Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-09-26

Ou KNOW Wudl luc JuutS WV ~"
at the 'cademy exhibition, Sammy,
said Hiram Lane, slowly, his eyes
fixed on the boy stretched on the grass
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 a good brain, and head
for figures. Those were his Worcs,
Sammy"
The boys thin face flushed as he
turned to look at his uncle, and he
spoke with nervous quickness:
Hes forgotten all about me long
before this, Uncle Hiram. Why. that
school exhibition was two years ago
last June, and the judge didnt come
to Moorby last summer, you know. l
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
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. 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, 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, springng 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 Ia 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 am,
lame so I'm no good to stir about;
hands all knotted up with rheumatics,
so 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 we'll. 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
aired 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-
Did you make your manners 20
aim and give him a good look at you.
sammy?" asked the uncle. anXiousy
4 mistrust you kind of half-turned
your head away, or maybe the sun
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 or
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 told
you he used to love to do those mental
sums, same as you did at the eXhibi'
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, it's windows cleaning
bright in the morning sun.
'No, he's just forgotten me, Uncle
Hiram, that's all" he said. after few
moments of silence. I'm just one Of
the country boys to him. and guess
that's all I ever shall be. He's the
only one that could give me chance.
Now must run over to Mrs. Lepham 5
and finish piling her wood. Will YOU
stay here and read till l come baci'
at noon? The suns good and warm
:oday."
You'll find me sitting in my castle,
same as you see me now" said Mr..
Lane, chcerily. PAY my respects to
Mrs. Lapham, and tell her l wish She
could get out to enjoy this beautiful
weather, but always think of what a
slightly view she has from that south
window of hers. l took special note
OF it that day of the town celebration
when rode past the house, three years
back"
The CHEEKY smile fingered on Uncle
Hiram's face till the boy was we'll 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 wearily against the soft
old cushion. 81 know it just as well as
IL he'd said so! 'If the judge had
shown signs of remembering him.
Sammy would have plucked UP courage
to ask him if 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