Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1906-01-18

n 81 ISIS ANNA MARTIN had lived
Ml al! her life in the e.. small vii.
two-roOmcd cottage and had an income
which suiiced for her simple wants
But when she was fifty. IL distant rela
tive died and left her Il thousand dol
lars; and on this bright afternoon she
was trying to decide what to do with
the money.
Il don't think | need to keep it," she
said to herself. 1T doesn't cost me
much to live. and with what | earn
sewing | have more than enough for
my needs, and shall have something
for sickness or old age. No. I'll use
that thousand dollars I'll have n par
lor; 1t won't cost much to have one
built on, about fourteen feet square.
I'll have Brussels carpet on the floor,
and nice furniture and two large oil
paintings. Then I'll have il silk dress
yes. two Of Them a black and Il
browl-and new bonnet. And I'll
give fifty dollars to the church, she
added by way Of afterthought.
Butt why was it just then she
thought of the billing chilCren-three
III number--who on the morrow would
be bound out to live with any per-
son who might be willing to take the
responsibility of caring for them:
About two years before. Charles Dill
ling had met with an accident which
con finnI him 4 tho bOilSn fnr months
and finally took him away forever
When Mrs. billing had time to look
about her after this blow. things were
very discouragng indeed. and Il hard
struggle followed. The rent was very
much in arrears: the doctor presented
away. and there were numerous other
accounts which must be paid. She
sold part Of her furniture. and then
worked early and late; but In few
months her health failed. and she soon
, followed her husband.
Then, of course, something had to be
done with the little ones. Mrs. billing
had often been urged. after the deat tn
OF her husband to let the children be
separated but her only answer had
been: las long as can work. they
shall he kept together
This answer was sufficient for all
who knew Mrs. billing. But now she
was gone. something must be done.
| There was no relative to care for the
children. and at last it was decided
that they should be bound out"
This meant separation, and it was
an appalling thought to the children,
who were knit together by the ties of
more than ordinary strength. No other
course presented itself. however. and
as Mr. Randall. the overseer OF the
poor, said: ''rhey must be provided
with food and shelter some way, and IL
they could earn their keep, they must
do it,
The next morning Miss Martin ate
but little breakfast
"It seems too bad for the children to
be separated" she unused. as she look
ed out mt the Dllng house. Il hope
they'll he where they can see each
other sometimes. They are good chill
drcl-bccn we'll brought up
Miss Martins work moved slowly
that morning. She spent much time
/ looking over at the billing house. She
saw Mr.. Randall when he came TO take
charge Of the few articles Of furniture
that were left. and attend to the bind
ing out" of the children The neigh
horS dropped in one by one, and at
length a farmer who wanted a bound
boy arrived. He had tried two al
ready. one had run away after few
months. ana the authorities had taken
the other from him Oh account of cruel
treatment.
Hiss Martin shut her lips firmly to-