered quietly.
 'sWell call that thanks" said the judge, calmly. T have three boys, and not one of them can add 12 and 13 without pencil and paper. Good by!"
 When Mrs. Lapham, crying softly for joy, had been left behind, and a whirlwind had fallen upon Uncle Hi ram 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 permitting, will never call you Sammy again. ."-Youth's Companion.