Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1855-05-11
The Little PehdIer.

One rainy afternoon in the early part o
autumn, beard low knock at the bacl
door, and upon going to open it, found 1
peddler. Now peddlers are great vexa
ton to me-they leave the gates open
never have anything l want and dom
like the faces which belong to most Of them
especially those Of the strong men, who g
about with little pack ages of coarse goods
and l always close the door upon them
saying to myseIf-lazy.
This was little boy, and he was pale
and wet, and looked so cold that ] forgot
that be was a peddler, and asked him tc
come in by the FIRE. l thought he appear
ed as though he expected me to buy some
thing, for he commenced opening his fir
box, but had no such intention. He look.
ed up in my face very earnestly, and sadly,
when l told him that l only wanted him
to warm himself by the fire, and did moi
wish to purchase anything. He rose slow
ly from his seat and there was something
in bis air that reproached me, and l detain-
ed him to inquire why he was out in the
rain.
He replied, 4 am out every day and
can't stay in for little rain; besides most
peddlers stay at home then, and can sell
more on rainy days.
How much do you earn in day?'
Sometimes two shillings, and sometimes
one. and once in while l get nothing al
day, and then ma'am l am very tired
Here he gave quick dry cough which
startled me.
How long have you had thai cough?
asked.
4 don't know ma'am.
Does it hurt you?'
Yes, ma am.
Where does your mother live?
Iu heaven, ma'am,' he said unmoved,
Have you father?'
yes ma'am, he is with mother be re.
piled in the same tone.
Have you any brothers or sisters"
Il had little sister. but she wen: TO
mother about a month since
What allied her?'
She wanted to see mother, and so do J.
sud l guess that's what makes me cough
so' 1
'Where do you live?'
with Mrs Brown, on N. street.
Does she give you any medicine for
your cough
Not doctors medicine, she is too poor,
but she makes something for me to take
'Will you take something if I will give it
to you?'
No, ma'am, thank you! mother took
medicine, and it didn't keep her, though
she wanted to stay, and want to go, so II
wouldn't stop my cough. Good day, ma'am.'
wait moment,' I said, 1 wan: to see
what you carry
He opened his box, and for once found
what wanted. Indeed, l don't think it
would have matlered what be had, / should
have wanted it, for the little peddler had
changed in my eyes-he had father and
mother in heaven, and so had !. How
strange that peddlers had never seemed
like other people-humaD, soul-filled beings,
to me before. How thankful he was, and
how his great sunken, blue eyes looked
into mine, when paid him.
You don't ask me to take cent less,
said he, after hesitatiDg minute, 4 think
you must be rich''
'Oh no. I replied, we are far from that
and these things are worth more to me
now, than I paid for them. Will you come
again?'
yes, if 1 don't go to mother soOn.'
Are you hungry?'
Ne. ma'am, I'm never hungry now; |
sometimes think mother feeds me when
am asleep; I only know that I don't wish
to eat since sister died.
Did you feel sad then?'
Il felt very big in my throat, and thought
I was choked, but didu't cry bit, though
l felt very lonely at night for while; but
I am glad she's up there now.
who tod you you were going TO die 3