Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-03-05
CHAPTER II.
II AT AT no ME

The little Irish boy left, on the whole, good
impression on the minds of the Doctors family,
though they were sadly nonpussed by his free and
easy demeanor. The Doctor was captvated by his
ready wit, the wife and daughter pited his evident
though accomplishing restitution. The key to the
little living enigma consisted in word beyond
which no city reader will need any explanation
Pat was, or rather had been news-boy;" as such
he had acquired development for the natural apti-
tnde of his tongue such he had learned the
readiness of reply and keenness OF repartee which
astonshed the Doctors household
As soon Patrick had completed his street toll
et--for with stockings and shoes in his possession
he instantly discovered what he had not thought of
before that it was too cold to run bare-footed he
started for home at good pace. AS he knew that
his mother and sisters wege half-famishing, he was
delighted to have it in his power to render them
substantial aid and comfort The supply was in.
deed most opportune. The father Of the little
family had died but short time previously, after u
long illness, winch had eaten up their little earn
ngs, and sent their moveables one by one TO the
pawn brokers, and the second hand auction stores
Contemplate in value as these poor chlttels seehI-
ed, every siXpence is ire lsue to the suffering
poor, and the widow Murphy looking in vain
for article convertible 10 cash. though ever so
trinng, when Patrick arrived with his basket OF
provisions. If Dr. Gregory had seen how like
furnished bears The little flock fell upon the broken
food, he would have owned that there was, indeed
no "shlmmlng"
son, Paddy, dear" said his mother, wipng hel
eyes that had filled, while her children ate gree
Oily, how hard you must have begged to get al
this 2"
"Sorrow the bit then did | get by begging" an
swered The boy, =" lould them my mother and iv,
sisters were starving with cold and furnishing wild
hunger, and begged for a penny or two to buy
them bread, but the people either pushed me aside
and looked 'yon lie, or tould me So and done wlll
1t AT last" and here the little fellow stood uI
proudly, tried another way tor it !"
You did not state, Paddy ?" cried his mother
looking frightened "And God save and keep u
The boy has shoes and stockings to his feet, too
That it should ever come to thiS!"
SIS it my own thel that asks me that?" saic
Pat, his eyes glistening with tears of pride anc
sorrow. "Dld she tuche me thou shut stale, By
mistake? No, did not stale, mother shameC
; rich and good nalured man out of what he vii
4 never miss - and look, how it helps the childer !
Take hold YOURSELF mother. I've had my break
fast, and by The same token, the same man is goot
y for tomorrow"
-. rude knock at the door interrupted Pat, an,
summoned an anxious cloud upon the face Of hi
c mother. The Immediate and abrupt entrance o
the stranger, we were about to say--followed.-
: But alas he was one OF those who are no stran
gers to the poor
"Come Mrs. Murphy" he said, if you can
pay your rent it is high time you gave way to max
room for those who can! Three weeks behind
s terms weekly in advance is hard loss for us
T. but" and he gave scrutinizing look about the
partment I'VE shall have to put up with it, and lie
Iyou go, scot free"