The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1906-08-30

you do as you're told" she cried,
catching Jessica by the shoulders and
trying to shake her. you say you
want to work for llvin'; prove it by
waltin' on your betters."
Jessica set her teeth hard, broke
from the quavery hold and rushed
away. At the steps she stopped,
smiled bitterly and shook the dust
from her feet. Over her shoulder she
called clearly, Mother, meet me at the
big gate in an hour; by then l shall
know exactly what we can do"
Ten minutes later she stood in the
Wakefield yard facing Jimmy, with
her heart beating SO it half suffocated
her. She had so dreaded to tell what
must be told-to ask the help that was
imperative. 1t was not much, only to
carry her mother and their scant be-
longings to the poorhouse. Any shelter
would be better than the Cole roof.
There was nobody else she could ask.
Jimmy was the only friend within
walking dlstance-moreover, the single
person to whom she could bring her.
self to make such appeal. She was,
In way, bound to make It, She had
promised, when she denied him that
dearer promise, to call on him If she
found herself in need of him. Now
she was blessing him silently that he
had not asked anything; had listened
only to what she cared to tell and
said afterward, with a little soothing
touch on her hand. You did right to
come to me, Jessy OF course III take
you anywhere you may want to CO."
You. you must only send us. Black
Billy can take US in the wagon.
Grandma will be SO angry If she knows
you helped us escape" Jesslca had
answered, but at that Jimmy only
smiled
Very shortly he made her sit down
on the bench under the big elm and
went away whistllng, to reappear, all
In a whiffet, driving a spanking pair,
which drew double seated vehicle
spick and span.
81 think we'd better make the trip
quick one" was all he said in an
swer to Jessy's expostulation.
Almost before she knew 1t she was
sitting beside him, bowling along the
turnpike at the teams best pace. AS
quickly her mother was gathered DIP,
and, the hand luggage properly be-
slowed, Jimmy amazed Jessy by cid
ding her sit behind, adding, II want to
talk to mammy-and these horses don't
let me turn my head for any consider
able time"
Jessy began to feel desperately lone
ly-she could not even divert herself
by watching the dazzle of the flying
spokes as the wheels spun round.
Jimmy was driving very fast, and
keeping to the turnpike. 1t must be he
meant to take them through town
that, no doubt, accounted for his choice
of a rig She knew he hated a shabby
outfit-especially upon Saturdays and
court days. 1t might be he had bust
ness that could not wait-but some
how she felt that he was unklnd to
think of anything but her extremity.
Then she sank into q sort of daZe, won
dering duly how 1t would seem to find
herself pauper, duly committed. She
had not thought of that before-of
course there were legal forms before
they could claim the last ref-ge of the
destitute, and would not the authori-
ties get back at grandma2 She had q
dim idea that we'll to do folk had to
answer for their near kin.
No doubt that was what Jimmy was
speaking about-he was talking low
and eagerly to mamma. Yes, he was
turning the horses toward the court
house square. In wink they drew
up there. and Jimmy, springlng down,
held out his arms to her. you know
there are-arrangements-w you trust
me to make them?" he asked very low.
JessIca could only bow her head;
speech was beyond her. Jimmy looked
at her, his eyes tender, yet mischeyous.
~ want to commit you for life to a
poorhouse of which am keeper" he
whispered. Mamma ls willing. What
do you sayw
Nothing" Jesslca said. but as she
said 1t she laid her hand In Jimmy's
strong clasp, and dropped her long
dashed lids to veil a rush of happy
tears.