The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-04-11

drew the dog into, his arms. 'It is all over, dear Patrasche, all over" he said.
 Weak with despair and with hunger. he began the weary way back to the village. Patrasche iimped slowly by his side The snow was falling fast, . hurricane blew from the black north. It was bitter as death on those un- sheltered monotonous plains.
 Darkness closed in before the village was in sight Suddenly Patrasche stopped, wtined and scratched in the snow. He drought out a small case of brown leather.
 The boy looked at It under little Calvary by. the roadside that had a lamp burning under the cross. He read the name of Baas Colgez on the wallet and in 1t he found notes for 2,000 francs.
 The discovery reused him a little from the deadly stupor that had over come all his senses during the hope less march. He made straight for the mill house and knocked. The milier's wife opened 1t. She was weeping Alois stood clinging to her.
 CTS it thee. poor lad?" she said kind ly through her tears. "Get thee gone ere the Baas sees thee. We are in sore trouble tonight. He is out seeking for great sum of money that he lost in the snow. and he will never find 1t with this storm to cover 1t up, and God knows 1t will come nigh to ruin us"
 Neilo put the wallet into. her, hands and called Patrasche within the house. "Patra sche found it tonight" said he quickly Tell Baas Colgez so. l think that he will not deny the dog food and shelter in his old age. Keep Patrasche from pursuing me, Aand I pray of you to be good to him"
 Before either the woman or the dog lshow what he meant, he had stopped and kissed Patrasche, then closed the door quickly and disappeared in the gloom of the storm.
 The dog leaped furiously at the door. wailing in anguish The woman and the girl. bewildered by the suddenness of the happening, did not dare to let him out till 1t was too late. Then they tried to comfort him. They brought meat and sweet cakes, the best they had to the starving beast. He would not touch 1t. but lay, pressed close to the barred door and moaning at inter- vals.
 It was o'clock when the miller en- tered through the rear, jaded and brok- en, with his cheek pallid and his voice quivering. Tt Is gone," said he. we have looked with lanterns. It is gone me AlLLlc Andlu pOfiAun duu ali'
 His wife put the money into his hands and told him how It had come to her. The man sank trembling in- to a seat and covered his face shamed and almost afraid. T deserved not to have good at the lads hands," said he at last.
 Little AIois crept to him and rested her curly head against his cheek. May not Nello come here again as he used to fatherT' she asked.
 The miller took her into his arms. "He shall bide here on Christmas DSy and any other day he will" replied he God helping me, will make amends to the boy--I will make amends"
 It was Christmas Even and the mill house was warm with oak logs and squares of turf. the atmosphere was rich with cream and honey and good meats. the rafters were hung with ever green and the chimny was draped with holly. The family tried to coax the dog to the fire and set before him bit of their own feast. But he would not leave the door.
 He wants the lad2' said Baas Col gez. Good dog. Good dog! will go over to the lad the first thing al day dawn"
 They did not know that NellO tnhsb- tied tho hut no longer. So, while Pat EdSCu0 Ady HANu HIS tO NaC NAAGA of the door. Alois tossed back her yell low hair and sang. thinking of her playmate who would be with her soon, Baas colgez watched her with moist eyes and spoke of how he would be- friend the boy. The mother sat with contented, happy face at Her spinning wheel.
 When the supper smoked on the table and the voices were loudest and gladdest. Patrasche glided out wher the door was opened by visitor. Witr his weak starved old limbs he hurried into the bitter. black night.
 If took the old dog a long while tC discover any scent in that deep snow He lost it over and over again. ever after he found it: but he sought anc trailed and searched all alone through tl-e storm and Inc pR'n of lptn-e- p',