Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1905-01-26

I
useless, but he did not mind them,
did not even give them thought.
The manager was particular to have
even the humblest of his employees
in harmony and sympathy with his
plars, ready to fall in with and furth-
er them. He had not even shown
proper gratitude for an offer that any
young man on the road would have
been glad to give up his present posi-
ton to accept. Would not that mean
his dismissal, just now when the switch
meant everything to him and his
brothsr2
But when he threw open the door
there was DO trace ofmisgivlng or un-
easiness in his face OF voice.
Hello, there, Will" he called out,
chserily; chow have you been getting
on to-day? Thought out some more
hard questions for me, suppose, an
studied over our lesson Of last night
until you've got every word an idea
of it fixed solidly in your mind, while
I've forgotten half mine. | wish l
had your memory. An say, Will;
when you do get out of this, think
some folks are goin to be surprised
at what you know. People think
when persons sick, he's just sick,
especially if he's stOck-still sick like
you. But then people don't know
everything. Now we'll put aside
your work for the day and see about
something to eat, eh?'
The hut contained but single
room, and in one corner of this was
the bed on which lay the boy, motion
less save for the restless turning Of
his eyes. Over him wsss crude frame
on which was an open book placed di.
rectlv in front Of his eyes. He could
not turn the leaves, but during the
long day the contents of those two
pages were studied and pondered over
until they were indehblY fixed upon
the strong mind. Only two pages;
but it had been going on for years,
and the accumulation of pages, and
the talk and lesson which the brothers
had each evening, had been the help
less boys education Ever since he
could remember he had ha the long
days to himself. for his brother had
always worked at one thing or an
other, but had never had regular
Job until he obtained the switch. And
ever since he could remember there
had been only they two.
Hello, Howard" be returned, in
the slow but perfectly contained voice
sometimes found in those who are
never free from pain, but who have
made themselves strong enough to
rise above mere bodily suffering; 81
am glad you are back 1t has been
an awful day for you, poor boy. You
must get of your wet things at once.
Yes" after thoughtful silence, dur
ing which his brother had been slip
ping out Of his wet garments, 81 have
had very good day. Th. doctors
visit always makes pleasant change.
It gives me something think about.
After he gets through with me be
stops and talks little, and tells me
about things. Then hs fixes my book
up again so can read. l wonder if
l really can get out sometime, and be
able to do strong work in the world,
as he is doing1"
"Of coursel" sharply; "hssn't he
told US both so7" He turned abruptly
and busted himself about starting q
FIRE, winking hard. He had been
familiar with that motionless form,
caring for it every day, for years;
but had never yet been able to see
the grave, questioning eyes roll toward
him, without the slightest motion Of
the head, and be conscious Of the in
domitable will imprisoned there, and
not feel a great sob of rebelliOus pro-
test rise in his throat and choke him.
"Did-did he say anything different
today"
mo, a grave, wondering JOY in
the voice; che spoke Of it as an abso-
lutely sure thing. After one or two
more visits he says will be ready
for the-the transformation; to get
up from my bed and walk-tO walk,
Howard" his voice trembling in spite
Of his control Of it. 81 can scarcely
comprehend the full meaning Of it, to
get up and walk. It's-it'sthe great
est thing l ever heard Of.
"oh, you'll coon get used toit, Will, -"
laughing, bat choking little. First
we know you'll be buntin' for job
Of cuttin' down trees or buildin >
houses-no, 1 mean tsachin' school