Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1904-08-22


The Power of Love.
Ted. you must look out for that new
mule | bought yesterday" said Mr..
Willard one summers morning She's
the ugliest brute that ever wore a har-
ness. So don't get near her head or
heels, Ted. or that's the last Of you
Ted's blue eyes opened wide. He
had been found by Mr.. Willard down
Philadelphia; and, as his parents were
dead and the uncle with whom he
lived cruelty abused and almost starv
ed him. Mr.. Willard was touched with
pity. Not that he was a good boy
oh, no. When he used to come TO the
meetings and Sunday school it seemed
to be just for the purpose Of making
a noise and trying to break up the
meeting. But after awhile Ted show
ed fondness for Mr.. Willard; and lit
tie by little he got Ted's story.
One day he called Ted to him and
said. Ted, how would you like to go
into the country and work on my
farm
Bully" was the hearty IL not -ee-
CANT answer
Would you like to feed the cattle,
clean the barn. carry water and do
odd chores!"
Yer bet yer boots" he retorted
grimly.
Mr. I'd had to smile as he said.
We'll, | don't bet. Ted; but, If you
come to my factory Tomorrow at
o'clock sharp I'll take you upon the
train with me-"
'l'll come. sir. shure," he answered
in his strong Irish brogue.
He was Il little fellow for II years.
large boned and very thin: and. when
dressed in his big blue overalls. cot
ton shirt and large hat, he resembed
scarecrow not a little-that is, when
his back was to one. Nor WAS his
face any handsomer 1t was large.
pale and pinched looking. covered with
mass of unsightly freckles.
1t was now several months since
Ted had left the great city; and he
had Just begun to look more like other
boys. and II, looked upon as part Of
the farm.
After breakfast Mr.. Willard had to
go down to the barn for something.
before driving down to the station to
take the train for the city: and, as
he entered he heard some one talking
Who could it be: A vague fear seized
him that Ted had perhaps got some
boys over from some OF the farms
round about. and that they were up
TO mischief.
He shut the door softly and crept up
little to big crack. where he could
look through into the main part: and
there he saw Ted. ali alone. just in
front of the ugly mule. Mr.. Willard
could hardly keep from laughing, as
he saw the quaint little figure standing
and looking so solemnly into the mules
big brown eyes.
Poor mule" he was saying. ten
derry. I'm so sorry for yer. Yer've
been treated bad | know, and phaps
didn't get enough to eat. and that's
4
sorry for yer"
Ted's voice was so full Of genuine
sympathy: and If Mule didn't under
stand his words, she seemed TO un-
derstand the tone
Now" continued Ted, Il don't be
lieve it's yer fault you're so ugly, and
you've come to a good place. Yer'll
get plenty to eat and drink. and every
body'l be kind to yer. Now, you must
be- good. too want yer to; and be
lieve yer will be good. too
1t really did SEEM from the look in
Mules eyes, as If she Understood: and
way down in his heart Ted felt sure
that all this vicious mule needed was
some one to love her. to make her
good They seemed to have something
in common: and Ted, encouraged by
her kindly look, went up and put his
arms around her neck. "We'l be
friends won't WEI" he said. laying his
freckled cheek against Mules rough
coat. Il know what it is to be beaten
myself. and not have enough to eat.
But we'll be friends. won't we? And
you're going to be good mule
Mr.. Willard felt big lump in his
throat and mist gathered in his eyes.
SO he slipped out as quietly as he
came In.
! After this Ted spent all his spare
time with Mule; and, wonderful as 1t