Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1907-01-24
ONT FREDERICK COUNTY, Md THURSDAY 1907.
But his compusorily slow gait, as he


hobbled after Little Make-Believe,
brought back his wind, and with it, in
a weak state, his voice.
Twice did the summons to law-abid-
ing citizens escape him, and he was
about to utter it for the third time
when a violent spasm in his back
doubled him up, and lie was compelled
to cling to lamp-post for support.
Coming toward him as he was in
this position was the man who had
addressed the children as they marched
past Thomas Dexter's shop.
In his progress this man had brushed
by Little Make-Believe, and had taken
notice of the pie she was hugging to
her breast.
With keen insight he saw Immediate
ly how the matter stood, and decided
how to act.
Influenced by feeling of compass
sion, he addressed policeman who
had been attracted by Mikes sum
mons.
Some vagabond's been stealing
Mikes pies" he said. land the old fel.
lows run after him.
(Which way has he gomez
"That way" replied the man. point
ing in an opposite direction to that
taken by Little Make-Beleve.
The policeman slowly sauntered to-
ward the indicated thoroughfare, and
the man, inwardly rejoicing at the sue
cess of his maneuvre, turned his back
upon lumbago go-stricken Mike and more
swiftly pursued Little Make-Believe.
She hearing hurried steps behind her.
0uickcned her own. but she was no
match for her pursuer. who overlook
her and laid his hand upon her shoul'
der just as she reached the door OF
Thomas Dexter's shop. Then came
suddenly upon her the full and true
consciousness of her act.
In fancy she saw the helmet. the
truncheon, the dock, the magistrate
the lookup.
The strength with which exaItation
of spirit had inspired her weak form
deserted her at the touch of this hand
upon her shoulder, and ovcrpowered
with terror she covered down al
Thomas DcXter's feet.
"What's the matter:' inquired
Thomas Dexter, gazing Oh the crouch.
ing form.
Little Make-Bclievc did not stir,
Quick of fancy. she was realizing the
horror of her position.
1t narrowed her vigorously. What
would Saranne do? How con!d she
get food-when her sister her child
mother, could no longer provide fol
her?
There's nothing to be frightened
at" said the man, raising Little Make
Believe from the ground. Il sent the
policeman off OIL Il wrong scent. So
you've been despoiling the Egyptians: ::
But do YOU want to be taken red
handed? Why don't you eat your pie:
They couldn't cut YOU open to prove
the larceny"
It's for my sister. Sarannc," mur
INJURED Little Makc-Relieve, by nc
means sure whether kindness OF
treachery was intended.
For your sister Sarannc:' said the
man. But yourself, little 'un-you
look hungry enough 10 cat btick.'
II am" sighed Little Make-Believc
when did you have your last
meal:"
II had two potatoes last night
"And since them
"Nothink."
"Comc, come" said the man. "eat
the pie. Never mind your sister Sa,
rannc.'
LET me go-let me go!' cried Little
Make Believe, and she twisted herself
from his kindly grasp. You're Il
wicked. wicked beast"
And before the man could recover
from his astonishment she had disap
peared.
What DO you think OF that for hero.
ism?" asked the man of Thomas DeX'
ter. "Could princess show higher
qualities than that ragged morsel OF
humanity? She can forget her own
hunger--with savory food at her very
lips-can withstand the temptation
because she has little sister at home
to whom she plays the part of mother,
If had penny TO spare Ia give it
her, but it's not in my power. She's
off to Paradise Buildings. where she
and her sister live. to complete her act
of self-sacrifice. Goodnight, guv'nor."
"Good-night," said Thomas Dexter,
and entered his shop. Struggling his
shoulders.