The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-30

Mrs. J. A. Rountree has an interest ing little story in a recent issde or the American Boy, and on account of it's local color, and the fact that it tells pathetical- ly of the real life of a Birmingham boy it will be deeply appreciated here:
 Just out of busy Birmingham. away from the smoke of the big furnaces, half way up the rocky road that leads to the rich ore mines of old Red Mountain, there is an humble cottage where two little children, Tom Hines aged 10, and his sister Ruth, only ', have been run ming a successful dairy for the support Of a busy mother, an invalid father, and several small children.
 Times were hard. There had been sick ness and want, and there was no chance fol school books or education unless something was done, and so this small boz determined that something could be done, and that he could do it.
 There was one family COW. The boy had two goats and a wagon, and plenty of pluck, and so he made his start. At first customers were hard to ecure; nearly everyone doubted the boys ability but by and by he gained their confidence. Ills milk was good: it was delivered regularly and promptly; the cream was thicker than could be obtained elsewhere and had the flavor of cleanliness and the sweetness of clover.
 And so his business grew. and after awhile another COW was bought, and then another. and butter customers were added to the milk ones. And then sc lool was a possibility! Books could be bought, and by extra early rising the dairy work could be attended to in time for Tom and Ruth to trudge. hand in hand each day down the steep mountain path to Lakeview school Their life began to brighten, their rosy dreams came true.
 All this began nearly two years ago, and diversity has followed success. but the pucky boy has met 1t like man. With the coming of warm days-and summer comes early in Alabama-one goat died from heat and over work. Then the customers began to leave town TOT long months, and two cows had to be sold. The glass bottles in which the milk had been delivered, were all getting broken. but with courage still strong and perseverance even stronger, this small boy strengthened by the willing lovlng help of his little sister, and the faith or an honest. hardworked mother, has ac- cepted misfortune with true philosophy and has started in again, with his one little spotted goat. his original tin cans, and a heart that will not accept defeat.
 Standing beside his wagon. in front of my city home to which his work had brought him. he bravely talked of his struggle in a straightforward business like way, while he measured out pint of rich milk. This accomplished, he squared his shoulders and remarked, But it'll turn out all right. If it don't l think we'll move to California. l hear it great country to make your living in; and it's fine for cows-and goats, with an affectonate pat on the back or his spotted friend. And so I told him of California and it's wonderful develop ment, and it's vast opportunities, and his afxAr int hn ing able to talk to one who had really been there. and had seen all the wonders of which he had only read Then l told him of the days of travel such a journey required, and the expense it involved. and when I saw the shadows of disappoint- ment gathering, I talked to him of what he had already done. and how 1t isn't the country that makes an undertaking sue cess, but the effort and work of the indi- vidual, and how the Alabama sunshine is just as warm as that of California; the opportunities just many, and the peo- pie just as ready to help and encourage. And the smile came back to his ruddy, sunbrowned face. and the steady look of determination to his eye. as with brave effort he said, "I'd have to take my goat in box. car, but I wouldn't mind that. if they'd let me stay in there. too. but guess it would take at least $50 to take us. and so we'd better move to Springvlle, tnsit IS Just tlifty miles. ana l cafl take my goat through the country. by resting a heap and up there there's lots of fruit and grass and cheap land. I went there once"
 Then stepping into his wagon with word to his goat and cheerv nod he left me. and drove bravely into the future.
 Misses Mary and Emma Huev of Tala- dega spent Thanksgiving with Miss Mary Barker. at Woodlawn They returned home Friday afternoon.
 Miss Madie Terry of Meridian will ar rive in the city soon to be the guest of Miss Bessie Mathews.
 E Miss Margaret Moore. Miss Margaret Janison and Miss Ruth Allen are spend ing the Thanksgiving holiday with Miss Leila Darlington in Anniston.
 Miss Juliette Davidson has returned to her home in Anniston. after pleas ant visit in Birmingham.
 Mir. and Mrs. H. M. Mallory and little son are the guests of Mrs. Katherine Gillespie, at her home on Lookout Noun tain.
 Mrs. w. J. Randy is the guest of her son, MT. J. w. Randy, in Gadsden.