The Huttig news., 1909-01-09
OVER THE:
 HILL

knew that it led to the village. for he had been there, and he could see it on the hill in the distance. He won dered if it ended there or if it kept on ard on.
 Perhaps if he should follow it a long way, it would take him where his pretty mamma was. His Aunt Kate wasn't pretty, and though she took good care of him, he didn't like her bit. And there was his papa, who was doctor and knew a whole lot, but papa isn't like a mamma somehow.
 Boys always thought more of their mammas-at least boys of seven did. It was hard enough for a little boy not to have a mamma, but it was lots harder to have one and not know where she was.
 For two years Davy had not seen his pretty mamma He remembered vaguely that one morning he had asked for her, and his father, with grave face, had told him that he couldn't see her any more He knew that she wasn't dead, for he had heard his papa say once to Aunt Kate:
 "It would not have been so hard if she had died"
 He had decided then that his mamma had gone long way off and left him and his papa At that time they had lived in the city; but the next summer his papa had sent him to see his Aunt Kate and somehow he had stayed with her ever since. This year his father had moved into the country. and now had large practice.
 Dayy was not happy. His aunt wouldn't let him do what he wanted to. It was fancy of his that sometime he should find his pretty mamma if. only Aunt Kate would allow him to look for her, and it seemed to him that if he should follow the road over the hill she would be waiting for him somewhere. But he had never had chance to try until to day, when his Aunt Kate was called to see a sick neighbor.
 Then Davy quickly decided that he would follow the white road ever the hill, until he had found his mamma.
 It was the hottest day of the season. and the sun beat mercilessly down on the little figure as it trudged bravely along After awhile Davy grew very tired, but he still kept on. When he reached the steep hill which he had so often looked at from a distance he was nearly exhausted, but he only stepped to rest for moment.
 Then he started to climb it. It was hard work for the little chap, but final ly he stood on the summit. Just lit tie way in the distance was a summer hotel. As he drew near he could see ladies in white linen fitting about. and gentlemen in flannels.
 Davy's face was flushed and his throat parched, and although he was usually timid with strangers, he de termined he would ask the lady who was sitting under tree with a tall drink of water.
 They were talking in low tones and did not see Davy as he approached. He would wait minute, he thought, be fore he spoke, for he did not want to interrupt them. The little boy had not seen the man who had ascended the hill little behind 8m, and who now stood only few feet away.
 sWhy do you follow me from place to placer the lady was saying. Davy could not see her face, but somehow he was sure he would like her He T; tloa Af hn fo1 oyly man at all
 You know r." began the man. But the lady, to silence him, put out her hand; and it looked so soft and white, that Davy wished she would rest it just one minute on his cheeks which were burning as they had never burned before
 You spoiled my whole life" she went on 'fs that not enough? You made my husband believe that I was false to him. 1 tried to explain, but he would not listen to me. 1 had to leave my home-my little child. I came here so l could be near him. so that I might see him perhaps, some times-and now you follow me. Why do you prosecute me so? You know I despise you.
 There was a silence; and Davy stepped forward with uncertain steps. What made his head feel so queer? The lady rose suddenly to her feet. and as she saw Davy she gave a glad little cry He took another step; then with smile he fell unconscious into her outstretehed arms. Pretty nam ma," he had murmured.
 When Davy awoke to consciousness he was lying with his head on his mammals lap. and his papa was there, too. The tall dark man had gone away.
 How do you feel now?" asked his | papa q guess the heat was too much for you
 "Ch. I'm all right said Dayy. He would show his pretty mamma how brave he was, and he struggled to his feet. but as he tottered little. his pa pa took him up in his arms. For a moment he felt ashamed that his mamma should see this, but when she