The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-06-23
Tuesday. June %.
1903.

could TO his few ideas, and his
thoughts were confused and tangled.
But these two were clear to him:
Norma would get well II she went
back TO the country, and with money
she could be taken there, carried. he
was not sure how. but In some way
back 10 those vineyards and pastures
and running brooks where his baby
hood had been spent and her whole
life had passed. but the extremely
scanty means he ever gained did not
even suffice 10 keep life In himself and
her and pay for their one room under
the roof.
This night. as he leaned over the
river wall. the moon was at the full.
and the water was high; Il had a
strange attraction for him as IL flowed
toward the weir rejecting the long
double lines OF lamps. He came away
from Reluctantly MOTTO ba-scold.-
eddy the person or the house for be-
ing out too late.
The garrett which he and the old
woman rented was a mere nook under
the caves OF an old house. AS he
drew near IL, on the moonlit flags OF
the old street he saw an object shin
ing; his feet touched IL, he picked
IL up: IL was little bag OF golden
chainwork with gold snap: he open
ed IL: he saw II was full OF coins
such coins as he had never seen In
his life. except In little bowls In
money changers windows. The Ma
donna or Mamma Rosa had sent IT,
Nothing else occurred 10 him. II was
miracle. An answer TO his prayer.
He slipped his hand. which he had
closed on IT, into his ragged shirt, and
took his homeward way. his ears sing
ing and his brain turning and his
heart throbbing in his persuasion that
Some One In heaven. Some One had
heard and answered his prayer. Sure
ly IL was Mamma Rosa. sitting now
beside the Madonna,
Mamma Rosa had always taught
him, indeed, that what was other peo-
pies property he must never touch or
take, but this thing was no ones; IL
was lying by his path: 1t was plainly
put there by some merciful hand; 1t
was miraculous gift. gift Of the
heavenly host. who were so much
more kinder than those on earth.
He climbed the steep stone stairs,
SO from the basement TO the attic.
oaA n olippCigt Va
dust and mud and cobwebs he
Rugged the little purse in his breast.
he smiled to himself radiantly as he
climbed up the steps one by one with
tired. aching feet. He opened the wood
en- door by It's latch and gently entered
the room. for Norma might be asleep.
and II would harm her TO startle her.
even to tell her such good tidings.
Noiselessly he ran across the brick
floor and sat down on his own bit OF
sacking and began to think. Now he
had all this money II would be easy to
move his Norma out of the city and
carry her up. up. up. along the green
and gracious ascent OF the hills, and
never stop until she could be set down
under the peach boughs and the wal
nut leaves where the little trimming
brooks were running amidst the grass.
He opened the pretty bag again and
/ poured the gold coins out upon tho
sacking. The moon rays shone also
upon them. Tire were 20. What
| they were worth he did not know; but
great deal. he felt sure. With them
Norma would be able to buy their
farm, and they could live happily
there. both OF them forever seeing the
blossoms and the fruits come and 90.
He longed 10 wake her, but he dared
not; one OF the women had told him
never 10 disturb her when she slept
How glad she would be when she did
awake and heard that they could
both go home. There was carter who
lived In the house; he would take
them up into the hills, making q
couch of hay In the cart for Norma;
that would be easy 10 do when once
they could give him shining gold
piece for his trouble. Once there, all
the rest would follow OF itself When
once she could see the green grass
again. and see the buds on the fruit
trees. she would begin to move her
limbs and get back her strength. and
they would pay TO have a mass said
every day in church up above amongst
the olives, a mass of thanksgiving to
the Madonna and Mamma Rosa.
He had eaten only bit OF black
bread all the day, and his Drain was q
little dim and his thoughts were not
very clear He had been walking
about on the stones ever since morn.
ing. His head ached and his brow
and lips were hot and dry, but he was
SO happy. The moon looked at him
over the trees and seemed TO smile;
he lay down with his arms out
stretched so that they embraced the
motionless body OF his only friend,
and his hands clasping the little purse,
rested upon the rags which covered
her.
she will be so glad when she
awakes and hears we can go home"
Then he, too, fell asleep and
dreamed Of angels and fountains Of
gold, and the little red-throated birds
singing amongst Towering fruit trees
and grassy paths beneath the vines.
and brown. ripping rivulets, and
Mamma Rosa standing smiling WITH
the sun about her feet. saying "OuP
Lord sent me-"
Then his sleep became too deep for
dreams. and he breathed deeply. uK
consciously, while the moon passed up
ward and Its light ceased to shine
upon his face and that OF Norma.
The trampling OF feet on the brick
floor aroused him. rude hand clutched
his shoulder and another hand seized
the gold. Here is the thief" said a
brutal voice, and here is the lady's
purse"
THE little heartless wretch" said o
voice as rude. Look! He Is safe
here. he thinks. because the old wom-