Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1903-06-04
Bill GOrdOn'S Jim
By
EDGAR WELT0N COOLEY.
CoOpyrIght, lSOS. BY Daily story Pub. Coz

~ 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 a Christian
burial, "Biu 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.
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
f~14n his head
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 a 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, sob, 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 tookit, shy
ly, and stood, fumbling his hat.
''You should congratulate me-" she
said. after a moment. at is my birth
day"
81 had a birthday once" CLEAN OF
pleasant recollection in his eyes. at
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; Il didn't know any
body that 1 thought would come. So
we lust drove some sticks in the
ground and played they were com
pany."
'But I would have come" the girl
said, enthusiastically.
eff I have another birthday, some
time, would you Gomez"
eyes" she assented cheerily.
"Then will-no, can't" he replied
soberly; 81 forgot. can't, because
because-you know why I can't"
There was tremble in his voice.
eyes, I know" she said. "You1
mother"
She saw sudden tear glisten in his
eve, and she crept close to him and
locked her arms around his neck. 81
want to be your little sister. May ~
she said.
He brushed the sleeve of his faded
gingham shirt across his eyes and
smiled in answer.
ct will always admire you" the CIR
continued, "for you are big and strong;
and shall always love you, for you are
lonely"
When they reached the path that lee
to the boys home he paused.
evil you wait here just a moment"
he asked. 81 have something for you
'For me?" she replied, surprised.
eyes" he replied; something fol
your birthday"
He disappeared around the corner OF
the house and she waited, listening tC
the music of the river and the song o.
a robin in the top of an elm tree. Pres
emily the boy reappeared, leading
yellow dog tied to rope.
"You will not be disappointed7" HI
asked anxiously, noticing the wonde
on her face. 81 am sorry it is all
have. His name is Bingo. Nanny go
him for me when he was only pup"
He held the end of the rope TOWARD
her and she reached out her hand ant
took it and tried to speak, but coulC
not.
For a moment the boy glanced acros
the meadows, carpeted with youn!
clover and bluegrass. Then he turned
silently into the path.
But the girl caught him by the sleeve
ooh" she cried, 81 cannot tax
your" She paused suddenly as
shadow of disappointment swep
across his face. 81 mean that-tha
you are good and brave and generous
and 1 appreciate your present bette
than anything else have received
But I want you to keep Bingo for me
viii you not? A boy can take so mucl
better care of dog than a girl can
and when want him to play with
will come to you and we will play wit
him together"
She stopped and patted the dog
sha GOV coat and when she raised he