Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-09

drop. A burning thirst seized him He was faint, for he had eaten nothing since early naogn3ngs and then hut a n1orBel. Too ill to 60 fartner he crawl bed of hay in the corner. The ight of the afternoon sun Streauaed in through the cracks, but he closed his eyes In a kind of Stupor. Suddenly a sound reused him. a woInan'E voice. She was singing love- song. and 1t was glad and free. Peep ing through the cracks he saw a dam sel in brown calico dress and sun-Der1- net. A Juilk-pail hung over her plump. bare arm Chesriiy she called the cows, batting each one as it came up. Then sitting on her stool. she filled her pail with foanning white milk, She was fair with the freshness of health and youth. On her cheek was a ruddy glow. Her eyes were merry. and in them was the depth of ioye-ligat.
 She rose. lifted her pail ana started to so hack as she had come. But the poor, half-starved man. unable to re- sist the sight of food, .cTawied out from his hiding place and accosted her.
 She gave start of fright. 'Don't be afraid" he said, "Fn not hurt you. Tra weary and ready to drop, and I'm hungry. Will you give me The girl poured some milk into a thin can and gave it to him Thank you!--God bless you!" he cried, handing back the can, but he staggered and leaned heavily against
 'TlI give you sane food" exclaimed the girl. You are sicki Come to the house. My father will care for you 'sFIo, no!'' he quickly returned. "An 1 ask is to lie here. tonight. In the morning I'll move one. I'm going to wonder town. I reckon Pm almost ! there. I've travelled far.''
 l He crawled back into the barn, and ] the giri carried her pail to the house. But she soon returned with hot drink and food, accompanied by her father. Come into the house, urged the father; you are too slew to lie here. I will give you a he'd and lodging" But the old man et0utIy refused. | The sun was shining brightly when 1 the old man opened his eyes. On a bench near by was f1is breakfast The | girl must have come in softly while 1 he slept and left it. He did not de- serve such kindness, but he was hun his limbs and felt strong and well again, and started on his way. his pur- pose still strong within him. and gain l ing power as he strode onward. He had walked about Q mile when he stopped suddenly. Some one was crossing the f1eld-a man. He had a l familiar look. Could it be?-yes. he was suFe-it was Jim Brooksi
 Crouching behind a tree he watched and waited. instinctiveiy seeking the weapon he carried concealed. Tremb- Hing with excitement he tried to fsteady his hand. Not a thought of re- morse came into his heart He ex- ulted that his prey was so near, that he had so easily found his victim and the way was clear. No one was in sight. He waited tin Jim passed on so he could creep up behind unper- ceived. then he followed stealthily Jim had come to the edge of the field and turned into the path that led to the wood.
 He raised the weapon slowly, teos deliberate aim, and
 Suddenly a laugh rang out on the air-a happy giri's faugh-and from
 behind 0 tree a slight figure darted
 and sprang to the young mans side.
 Sweetheart" he cried; 'how came you here?"
 Don't you think can take early
 walks as well as you?" she laughed.
 well, welllH he returned gai1y. Pm
 ."'Twasn't a hapDeni" she Fetorted
 SOf course I came this way! Didn't
 you tell me you were coming to the
 wood to cut lumber this morning? love the sound of the axe. But I cant stay long. must be back to cool
 the dinner"
 The young mans arms were about
 her. She put up her lips and he stopped and kissed them. Then they walked
 on slowly, hand in hand.
 The old man had slunk down behind
 a stump, trembling. That girl!--thI
 one who had saved his life the night
 5efore-tfle sweetheart of Jim Brooks With glazed ewes he watched then
 till they were out of sight hid in tho depth of the forest. His hand dropped
 the leaves, unheeded.-Boston Record