Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1853-05-03
DAILY EVENING STAR.
HOMELESS NED.


faced urchin of some twelve years old might
have been seen lettering about on one of
the principal wharves of Boston. He was
alone, and as his dull eye wandered rest
lessly from one object to another, a deep
sigh escaped his lips, and the word ''home-
less fell upon the air.
The Individual that l have brought before
the readers view was Ned-Homeless Ned.
He had been seeking employment, but no
one had hired him. He had asked aims,
but no one bestowed aid !; for those of whom
be asked charity deemed him but a lazy,
thieying vagabond, and considered it their
duty not to encourage, by their aid, such
dangerous fellow. But Ned was no thief
He either received sixpence or so for
doing some little job which enabled him to
procure food, or he asked aims.
Night was fast coming on-a cold, stormy
night. He felt very cold and hungry; yet
he still fingered upon the wharf. 1t was
evident that he intended to pass the night
there.
An hour after darkness had set in, Ned
slowed himself away in the lee of large
storehoase that stood near by. He had been
in this position an hour or more, when the
wind suddenly increased, and whirled the
big snow flakes around the corner Of the
building where he lay. Shivering, he rose
hoc o6 ell yU1u
Commercial street As he neared dimly
lighted store he came to stop. What his
motives were in stopping here | am unable
to assert-perhaps he was about to ask char
ity from the merchant within. As he stood
there trembling from head to foot-his teeth
chattering with the cold-two men, muffied
to the very ears, drew near, and in low tones
thus spoke:
"When he comes out of the counting
room one of us must seize him and hold him
fast, while the other robs him of his money
watch, &c." said one.
"Aye, ave." was responded by the other.
Neds ears were wide open to this unex-
how to save the intended victim. He would
call the police-that was just what he
would do. Accordingly he fastened to
where an officer was stationed, and inform
ed him Of what he had heard. The officer
fastened to the place where the boy had
told him the men were. They were just
ho Tbo fob
one-the other escaped. Meanwhile the
merchant made his appearance, and realiz-
ing at once the perilous position that he
would have soon been placed in, but for the
interference of some one, begged to be in
formed about the affair
Ned told him what he had heard, and
how he had acted.
''But for you," exclaimed the grateful
man, catching hold of Ned's icy hand, ''my
property, perhaps my life, was at stake.
But how came you here?' he quickly added;
"Why not at home? This is too cold
night for little fellow like yourself to be
out-and alone, too," he continued, glanc-
ing about him. explain, my boy-ex-
plain Yourself"
81 have no home!" returned the lad, in a
sad, hollow tone.
"Haye no home? Why, boy, you must
be insane have no home!'' exclaimed the
man, in an astonished tone
"No, sir Since mother died, have had
no home. In the day time l do little jobs
for these that will hire me, or beg, (you have
hired me twice, and at night sleep in
boats, on bridges, or behind storehouses on
the wharf" replied Ned; "and," added he,
g the boys all call me old Homeless Ned
| wish they wouldn't"
"Poor boy" returned the man, in an
affected tone; "when did your mother
die ?"
"Six weeks ago." replied the boy.
"You shall no longer be called ''Homeless
Ned" said the gentleman. "Come with me
to my home. You shall be to me as son,
and | will be to you father"
OliUe Branch.