M. E. Miller

“ Sitting there, Julia and her father felt how very poor she was in losing mother-love and care and kisses, like that which blessed those little strangers. The Germans had no house, no land—had only money enough to take them West, where they [Pg 14] must work hard all day, early and late. But they had each other.
They might tell us that life and love are God’s best blessings. Health and wealth are also his rich gifts, but not so dear—oh no! oh no!
[Pg 15]
CHAPTER II.
A RIDE.
At Catskill Mr. Cary and Julia left the boat; and Ellen, too, with her hands full of baskets, bags, and wraps. ”

“ They laughed and ate a great deal, and drank a great many cups of tea. But as the most of their tea came out of the milk-pitcher, and the rest from the teakettle, it did not keep either of them awake that night. ”

“ She shall have milk to drink, and part of my dinner every day.”
“Kittens would look prettier to me if I didn’t know they would grow to be cats,” Johnny said.
“Bah! yes!” said Charley. “Up on that shed, by your bedroom window—see, Julia—see that big striped cat! Johnny and I just loved him when he [Pg 29] was a kitten. But he kills our birds, and that we can’t forgive.”
Up spoke kind-hearted Johnny: “I b’lieve he’s the wickedest, badest cat that meows. So many nests he has spoiled! Then the mother-birds cry and call so, we have to stop our ears. When I get a gun, I b’lieve I’ll shoot you, Mr. ”

“ All the folks say so. Now help me find out, papa, which is the bestest kitty.”
“I wish a mouse would come along; then I’d tell you which I think is the best,” said Charley.
“But I don’t care ’bout my [Pg 26] kitty’s catching mice; I only want her to play with me. ”