The Colfax chronicle., 1903-06-13
Bill GordOn'S Jim
By
EDGAR WELToN COOLEY.
tCspyright. isos. BY Daily story Pub. co.,

into the grave; after the clergy
man had spoken few wordi
of hope and consolation; afte
the hymn had been sung ant
the small gathering of neighbour
had solemnly filed away, conten
in the self-consciousness that they
had given the poor woman a Christian
burial, bill Gordon's Jim" walked
slowly along the road that led to thu
black, tottering shack he called his
home.
When he reached the door of ths
cabin, the boy sat down upon the
steps and rested his chin in his hand
He was not used to tears. His young
life had been so full of bitterness that
he had grown strangely stoical, al.
most Indifferent. So his eyes were dry
as he sat, gazing silently at his bare
feet.
yellow dog came around the cor
ner OF the house, and. seeing his young
master, wagged his tail. But Jim did
not move. For moment the dog
gazed expectantly into the boys face,
then licked his hand and lay down
at his side.
And presently young girl came up
the path that led from the road. Her
face was fair; her eyes were blue;
her hair, hanging down her back, was
black as ebony. In her hand she car
ried bunch of violets.
But the boy in the doorway did not
4 10 o1etn hse L
ow fell upon the ground beside him.
Then he glanced up, suddenly, and saw
her standing silently before him, her
eyes all shining wet with tears, the
flowers extended towards him.
He shambled awkawardly to his feet
and snatched the faded brown hat
from his head.
II have brought you some flowers"
the girl said, simply, "and l want to
say that AMI am so sorry for YOU"
He reached out his hand, dumbly,
and took the blossoms from her. He
tried to speak, but could only stand,
with bowed head. while the girl turned
and went her way.
He watched her silently until she dis
appeared behind tangle of wild-grape
vines, and then, sinking upon his
knees, he threw his arms around the
dogs neck and buried his head upon
the beasts shaggy coat.
"Bingo," he sobbed, the hot tears
springing, "oh, Bingo! mammy's dead
an 1 amt got nobody now-noboddy
but jest you an dad, Bingo."
When "Bill Gordon's Jim" again met
the girl, she was standing under the
fragrant blossoms of a crab-apple
tree at bend in the road. She smiled
and held out her hand. He took it, shy
ly. and stood, fumbling his hat.
You should congratulate me-" she
said, after moment. ''It is my birth
day"
They were walking along the road
towards her home. Sunshine and
shadow fell in alternating stretches
upon the highway. The air was full
OF the sweetness of early summer.
High in the blue sky a chicken-hawk
slowly circled. From somewhere in
the timber came the tinkling of cow
bell. The boy dug his toes in the dust |
as he trudged along.
IL had birthday once" CLEAN of |
pleasant recollection in his eyes. "It |
NASHVILLE nanny was alive. She made
me some fried cakes, and we had din
ner outdoors-Bingo and me-"
Didn't you invite anybody?" the
girl asked curiously.
mo" he replied; 81 didn't know apy-
body that thought would come. So
we just drove some sticks in the
ground and played they were COM
pany."
But / would have come" the girl
said. enthusiastically.
III L have another birthday. some
time, would you Gomez"
"Yes," she assented cheerily.
"Then 1 will-no, can't" he replied.
soberly; II forgot. can't, because
because-you know why 1 can't"
There was tremble in his voice.
"Yes, l Know" she said. "Your
mother"
She saw sudden tear glisten in his
eye, and she crept close to him and
locked her arms around his neck. T
want to be your little sister. Nav I?'
she said.
He brushed the sleeve of his faded
Bingham shirt across his eyes and
smiled in answer.
II will always admire you," the girl
"for you are big and strong;
ind shall always love you, for you are
onely."
When they reached the path that led
o the boys home he paused. S
"Will you wait here just a moment ?~ a
'e asked. 81 have something for you."
For me?' she replied, surprised. (
"Yes," he replied; something for I
our birthday" y
He disappeared around the corner of (
he house and she waited, listening to i
he music of the river and the song of a
robin in the top of an elm tree. Pres i
ntly the hoy resppeared. leading q
ellow dog tied to rope.
She watched him curiouslv az \. =
escended the path toward her. and
here the wild grapevines partly hid
i'm from her sight she saw him kneel Il
/ the grass and throw his arms around
he dogs neck .Rut vhap bo avna~-.s G.