Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1909-12-12


"You remember how you used to
come down for the mail, Tommie' ana
I'd have you come In and help sort
the lettcrs?"
An expression that vas almos;
smile dawned slowly across the boy
haggard face. Il remember We USED
20 initiate one another's handwritins'
JOSH" ne said, slowly.
Yes, and | got at last SOS ! could
write Just like you. Tommie. Remem-
Der you used to tell me you could al
most believe II was your own writin z
II remember, Josh. Go on. There's
something behind all this. I'm waiting
to hear it," when you got into trou-
BILE over at Maxton's and"
And skipped. Yes. Well, go on.
can't yeu?"
We'll, somehow, the matter was
hushed up and kept from your old
folks. Maxton never said anythin',
apd we gave your pa and ma to I'M
derstand you'd got big position out
west. I'm afraid wrote em letter
from you, Tommie, tellin' 'em all
about It and askiu' forgiveness for not
biddins, 'em good-by." The other
nodded his head on his breast.
You were always big-bearted
fool, JOSH" he said. hoarsely. Il can't
understand why you won't get me
little whisky"
Il remember their faces when they
read that letter" said the grocer.
heaving a big chunk on the fire. Il
remember how glad they both was.
Your ma said you'd be writiD' again
soon ard let them know how you liked
Il. Well, you did" Il wrote again,
did IL" Yep, you wrote every week
you've been away. and that's how
long-iet's see?'' six years ago. day
after tomorrow. Josh"
you sent some money home. too"
continued the big man. after All IN
terval OF silence. Quite a little bit
of money. Fifty dollars once. and
ten-spot every now and again" The
speaker laughed queerly, his face
working. only last night they got a
letter from you, Tommie, with $50 In
Il. Christmas box, think you called
it," Something like sob came from
the bowed figure.
Your pa most always read your let
tiers TO the neighbors- They're right
glad you're doing so well. Every
Christmas Eve your ma and him come
over here and buy a Christmas turkey
with the money you send them al
ways have a laugh at your pa. III
eat Tommie's share" he says. Cause
it's next best thing to havin' him
home. We're right proud OF our Tom
mie,' he always ends. They've been
writing you. too, every week regular.
! read all their letters, cause I have
to In order to know how to answer
them. They got letter from you last
night with their Christmas money In
IL, and they've answered 1t already.
Here's their letter with your address
on It. Maybe you'd like to read it?"
The young man reached out sha-
king hand for the letter. The other
watched his face as he read. When
tear fell with a splash on the cramped
writing, che grocer spoke again
You can send me to Jail for dom
what I've done. Tommie. In one way
IL was wrong. very wrong. I've been
guilty of openin' letters"
The other held up a thin hand as
though to ward of a blow. Then he
rose weakly and came over to the big
man
Josh, old JOSH" he spoke trem-
blingly. You've been-you-are-
oh. I'll make II all up to you some
day" he broke out, lifting his head.
I'm going to be a man. know I'm
not fit to go to them now. I've been
drunk for days, But promise me you
will take me TO them soon, Josh.
Day after tomorrow night is the
anniversary of your goin' away. Well
go tnen." promised the grocer with a
big smile. He took the boys hand
I'm goin now. You just lie down on
the sofa here You'll stay at my placs
until after Christmas. He moved to-
ward the door Then he turned.
Shall fetch you anythin'," he asked
gently.
Nothing" answered the young
man. smiling. I'm perfectly salts
fed, Josh"
An hour later the grocer carried an
armful Of groceries and threw them
into the back OF the sleigh. Merry
Christmas to you both. Mrs. Law
renee he cried. tucking the robes
about the old couple. The old man
chuckled. and the old lady. glancins
about her fearfully. bent forward. hes
itated. bent forward again. and kissed
the big man on his broad forehead.
God bless you she s1id. gladly
God bless you for sendin' for our
Tommie. I'm right glad you think
him 50 smart" The grocer laughed
svkwardly.
Yep. Tommie's go.n' to work for
r,.a he caf1od And 9Th hia heart