in the country were willing to take sick, fee- ful guests I ever had in my house in my ble children without board; or that they life." could be carried so far, at so little expense ?

II. We have seen.

The interest in the second trip to SherIn two weeks the little flock returned. man was even more absorbing. The work Three of them were left behind for a longer had begun to be better understood. We stay-not all with hope of recovery; the had gathered in seventeen boys and girls, chance had come too late. To some it could from fourteen years old down to the baby only be a bit of rest toward the end of a between three and four. Most of them weary journey ; such rest as sufferers find

were delicate, half-starved, suffering with in coming close to the heart of human kind- hip-disease, heart disease, asthma, hemorness, and so consciously closer to the heart rhage and prostration. Three among them of God.

were deformed and crippled from neglect Every child had been good and happy to and want. One little fellow of ten was not the last. For the first time they looked a so tall as a child of two years. From the little sorrowful when they came to the cars. north and east and west they were taken At the journey's end they waited for no across the Brooklyn ferries, and met at the good-byes. The instant they crossed the Erie train. Brooklyn ferry they were off like a flash,

It was something to see.

There was a and Mr. Parsons found himself alone.

ponderous lunch basket, with forty homeEager listeners were waiting to hear his made sandwiches, two pounds of milk crackfull account of the experiment, of which ers, six dozen good little sugar cakes, and only such items as these can be given : the lemons so refreshing in car-sickness. Their table manners much better than he Three half-sized pillow ticks hastily filled expected. Their delight in napkin rings, with moss for sleepy little heads to rest on, with numbers of their own, and the learning and the gift of six little woolen shawls to go to fold their napkins neatly. Their invita- back and forth for general use, had been tion from Mrs. E. to come to her farm and added to the outfit. And these were of the drink all the milk they wanted, and the company: quantity they drank : one boy said he “could Two little brothers neatly dressed in their have taken more, if it hadn't been warm out Sunday School clothes, skipping along with of the cow.” Their afternoon and supper nothing in their hands, no change of garin the woods, and the fun and frolic in the ments for washing or the weather. A little cripple. The long country drive, when some dwarf slipping into danger and not easy to one showed them the different varieties of follow, so quick were his movements on his trees, and their surprising aptitude in learn- almost invisible little legs. A lame boy, ing and remembering the leaves and the with his younger sister. “She is not in ill names. The talks and singing in the parlor. health, but we think it will do her good to “ It was as good as a meeting,” the children go where she will have enough to eat for a said. One little girl, already grown so fat week or two." Three motherless girls arthat her meager clothes were too small for rayed in some attempt at finery, a lace knot, her. Another, with a restless, active nature, a sash or two, a ragged white dress. An kept happy and out of temptation to mis- elder sister, herself a child, had washed and chievous ways, by giving her all the errands ironed their extra clothing, and packed it to do. Their popularity in the village. No in a wooden box. She had “ accidents, no tricks, no misbehavior to re- lunch;” it was partly green apples; "they port. And this final testimony: “ They might want it before they got there," she have had no quarrels. They have been less said. They had one dirty woolen shawl troublesome, less fretful, and more easily tied with a piece of twine, to use between entertained than the children of my own them, and “Lost Gip,” to read on the way. friends. They have put life into the sing- A bow of dark blue ribbon was securely ing of my choir. They are the most delight- pinned on every child. They must be iden

"put them

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tified; only three or four of all their faces cheeks. In fact I could scarcely keep back had Mr. Parsons ever seen before. Again my own tears as I looked at these forlorn kind young hands and voices' bade them creatures. They were all so sad, and with good-bye, and again the postals came: scarcely any sparkle in the eye. None of

· August 4, Newark.-All wish to sit by them seemed to have much faith in humanthe window and hang out of it. Baby is ity. I did not hear a joyous hearty laugh asleep on pillow No. 1. All have had a drink, all day. and the lunch basket has been opened." “No one was car-sick this time, and all

“ Patterson.—John is very tired with the enjoyed the lunch, as well they might. long ride. Matthew is bound to hang out When I began to gather them up to leave of the window. He is so small I think I the car, Baby's shoe was missing. I found can manage him."

it, however. “ Turners.--The children all look as if it “The little dwarf, Mattbew, seems to were to be a funeral instead of a good time. have no idea of danger. I could but feel Their faces must be less care-worn when that he would walk or climb out of the they come back. I hope to teach them window the first good chance he might get. how to laugh. Matthew has concluded to He tried to hop off the car every time the go to sleep."

train stopped. He and his brother, and the “Middletown. My company excites much C. girls went over to Brandt's yesterday. comment. Every one in this car is familiar One more was wanted, and they offered to with my story I think. No one has fallen take Alida, but we could not spare her. out of the window. No one is sick yet. My housekeeper quite drew down her mouth Only a cinder now and then.”

when I talked of letting our Alida go. “Narrorrsburg.–We had to change our “ Michael was very sick with asthma the car at Port Jervis, which gives variety. It night we arrived. The fatigue of the jourwas no special trouble. There is no lack of ney, and a little cold, I guess, is all. He is helpers on the train. Train-men and con- better and out of doors. Baby stopped with ductors all know me now, and we shake Miss F. over Sunday. She was dreadfully hands over it. Baby in her glee the last afraid when the father came in, a fine old hour deliberately pitched her hat out of the man of eighty-four, and extravagantly fond car window. I called to mind an old trick, of children. Baby says: "Grandpas hurt and made an old woman's night-cap out of so, when they are drunk.'” my handkerchief. Lots of fun for all con- “ Aug. 9, 1877.-Alida has gained woncerned."

derfully in appearance, and rejoices in two “ Almost home, and all is well, quiet and new frocks, which she says will last her happy, and having a good time. Some one three years. She waits on table occasionis talking with some one of the chicks all. ally, and does it very nicely. Her cheeks the time. ·Hale's Eddy. We are here! are plump and sleek. Michael is quite del"Out at last!' said Matthew tossing up his icate, but he is about, and having a good specks of arms."

time. I cannot come into such close con“ Sherman, Aug. 7, 1877.—I have gained tact with these children as I would like to. somewhat by my experience. I was not so They are somewhat separated. There seem tired with the second trip as with the first to be fewer of them, they are so subdued.

I had less nervous anxiety, for one They haven't the life of the first set. I must thing. The train-men all had to be told try next week to get a little nearer to them. about these children, and about the others, “The P. girls are very interesting. I have and showed considerable interest. One of. asked Dr. White to get me a dozen more the brakemen spent all his leisure time like them. They are scantily clothed, and talking with them and entertaining them. I have secured cloth for two gowns each. Many a time I told my plan, and gave a his. The next thing is to get them made. I also tory of some of the children to interested have cloth for some of the boys' shirts. It listeners, while the tears trickled down their isn't altogether best for them to stay in bed

6

a

to have their one shirt washed. The K. They went out men and women. I have boys had to remain in bed to be mended up brought them back little children.” That before they could go over the mountain to tells the story. B. They are with a nice family in comfort- It was a happy coming home, with many able circumstances, and will be fixed up pleasant incidents to make the trip complete. some, I guess, before they come back. They When the wagon stopped to take up Katy, dreaded to go, for they had such a good time she came out with a cracked tumbler and a here, and plenty to eat. The C. girls are bunch of yellow marigolds and meadow lilies where they will be well looked after in every in her hand. She had promised some little way. But I hated to let any of them go so girls to bring them home some flowers. She far from me.

brought them all the way in water, and at “Katy and Willy were a little homesick night they were fresh. at first, but yesterday I saw them both on a Two boys who carried a few clothes away load of oats in high glee. I have some cloth in a basket, brought back a larger wardrobe for their clothes. The W. boys I have not in a pillow case, and in the basket they had seen since Sunday. Places are ready for a pair of live chickens ! There was no sixteen children, and I shall stir about to strength in their crippled hands to carry morrow and get more. Will anything but a bundles. Little Katy swung the big pillowcar-load satisfy me next time? Yet I wish case over her shoulder, and it dragged on room in it for other people, so that they may the ground. How they all laughed, and have some of these things to see, and to chatted, and compared the things they had ! think about, also.

The boy who owned the cock and hen was "I am telling my story so often, and to sure that his was the best. such different kinds of people, and find such A friend near Deposit had promised to hearty responses, that I guess something put them up a lunch, and they stopped to will come out of it yet. Every crow thinks get it. Sandwiches, cookies and apples; her own child whitest. I know mine are, “an elegant lunch!” They had some milk and I am bound to make other folks think to drink, and gave the lady three ringing so too; at least they are needy.

cheers! “H. is gaining, and shows it plainly. His And they brought away another benedicstep has more elasticity in it, and he is hav- tion. The housekeeper was up at 3 o'clock ing a splendid time. He goes out on the in the morning to make them some Parker river in a boat, and “shoos' the neighbors' House rolls. They ate this parsonage lunch chickens out of the garden, and does various and nibbled a little at their own, and at other nice things. They seem fond of him night had enough of it left for every child to in the family where he is, and speak well of take a little parcel home. him.

As they neared the city they began to "I found my supply waiting when I ar- sing. Everybody listened. For an hour rived Saturday, but oh, next Sunday, with they let their voices out. And this set said all these interruptions! Have just run into good-bye! Mr. Parsons had come near them some flannel for Alida-winter suits. Yes, after all, nearer than he thought. They and a new pair of shoes. Amen.”

crowded round him and shook hands half a “ Aug. 15, 1877.-I begin to wonder if dozen times; thanked him over and over for children enough will be ready for my next the good times they had had, and asked him trip. I shall have places for twenty-five or if they might not come again. “Mayn't we thirty. I do not know yet if I am to get come next year?” “Oh, mayn’t we come any from Dr. Eggleston's. It seems doubt- next year?” And the least little piping ful. Most people are asking for girls this voices all chimed in, “May I?” “May I?” time. Who is keeping an eye on Fourth “May I?" street ? And what do you find? I want “ And this work is done by persons who two little girls to go into a Catholic family. have only moderate means, you say ?” You may expect to see me next Tuesday.” Yes; the church in Sherman is not large,

6

and the congregation is poor. One rich city “ Howell's Depot.—How can I ever learn man could buy up the whole village with ease. all my family by name? They are all the

“It reads like • Ten Times 'One is Ten,'” same size. It is a perfect tangle. There is said one.

a great deal of headache. Baby is good. “The joy of those translated children !” Ever so many are asleep. I am working said another.

my best to get them all into places that will “In a land flowing with milk and ber- fit.” ries,” said Angelica.

“ Port Jervis.-Oh so hot, hot, hot! The “No one can call this charity," said M. most uncomfortable day of the season, the “It is Christ-like service. It is the Word train-man says, and I believe it. Ice water made flesh."

all drunk up. I shall get more milk. No III.

one is inclined to hang out of the windows. One trip more, and the summer's work If I were to bring out another band I should was done. We had selected a band of thir- need references from my people! These ty-four, weighed down by trouble in the have given their orders where they wish to head, trouble in the eyes, fever and ague, stay! scrofula, paralysis and dropsy. There was “ Lackawaren.—Dicky says: "We won't a mother with a little baby, a mother and ever get there !' The baby is sucking a an invalid boy, three or four girls from four- lemon! How can I learn to tell Sarah F., teen to twenty, a few boys from fifteen to Minnie C., Gracie W., and Julia T., one from eight; and all the rest were little girls be- the other? It is 4 P. M., and I haven't done tween twelve and four, feeble and delicate it yet, and what is more I can't do it. Their from living in poisoned air, and without faces are so dirty now, they all look alike. proper nourishment. Some of these little I have them all settled for their places but ones have gone to bed crying with hunger four. many a night.

“ Hancock.—I left nine with Mrs. F. at There was a strange appeal in this mixed Equinunk. Fanny goes to Deposit; also company—ill-dressed, over-dressed, listless, Joseph R. We have had a somewhat merry, hopeful, dejected, pleased. Strong young but fatiguing day. Every scrap of lunch hands and hearts helped them across the gone, yet enough.” crowded city, and carried their bags and “ Hale's Eddy.—The toilsome day is over, bundles, pitifully tidy and untidy, of every and we are at the green fields, and plenty size and shape, and left them safely in the to eat. Thank God!”

Once more, postals tell the story of Sherman, Aug. 30.-It was a merry trip that hottest summer day.

out, excepting the heat and headaches. “Aug. 28, Hohokus.-An old hen will Mrs. F. met us at Equinunk, shaking with scratch as much for one chicken as for a nervousness, which amused me, for I knew a dozen, they say. My nine required as so well what it meant. I only thought much scratching for as these thirty-four. I when she had been in it longer she would sit back and take my ease. The first dem- be less anxious. I heard her telling the onstration was when we entered the tunnel. children in a very excited way, as they It called forth thirty-four shouts. Mary A. stood huddled together, wondering what is busy every minute with crochet work.” would come next, “Stand still ! Don't stir

“ Turners. It seemed as if we had a tre- from this platform !' She evidently exmendous lunch when it was put up, but after pected a general stampede. But running thirty-four have eaten from it, it does not away was the last thing in their minds. I look so large. I got eight quarts of milk could only think of my taking the first nine here, and it disappeared like dew before the at the Brooklyn ferry. That was harder, in sun. Postals will be neglected to-day. I a way, than these thirty-four. am too busy to write them. All is well; all Well, we rode into a rain-storm as we are happy. The ordinary events of travel I left the cars. It was not very severe, and can't stop to mention."

the children were packed so closely that

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there was slim chance for a wetting. I some mission teacher, and a small girl with quickly disposed of them all, though ten a small girl's vivid imagination, and you could not be taken to their own places until have a picture of elegance not rivaled by a the next day. Then it did not take them Fifth Avenue mansion !” long to find out where I live, and they “ Sept. 8.— I hear that Lizzie M. was quite appeared in full force as soon as I had had homesick for a few days, but seems happy my breakfast.

and contented now, and that Maggie's face “When I had settled them for the season, is nearly well. John F. has gained wonderI gave myself up to fun and frolic in my fully since he came. I doubt if any one has yard all the afternoon. We did everything improved more from the change. I had a you can think of to have a good time, and call this morning from Lizzie S. and Anna. played a number of plays that had been left They did not like it at first, and were much out of my early education. Groups of peo- inclined to be homesick. But if you could ple collected on the hill-sides about, and have heard the doleful groans when I ansmall boys in the trees close by, to see and nounced that we were to return on Wednesto hear. It would make a book to tell all day, you would have been assured of the the things we did, and the funny things good time they are having now. they said. It was simply fun and frolic, well and happy." and as beautiful as anything I have ever Sept. 11. I have ten minutes before the

The W's came too. They are simply mail goes to say a word. It will assure you sweet children, beautiful ones. But I will that I am having a better time to-morrow, to not try to make out one more interesting than know that Mr. D. will return to the city a the others. I do believe they all have a cor- day earlier, and so bear me company with ner in my bachelor-heart. It has been taken the children. It will not be necessary now by storm.

for the junior partners to meet us at Jersey “ Three of the children were not sent City, except that they ought to see the flock away until to-day. They went amid tears, on its return trip. for they wanted to stay where they “Louise S. will stay another fortnight; also

Minnie and Sarah have been taken the A. children. Edith will stay longer, and seven or eight miles over the hills to their perhaps all winter. H. has been with me beautiful home.

for the past week. In a way he is stronger “It did not seem as if there were any than when he came, but he is going down strangers in town the last time, but now the hill very fast. The family where he is will streets are merry with shouts. I am glad keep him as long as he will stay." there are to be lots of little girls of assorted They are coming! Their eyes are brightsizes in Heaven. I shall try to get near that er, their cheeks are rounded and browned !

But we think we will have a little They are loaded with bundles and boxes and heaven here first, and right away.

bags! Apples, pumpkins, butter, eggs, “ Jim has been out trying to split wood, mosses, leaves, vines, ferns, clubs, melons, and he does it very nicely, only he beechnuts, butternuts, ripe tomatoes, grapes, can't hit the stick with the axe! I am in crab-apples, gourds, plums, and sticks of first-rate vigor, but of course tired, dread- black birch! They had not always selected fully so.”

the best, but how they valued every little Sept. 5, 1877.—Everything is salubrious. gnarled green thing they had themselves I hear from Harry that he is having a good picked up. One boy had a bottle of live time. The people he is staying with thiņk lizards. One little girl hugged a doll and he is splendid. It is amusing to hear some some flowers. Mr. Parsons had learned to of these girls talk. It sounds childlike and fill his pockets with strings. He knew that quite natural. They live in large houses. many a worn wrapping, and many a bit of They have left their best things at home. weak yarn would give way. Given a shanty, or a tenement house, and a When the nine came in at Equinunk, they vacant lot about, a bit of cast-off finery from were hailed with three rousing cheers.

were.

corner.