Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1906-10-05
NO. 3.

You do as you're told" she crfed,
catching Jesslca by the shoulders and
trying to shake her. you say you
want to work for Il nvin'; prove It by
waltln' on your betters."
Jesslca 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 I shall
know exactly what we can do
Ten minutes later she stood In the
Wakefield yard facing Jimmy, with
her heart beating SO 1t half suffocatod
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-
longlngs to the poorhouse. Any shelter
would be better than the Cole roof
There was nobody else she could RslE
Jimmy was thgVpnlY friend within
walking dlstanc&. borrower, the singlt
person to whom hle 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 II 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 little soothing
touch on her hand: You diu right "a
come to me, Jessy. OF course TIT take
yeu anywhere you may want to 60"
you. you must only send US. Black
Billy can take us In the wagon.
Grandma will be so angry II she knows
you helped us escape. Jessica 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 whlfret, driving spanking pair,
which drew double seated vehicle
spick and span.
II think we'd better make the trip
quick one" was oil he said In an
swer to Jessy's expostulation.
Almost before she knew 1t abe was
sitting beslie him. bowling along the
turnpike at the teams best pace. Al
quickly her mother was gathered up
and, the hand luggage properly be-
slowed, Jimmy amazed Jessy By bid
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 'r0und
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 rig. She knew he hated shabby
outfit-especially upon Saturdays and
court days. II might be he had bust
ness that could not wait-but some
how she felt that he was unkind tt
think of anything but her extremity
Then she sank into sort Of daze, won
dering duly how II 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 refuge OF the
destitute, and would not the auth0ri-
ties get back at grandma2 She had a
dim idea that well 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, springing down,
held out his arms to her. you know
there area arrangements you trust
me to make them1" he asked very low.
Jessica could only bow her head;
speech was beyond her. Jimmy looked
at her, his eyes tender, yet mischieyous.
II want to commit you for life to a
poorhouse Of which am keeper" he
whispered. Mamma is willing. What
do you say"
Nothing" Jesslca said, but as she
said It she laid her hand In Jimmy'A
strong clasp, aid dropped her long
lashea lids to veil rush Of happy
tears.