Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-04-27
Bill GOrdOr'S Jim
 By u. EDGAR WILTON COOLEY.
Copyright, 1903, by Daily Story Pub. co.>

"A rough pine box had been lowered into the grave; after the clergy 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 g. 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 bunch of violets.
 But the boy in the doorway did not 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 awkawardly to his feet and snatched the faded brown hat from his head.
 q have brought you some flowers" :" the girl said, simply, land want to say that I am-I 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 a tangle of wildrgrape vinesA 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 springdng, "oh, Bingo! mammy's dead an ain't got noboddy 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 bend in the road She smiled | and held out her hand. He took it, shy | ly, and stood, fumbling his hat. 1 ''You should congratulate me-" she said, after moment. "It is my birth day"
 ''I had birthday once," a gleam of 1 pleasant recollection in his eyes. "It was while mammy was alive. She made me some fried cakes, and we had dim ner outdoors-Bingo and me-"
 Didn't you invite aAybody?" the girl asked curiously.
 "No," he replied; 1T 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 I would have come," the girl | Ga1d, enGn
 "If have another birthday, some time, would you come ?"
 "Yes," she assented cheerily.
 "Then will-no, I can't" he replied, soberly; 'T forgot. I can't, because because-you know why I can't"
 There was tremble in his voice.
 "Yes, know" she said. "Your mother"
 She saw sudden tear glisten in his eye, and she cfept close to him and locked her arms around his neck. "I want to be your little sister. May I?'' she said. gingham shirt across his eyes and smiled in answer.
 ''I will always admire you," the girl continued, flor you are big and strong; and shall always love you, for you are lonely"
 When they reached the path that led to the boys home he paused.
 "Will you wait here just moment ?'' he asked. 'T have something for you 5
 "For me?" she replied, surprised.
 "Yes," he replied; something for your birthday.'' s4 lsa.s ..s.. .as I 88 " 4
 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 ently the boy reappeared, leading a yellow dog tied to rope.
 "You will not be disappointed? he asked anxiously, noticing the wonder on her face. 1T am sorry it is all ] have. His name is Bingo. Nanny got him for me when he was only pup.''
 He held the end of the rope toward her and she reached out her hand and took it and tried to speak, but could not.
 For moment the boy glanced across the meadows, carpeted with young clover and bluegrass. Then he turned silently into the path.
 But the girl caught him by the sleeve