Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1906-09-06

her. She had so dreaded to tell wha
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 distance-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 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 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" Jessica had
answered but Mt that Jimmy only
smiled.
| Very shortly he made her sit down
! ON the bench under the big elm and
went away whistling. TO reappear, all
in a whiffet, driving a spanking pair.
which drew q double seated vehicle
spick and span.
81 think we'd better make the trip
| a quick one" was all he said In an
swer TO Jessy's expostulation.
Almost before she knew II she was
sitting beside him, bowling along the
| turnpike at the teams best pace. AS
! quickly her mother was gathered up,
and, the hand luggage properly be-
! slowed, Jimmy amazed Jessy by bid
ding her sit behind, adding, Il 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 unkind to
| think of anything but her extremity.
! Then she sank into a sort of daZe. won
dering duly how 1t would seem to find
herself a 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 authorl-
! ties get back at grandma7 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 a wink they drew
up there, and Jimmy, springing down,
| held out his arms to her You know
| there are-arrangements- you trust
me to make them2" he asked very low.
Jessica could only bow her head;
speech was beyond her. Jimmy looked
at her. bis eyes tender yet mischievous.
81 want to commit you for life to a
| poorhouse of which l am keeper" he
whispered. Mamma is willing. What
do you sayf"
Nothing" Jessica 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.