CARRIED OUT INSTRUCTIONS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 18 May 1912, Page 9 (Supplement)

CARRIED OUT INSTRUCTIONS.

During tho spring of ISGI a compainy of Virginia soldiers was encamped near tho home of Mrs. Sawyer, <a woman noted throughout the neighbourhood for her charitable deeds. One day, driving by the camp, she saw a poor, sick soldier lying by tho roadside, and, stopping hor carriage, talked1 bo him for some time, asking about his health and expressing her sympathy. Sho notioed while doing so that on each hand h» had two thumbs.

Upon reaching home she was haunted by tho. recollection of tlio poor man, and, although provisions of .all kinds were very scarce, she determined to divide with him the few things she had in tho house.

•Aftor preparing the basket, she remembered that she had not asked hia name, but, recalling 'Ms deformity, wrote on the cover, "For the Boldier with two thumbs." ,'

Giving it to a '.trusted negro, with, mi unto directions, she' $enfc him on horseback to the camp.. She was much surprised at hda speedy return, and asked how he had managed to find the man so- soon. " Ho was de fust <kio I see," said Sam. " I was gwine 'loaig, and a, boldier ask me what I got an dat basket, and I tale 'im a chicken and things for de man wid two thumbs, and ho aay ho

• was do one; and 1 gave him de basket" I " Did he have two ■■ thumbs on eack

' hand? " she asked. ! " Well, he didn't say notlrin 1 'bout wlraur ho had 'om. He jes! say he go* two thumbs.'".

"Your husband says ho leads a dog's life." said ono woman.

"Yes, it's very similar," answered tho other. "He e/rniq,s in with murklv feet, makes himself comfortable by the fire, and waits to. be fed."