The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-03-26


ing his fingers to the outside OF his
bowl by way of warming them.
Bessie Warner has pancakes every
morning with lots and lots OF maple
syrup. We used to have good things
when Daddy was home. I wish he
would come back" and Daisy drew n
mite of a handkerchief from her apron
pocket and held it to her blue eyes.
'If that's all you want father home
for" Dick began indignantly. Then
he stopped suddenly. We've got
mother" he added lowering his voice.
But she's So sick
"Dick. come here please"
The boy pushed his chair back from
the table and entered an adjoining
room.
1T was such a good breakfast you
brought me. dear" his mother said
with a tender smile as he stood beside
her bed. II don't see how you manage
IL, Dick"
you needn't think | am going to
give you my recipe. ma'am,' laughed
the boy as he lifted the tray from the
coverlet.
you're such a comfort. Dick his
mother answered. Then she added as
he turned away, 81 shall be thankful
when | am able to make things comfy
again for you and Daisy"
Maybe | won't think it jolly. too"
Dick declared his face fairly beaming.
II am going to ask the doctor If |
may sit up a while today. And, Dick,
you won't forget to go TO the post
office this morning."
Dick did not answer Immediately.
But the threshold reached, he paused
and said slowly:
'Tuu won't count too much or get
ting a letter, mother?"
40. | won't. dear. But ! feel We
shall hear from your father today"
and Mrs. Fosters thin, white face
lighted hopefully az her boy left her.
ii was something to have a soldier
iatheri How proudly Dick straight
ened whenever he thought of 1t. But
it was more to have slcl, mother de-
pending upon him for certain things.
1t was this that made Dick stand loyal
ly my his mother His father had been
sent by his country away off TO the
| Philippines over year ago.
| Several letters, some containing
| money, had come from the father to
| The cottage on Lincoln street But for
| three months not a word had been
| bear from Mr.. Foster. But as olG D..
Hall said Where Dick is, sunshine
is." And the boys CHEEKY brave spirit
helped his mother to bear up during
this anxious time far more than he
ever dreamed of.
mo letters for you today, Dick, 4"
Mrs. Thompson at the village post
Office said when the boy asked for mail
| that morning.
A lump came suddenly into Dick S
throat and his eyes acquired an un-
wonted dimness. How could he go
back to his mother and watch the light
die out of her face at the news ne
bore? She had been so sure there
would BE- letter
Gone on, Di:l;; we're going nut
ting" SAID a voice at his elbow.
Dick turned to find a scnoolmate
standing beside him.
There's loads of 'em on Hickory
lill. come or"
For e mclncrt Dick was tempted TO
yield. II would be easier going NIT.
ting than facing his mother. Besides,
it would he time enough to tell her
the Disappointing news later on. But
only for moment did Dick hesitate
Dick came of soldier stock, you will
remember.
II can't go today. Ned" he said.
And turning. made his way home,
His mother heard his footstep as he
entered the kitchen and called him to
her side.
Coming" he answered and stood as
If fastened to the floor. He had not
decided yet, though he had been try
ing all the way from the postofflce
how best to tell his mother there was
no letter.
Dick, dear, come quickly" How
eager the voice sounded. Dick felt his
legs trembled.
Then Daisy danced out of the bed
room to meet him. you've been so
long, Dick" she cried. There Is a
letter from daddy. Mr.. Thompson
gave 1t to Or. Hall to bring to mamma.
There's money in it and daddy is COM
ing home and mamma says Wen have
pan"
But Dick had flown past Daisy to
his mother.
Mrs. Thompson said there was no
letter and | was afraid to tell you,
and-and it's been so long since we
saw father, and oh! I'm so glad"
Here Dick stopped suddenly and hid
his face in the coverlet. But mothers
don't tell, and Dick was only 10, you
see, and sometimes it had been pretty
stiff work keeping brave front.
But by the time Daisy tiptoed back
from the pantry, whittier she had been
to make sure that the griddle was
quite ready to fry pancakes on, Dicks