The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1910-07-08
AN ADDED
VALUE
by BEATRICE TUCKER
Copyright, 1910. by American Press
Association,

uHu see INV 9OuA toStDunh ~ heeAnb
along"
Morton Jenkins spoke these words
to bis little daughter, seven years old.
Ii ever d man worshiped anything NOR
tai jenkins worshlped this child The
place on which the family lived con
sisted OF ample grounds, and, Mrs.
jenkins having a natural taste for
flowers, there were many beautiful va
rietles about the house. The daughter,
Oracle, had inherited her mothers
taste. and her father the day before
had planted for her rosebush Of a
very choice variety.
1t was a beautiful summer morning
when the two went OFT to where the
rosebush had been planted, the child
Drattling with expectation.
"Will 1t have any roses on II, papar
"Oh, no, my darling II was plant
ed only yesterday. Possibly we may
find It tribe wilted but that will not
matter. A little water sprinkled on 1t
win bring II up. Wen go get tho wa
tering pot Hellog'
The exclamation was caused by see
Ing hole where the rosebush had
stood, with loose earth scattered about.
The fathers brow gathered ominously.
IF can find out who nd that I'll
Don't cry, pet. There are more where
that came from. Some one has taken
the bush up BY the roots. What an
outrage"
lie took his darling In bis arms and
kissed away her tears. At the same
moment he saw or thought he saw
some one lodging behind the glass out
house that covered the plants in win
ter. Going there, be confronted little
urchin about the size OF his own child
The boy was ragged. unkempt and
hungry looking. in his dirty hand be
grasped the missing rosebush.
"You young rascal" cried jenkins
Gercely. what do you mean by tear
ing up my plantsT
Il wanted II for somethin'"
II suppose you did want 1t or you
wouldn't have taken Il. There. Take
that He cuGed the boy. Now get
along. and II catch you stealing my
plants again I'll turn You over to the
police" The boy was sinking away
when Oracle said to her father, Papa.
don't you think that since he's been
struck FOR taking the bush he ought TO
have III"
certainly not. He would gladly
take a cutting for each plant we have
on the place"
"Glve him the bush, papa"
Sweetheart" said the father, tits
your bush. II you prefer to give It to
him do So"
The child picked up the rosebush the
boy had thrown down and handed It
10 him
DO you live down in the rookery4s
she asked.
Yes
THE part where the funeral was
yesterday
Yes
~was it your mamma they carried
outf"
yes
did you want the rosebush to plant
at her grayeG'
Eyes"
Jenkins stood listening to this laeon-
ic dialogue. looking from his child to
the boy who had robbed her Of her
rosebush when the last Yes was
spoken. remembering the Gun he had
given the thief, blush Of shame
spread over his features. Taking up
his idol. be hid his face so far as hers
could cover II and rained kisses on her
cheeks. Then. still holding her In his
arms, be said:
ASK him what else he wishes be
sides the BUSH"
II know, papa" gs
"WhatT"
"That Is, know what I'd like to do |
for him. I'D like to take him and the
bush to the cemetery In my pony cart I
md help him plant It near his mothers
grave"
THAT you shall do, sweetheart. But
lanes must 90 with you"
She ran to the stable to tell James
o get out the cart. and while she was
gone the father sRid to the boy
Thereafter when you wish anything
rom my place come and ask ME for
t and you'll get 1t. Never take any
hing without first asking, and IL you
'eally need 1t you'll usually find some
way to get 1t without stealing It.
He drew from his pocket some silver
md gave 1t to the boy. and before the
lay was ended be had visited the DESC
ate and squalid home, provided for
he wants of the motherless children
nd arranged for their more permanent
omf0rt at his own expense.
Meanwhile Gracie had taken the boy
nto her cart and under the care Of the
oachman had driven him to the GENE.
cry. James dug the hole In which to
'ut the plant, and Oracle set It in with
Ter own hands. while the boy stood by.
wondering what all this interest, this
.indness, meant
The next morning the father said to
is daughter, Oracle we must get an
Their rosebush for you."
Il don't want another, papa"
"Why not!n
Il would rather have the one in the
emetery."
"What? DO you want It backY
mo; It's my bush that grows By the
rave OF the poor boys mamma"
"Crncia * rfrhf" said har mother