The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1906-09-14

OsSsA eASsAA S0W ~ 0OSVo44 SSAAN S&AVy ~
have kept me to die there amongst 'em,
willing and cheerful they would. But
tbs the Lords will as I'll die in the
workhouse:l and I'll 60 on az, quiet a
9, lamp. and thanking you for all your
trouble when my time comes. But I
amt to be buried as 2 pauper. you
must know. couldn't die peaceful Il
there was that shame to be faced. 'Til
the ne.ghbors, them as lives or starvss
In the old alley, as has promised to
bury me decent. I'm to have q plain,
vanished CONN, with my name put
plain upon the lid; it's bespoke. nurse.
already bespoke, and the neighbors
VIII follow when my time comes
Doa't fret yourself, dear heart.
said the nurse-a kindly and motherly
creature. You must try to live and
DO US credit you know. won't forget
what you've told me. think !
should like to see your alley; they
must be very kind neighbors down
there
That they are" rejoined the failins
woman; but they're low, indeed
they're very low. You'll not take Of
tense please. will you, II they seem to
speak little bit rough?"
Although care and skill could not
save Mrs. Robins, yet they patched her
up for awhile, and she taught many
lessons of patience as she lay there
content in her bed Suffering was no
new experience to one who had lived
In Pleasant" alley. In the infirmary
her sorrows were, she felt, lightened
by care, kindness and skill.
Its fine to have everything done 70,
you,' she would say in her wistful
voice. I've been doin' for others just
always, and never looked forward to
this. It's tor all the world like as If
we was ladies, for each has every thing
she wants for herself. Yet actually
some CT 'em grumbles! Well, to be
sure! suppose at heavens gates
there'il be grumbling if Peters a, bit
slow with the keys
After a few weeks Of peace and quiet
Mrs., Rcbins fell asleep, and the alley
rose nobly to the occasion; they shut
up their tenements and went in a great
procession to fetch their old favorite
away. Seeing that great stream Of peo-
pie lrany wondered, for it was indeed
curious sight, all so wretched, and
so poor and ragged looking, yet quiet
and subdued. Joe and his wife and
ichildren-little Joey foremost with the
rest-had shabby carriage to take
them to the distant burial ground. All
the others followed as they best could
-on their feet when other methods
failed-but every kind of truck and cart
was requisitioned, and the people,
most OF them, had at least scrap Of
Grape about them. And SO they passed
on, quite unconscious of the pathos Of
their poverty.
Next day at dusk the inflrmary ward
was suddenly invaded by the porter.
who called In somewhat hasty accenu
for the nurse; she came at once.
what is It Simmons? Is there any
thing the matter?"
In response the man put his hand
behind him and pulled forward little
fearful. muddy. foot-sore urchin.
Nurse, d'you know this boy? He
says you've got his grannie. and he
wants her"
And looking closely at the tiny dg>
ure. nurse made answer: "Why, it's
poor old Mrs. Robins boy! How did
he come all that weary way? He's but
a baby to be out alone"
But little lonely Joey walled his an,
swer.
II wants my grannie! They put tho
big box in the ugly pit-hole. but I
wants grannie. Where's my granniei
There's lots of grannies here" he went
on sobbing, land they've got red
shawls, too. But where's my grannie?"
The doctor came in at the moment
and stood within the room: the frs,
light fell on the small wretched figure.
his rain Of tears and pretty wistful
face, and by him knelt the nurse, her
arm around him, holding his cold
hands towards the kindly blaze. The
solemn porter looked annoyed and pug.
zled at this departure from all printed
rules. Tho patients, aye, the patients!
The tears were falling down many .
deeply furrowed cheek.
4. Then the doctor, stepping forward
with that keen bright eye which noted
MI things. said:
What's all this about, boy. what's
your name?" 4
please. Sir. I'm Joey, and i've
walked up from the alley to look for
granuie.
'.IIow far is that, wonder? Sim
mons. what d'you say?"
y why. sir, tits three miles sure ana
sartin," said the wondering porter:
!. and he's a baby to be out alone. ~
Then the doctor. still a. brisk and
quick a. ever: Nurse. / shall admit
this patient for one night He Is heart
nick, his feet are sore and bleeding"
10 Joey found . resting place, ana
many ''grannies'' claimed him lowing
~; andseYery Sunday, aftsrnoon hence
forward his father brought him up .to |
call On srannieis nurse. X and the STORY
ots his wand rings vas told Is sach
new inmate az That largo I'M Inaryj