The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1901-10-18
WHEN SAM FOUND HIS COURAGE.
BY EIrzAnErH L. Gou1D.

near him. "Ie said If ever you want
ed to leave Moorby to let him know;
that he'd like to do something for n
boy with such a good brain, and a head
for figures. Those we're his words,
Sammy"
The boys thin face flushed as he
turned to look at his uncle, and ne
spoke with nervous quiclness:
Hes forgotten all about me long
before this, Uncle Hiram. Why, that
school exhibition was two years ago
last June, and the Judge didn't come
to Moorby last summer, you know /
should be afraid to 90 and ask any
favor of him."
81 wish you hadn't such bashful
streak in you, Sammy" said Uncle HI
ram. looking down at the boy with o
half-reproachful, wholly affectionate
smile. You're just like your poor pa.
4 better man never lived, but ne
wasn't built to get on in this world
and he didn't get on. was hoping
you might have a little more push than
your pa, Sammy, along with the good
ness. Now your mas gone, | could be
moved anywhere; or l could be put in
the county farm, Sammy, If 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, springing 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 boy s
eyes. 1--WE haven't got anything but
each other, either of us; but here am
lame so I'm no good to stir about;
hands all knotted up with rheumatics,
so l 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 l went
there yesterday morning the Judge was
sitting on the side piazza, but he didn't
know me-"
>-7 Ibid you make your manners e
him, and give him a good look at you
Sammy" asked the uncle, anXiously
II mistrust you kind of half-turned
your head away, or maybe the sur
was in his eyes,"
Il took off my cap the best I knew
how" said Sammy; "but he barely
nodded to me. He wasn't reading OF
anything, either"
Maybe he was calculating in his
head, suggested Mr.. Lane, quickly
glancing up at the boy, and then avert
ing his eyes. "You recall how he tolC
you he used to love to do those menta
sums, same as you did at the exhibit
ton, Sammy"
The boy shook his head, and stoot
for a moment looking across the field
up to the hill on which stood tn
judges house, it's windows cleaning
bright in the morning sun.
NO. he's just forgotten me, Uncl
Hiram, that's al" he said, after fey
moments of silence. I'm just one q
the country boys to him, and 1 CUES
that's all l ever shall be. He's tn
only one that could give me a chance
Now I must run over to Mrs. Lapham'
and finish piling her wood. Will 70
stay here and read till I come bac
at noon? The suns good and war;
today"
You'll find me sitting in my castl
same as you see me now" said M
Lane, cheerily. "Pay my respects
Mrs. Lapham, and tell her l wish sh
could get out to enjoy this beautifI
weather, but I always think of what
slightly view she has from that sout
window of hers. l took special moi
of it that day of the town celebrate
when I rode past the house, three year
back"
He'd counted on the judges know
ing him." said the crippled man. turf
ing his head YEARLY against the so
old cushion. Il know it just as we'll {
iE he'd said SO! IF the judge ha
shown signs of remembering hir
Sammy would have plucked up couraj