Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1903-08-20
Bill GOrdOn'S Jim
By
EDGAR wELToN COOLEY.

man had spoken a few words
of hope and consolation; after
the hymn had been sung and
the small gathering of neighbors
had solemnly filed away, content
IN the self-consciousness that they
had given the poor woman Christian
burial, bill Gordon's Jim" walked
slowly along the road that led TO the
black, tottering shack he called his
home.
When he reached the door of the
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.
A yellow dog came around the cor
ner of the house, and, seeing his young
master, wagged his tail. But Jim did
not move. For a moment the dog
gazed expectantly into the boys face,
then licked his hand and lay down
at his side.
And presently a 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 a bunch of violets.
sha l,x~ sf 81 4 ls9 ,,lt
raise his head or stir until her shad-
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 awl1awardly 70 his feet
and snatehed the faded brown hat
from his head
81 have brought you some flowers, Z"
the girl said, simply, "and 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
ana went ner 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,r he sobbed, the hot tears
springing. ooh, 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 crab-apple
tree at a bend in the road. She smiled
and held out her hand. He took it, shy
", and stood, fumbling his hat.
"You should congratulate me-" she
said. after a moment at is my birth
day"
81 had a birthday once" a CLEAN Of
pleasant recollection in his eyes. ut
was while nanny was alive. She made
me some fried cakes. and we had din
ner outdoors-Bingo and me"
"DidnF you invite anybody" the
girl asked curiously.
NO" he replied; 81 didn't know any
body that I 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.
"If / have another birthday, some
time, would you Gomez
"Yes." she assented cheerily.
"Then will-no, can't" he replied,
soberly; Il forgot. | can't, because
because-you know why can't"
There was tremble in his voice.
ayes. know" she said. "Your
mother"
She saw sudden tear glisten in his
eve. and she crept close to him and
locked her arms around his neck. Il
want to be your little sister. May II"
she said.
He brushed the sleeve of his faded
bingham shirt across his eyes and
smiled in answer.
81 will always admire you" the girl
continued, "for you are big and strong;
and shall always love you, for you are
lonely"
When they reached the path that led
10 the boys home he paused
"will you wait here just moment?'
he asked. 81 have something for you"
FOR me?" she replied, surprised.
eyes" he replied; something for
your birthday"
He disappeared around the corner Of
the house and she waited. listening to
the music of the river and the song Of
a robin in the top Of an elm tree. Pres
emily the boy reappeared, leading
yellow dog tied 10 a rope.
"You will not be disappointed?' he
asked anxiously. noticing the wonder
IN her face. II am sorry it is all
have. His name is lingo. Nanny got
him for me when he was only pup"
He held the end Of the rope toward
her and She reached ont her hand and
took it and tried to speak, but could
not.
For a moment the boy glanced across