New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-09

said then laughed in shamefaced way. I'm go
But Bob returned to life suddenly; she slipped
from the table and caught his coat.
things: Yes, it won't take me a minute. You
must, as he tried away.
he looked at her, then moved uneasily.
you're funny kid" he said. An right. I'll
mae6 nen he so9e Ss d eSS at his q hands "1
expect q better wash them, hadn't T.
him. watching. until he turned into the inclosed
porch between the kitchen and the smokehouse.
Then she went back the kitchen and with a
funny little gesture she pressed both hands over
her mouth as if to suppress her delighted giggles.
While she danced from one foot TO the other in her
When the man returned he opened his eyes at
the repast which the child had laid out for him.
perfectly clean she assured him. with nervous
little laugh, as she tried to carry chair for him.
let me do it, and Bob sat in a chair opposite and
little uneasy at first but he evidently needed the
food, and ate hungrily.
Bob's eyes frightened as she saw him unfold
his napkin with little shake. and lay it across
his knee, and move his knife. fork and glass of
S Men slice of eG R 9 4 fn4 ham III ] d. and
small plate and covered the n thickIy with the
rich mayonnaise dressing Nell had made that
dulged in silent laughter.
When the last bite of apple pie vanished the
Thank YOU. little one. GOodby.' he said.
NO. YOU mustn't go yet" answered the child,
He moved resuessly and shook his head
Mothers don't want to tramps or peach
ne enid looked at him SraNelY. You are my
brother Jim she said.
the man snatched his cap from chair and
turned, but she was 100 quick for him.
IF you 90. III scream. and that will brighten
mother, ard she's sick Oh, aren't YOU my brother
What makes yeu think SOL he asked I'M
steadily. Bob laughed happily.
Cause YOU never asked where the holder
and you fixed the fire just like Nell does and
YOU put the Kettle in the basin without being told.
and you knew where the coal ] almost
YOU were Jim. for we're always expecting
you, you know. And then you didn't go the
pump to wash; you went to the little room where
Jim made the water run before ! born. But
I certain sure when YOU shook your napkin
and put the dressing on the tomatoes because
mother SAID Jim shook it like that. and he loved
them that way and father told Nell to Keep lots
of things in the pantry, cause Jim would be hum
Erv when he came in. he always was. And
watched, and you ate every little teeny bit
The hid his face in mis- against the
door, but Bob pulled him mpatently
Come to mother she coaXed
Together they through the long hall and
the sitting room to the shady porch where
Nell was ARRANGING her mothers pillows.
Mother" called the eager little "oice. I've
brought JIM And Bob danced wildly around the
group. where Jim aud Nell and mother were all
together the sofa.
Later she sat happily on the lap Of her peach
pluck. eating huge Slice of bread rich dark
peach butter, and listening Jim told Of his run
ming away because he wanted 10 see the world.
how lie had wandered ana worked ard tramped
for ten Whole wears. until the bitter inconsistencies
had driven him back again. lie had not meant
any ore to him. for he was ashamed bmt
thought some one else had bought the farm when
he saw the child there. He had known in was
his own little sister whom he had seen and whose
quichness had kept him from wandering away
again. '
II thought it Jim che chuczIed radiautiv
but Just knew for when ! gave him tbe
things to eat, and Inc ate them all"