The Jennings daily record., 1902-12-20
llll|llllllllllllilllNlNY'|''|lk
!: IHE Thank SGIvING Z
,
That ROBIN HAD :

+ Possibly two months, not longer
had they been living in the town, but
during that time misfortune had
stalked into the midst of the Parker
family, bringing severe sickness to the
father, anxiety to a careworn mother,
and hunger to six little mouths. How
that mother worked and worked
at the heavy washings, which she
took in. And yet money came
all too slowly for DRESSINGS needs,
and things were so very dear. In
fact, as she often said, il it were not
for Robin, the eldest of the family,
she'd never be able tc keep up.
But Robin. with the courage of ma
turer years, assumed his share Of the
family cares and it had given him a
serious expression not generally be-
longing to boy Of eleven. He sold
papers in the evening, and the money
from this source, together with that
received from whatever odd jobs he
could ind about town, was always i'm.
mediately placed in his mothers hands
for the common welfare.
Mr. Parker had been unable to pro-
cure steady employment for some time
back. and the constant worry and anx-
iety which this caused had at last over
come his strength. The little hoard
of money which had been put by for
just such an emergency was a great
help just then. but there is limit
to everything, and the frequent drafts
made upon it for Doctors bills and
other necessary expenses had soon ex-
hausted it.
And now the long winter was not
far off and the Parkers were in no con-
dition to meet it. November had ar
rived, and, although the worst of his
illness was over, the father was not
yet able to work.
Things were in this condition when
thanksgiving Day dawned. 1t was
cold morning and the sky gave prom
Use of a storm before night. The wind
chilled Robin to the bone as he saun-
tered out to gather fuel for the day.
He bent his steps towards Dickson's
sawmill, which was at no great dis
tance from the Parkers' house, and
where he usually went to gather wood.
The mill was closed for the day, and
nobody was in sight when Robin ar
rived and began to gather together the
strips and pieces lying about, partially
embedded in the sawdust.
He had been thus engaged for min
ute or more when his attention was
arrested by singing. Someone coming
down the street, was running over the
first verse of well-known ditty:
The north wind doth blow,
And we shall have snow,
And what will the Robin do then?
Poor-r thing"
The singing ceased just as the owner
of the voice came opposite the mill.
Robin glanced up and saw the bright,
ruddy face of boy of about his own
age, peering at him between the pick
cts OF the fence.
Hello, there!" called out the strang-
er familiarly.
"Hello!" returned Robin, and then
the face was withdrawn and the boy
jumped over the fence.
The newcomer was we'll protected
from the cold by woolen comforter
wound about his neck. and by mittens
of the same material.
'Whatcha doin'?" he asked. "Pickin'
up wood? Thought t first you's Harr
Armstrong Stranger in these parts,
amt your"
Robin acknowledged that he had not
been living long in the nefghborhood.
Say, what's your name?"
robin Parker"
Mines Pete Dickson. My father
owns this here place." jerking his head
towards the mill.
Does he?" asked Robin, looking up
"A man told me this wood was no
good; 'taint, is it?"
mai Come on an I'll help you fill
your basket" and he set to work with
a will.
II say, you look jolly cold" he re.
marked a moment later as he observed
the blush tint on the backs of Robins
hands. "Try the mitts."
Robin was going to object. but the
other wouldn't hear of it. so they were
slipped on, and how nice and warm
they felt!
know what day this is?"
Thanksgiving Day. replied Robin,
r.-ther surprised at such question.
Yep, amt you glad? Bet l am
We always have big Thanksgiving
dinner; an, say, amt it just dilly!
--N'yum! An see what my father
gimme lis mornin', to spend just s
j like
He fumbled in his pocket, drew forth
bright round dollar and proudly
held it out for inspection, then slipped
it back, entirely unconscious of the
longing it had created. Robin gulped
bravely at the lump that kept rising
in his throat as he thought of the