Evening star., 1934-11-11
soil, rendered vivid and fragrant with

anu Tile man JUST pace DenlnQ, reacned
out and took the grip from her unresist-
ing fingers. On she went with faltering
feet. SobS rose to her throat, but no
tears must dim her sight. At last the
goal was reached. She paused, but only
for a moment There was a restless
movement of those who followed all
anxious to take their places beside the
bier. Several times she looked back, un-
conscious of the guiding hand upon her
arm.
On moved that line, and without know
ing how the distance was covered, she
again. stood beneath chill November
skies. The man had gently replaced the
bag in her hand and lifting his hat left
her
For time she stood gazing with un-
seeing eyes over the tree tops, over the
roofs of distant buildings, at that mighty
shaft which rose majestically against
the blue; and on beyond at those distant
hills which on the morrow would be the
magnet for an even greater throng than
that behind her. Tears dimmed her eyes,
and conscious Of great weariness she
found seat in a sheltered spot
For hours she sat unheeding. Shadows
were creeping rapidly over the scene.
Lights were twinkling in distant win
dowS. Those who had earned their bread
by daily toll hurried past to homes and
waiting loved ones. Occasionally, from
the words of paSsers-by, she learned that
the line was still there, patiently, SORROW
fully moving forward.
1t was now quite dark; she was chilled
and weary but no thought of seeking
shelter came to her A sob broke invol-
unfairly from her throat. A woman's
figure moved quickly across a lighted
space. hesitated, passed on, then turned
and came to her side. 1t was like her
own, black clad figure.
Are you in trouble? Can help you?"
1t was a sweet, gentle voice. a mothers
voice and a hand rested upon hers.
Il came to Jimmy. he's in there"
She motioned to the building looming
across the roadway Il was in there this
day, but now l must wait for the NOR
row"
He guards the sleeper?' asked the
woman.
"Oh, no! Jimmys asleep there.
came on to be with him tomorrow.
Jimmy always liked me near him, SO
came all the way from home"
You must find place for the night.
1t is too chilly for you here. Won't you
come with me?"
Surely she was a mother and had a
mothers understanding Picking up the
satchel and helping the woman to rise
she started slowly along the pathway
leading to the nearest car line. Neither
spoke as the car sped through brightly
lighted thoroughfares until an Old-faSh-
ioned, tree-lined street beckoned them a
welcome.
IT WAS tiny room. poorly furnished,
in which Jimmy's mother spent that
troubled night Sleep was fitful and the
first break of day found her fully dressed
and waiting 1t was the best black silk,
a touch of white at throat and wrist.
Jimmy had liked her thus.
freckled faced boy emerged from the
shadows of the landing and slipped his
hand into hers as she descended the
stairs.
'Mom's gone to work, but she said I
was to see that you had breakfast before
you went out. There's coffee and hot
cakes. The cakes are awfully good!'
She allowed herself to be guided and
when she had finished eating he pro-
duced shabby cap and led her down
the street. Gravely he gave instructions
to the conductor where she was to trans