The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1857-04-29

'.You are brave boy not to cry over
a fall like that Who are you, and where
do youliye?" aN 8 0Fs- .'2rTe,aae
80, am only little beggar now, and
/ live in little cellar too. Please, sir,
did you ever beg, and will you tell me
how, cause mother sent me outet to beg
some breakfast for us all, and / don't know
what to say, only Pm very hungry and SO
is little sis and poor mother, and sick
father too. Are people good to little beg.
gars, sir?" .E.-, - s5,..r 5,r =
There was naivete about the little one,
SO earnest and SO true, that it melted the
old mans heart entirely, and too full of
tears to speak, he only took the child's
hand in his own and led him to, his own
warm breakfast room. Softly did Harrie,
for such he told them was his name, soft
ly did he nestle in the velvet chair that
was drawn close 10 the glowing CRATE, and
with wondering eyes did he look about
him, while Mr.. Somers and the maid rub
bed his red palms and feet. ~ - -
"And now that yea are warmed,
young Harrie, what would you like to eat?n
"Buckwheat cakes and honey. sir. l
used to love them dearly, and we used to-
have them fore papa got sick and poors
And it did the old mans heart good to
see the little beggar eat
".Why. you were half-starved," said he.
s 80. yes, sir, we've been starving for a,
week, but mother, couldn't bear to own
we were beggars illsto-day. Please sir,
you've got so much to eat, wont you let
me bring her and little sis to get their
breakfast, and give us some for father
He'stoo, sick, to walk, so far.'n -
"Ay" said the host, "that will I. Fix
up basket, Susan, and bid Thomas bring
the carriage, l am too tifed to walk again.
How would You like ride, my little MANI
"a ride, and will you besso rgood?eaO,
should love it FdearIy, and you'll take
mother and little sis along, and father too,
wont you, 'caase he's so sick?n And the
tears stood IN his. .pleadiug eyes. I4s4
a"Ay, ay. And little fellow. let. me tell
you, yon know how to beg as do but few,
for your words drop clean intoit the heart.
You are a wondrons little beggar boy"
"And, do l know how to beg? o, Pm
SO glad, sir, pause now III keep. them all
in victuals every ys6ay, and maybe some
body'll give me wood and coal, cause its
SO cold to be without a ire.''
::,Now We will ride said Mf. Somefs,
in husky tone, and taking mp the heavy
basket and bidding uarrie follow, lie walk
ed to the front door. Whiie his haud was
on the. knob, Mary came gliding down the
stairway. ,.....-.x> -.
"Pray who is this" said she, "and
where are you going. father ~
20, I'm a. little beggar boy, and this
good old innn is going to take my vict-
uals to my home, aud then give US all a
ride. Ny name is Harrie-but you, la
.dy, who are you? Why-you are-yes,
yes you are the same sweet one that came
TO our cellar once, and cried so over, US.
What did you tell me then to call you?-
o, l know; it was Aunt Mary, and you
said you'd tell grandpa what a fine little
grandson was growing up for him to love.
Please, lady, tell me, is this my grandpa?n
"Yes Harrie.'
"Stoop down, sir, if you please. for
mother always told me, when I saw my
grandpa, must put my arms around his
neck and kiss him, o, so sweetly, and
you're SO big, sir, l can't reach you, unless
You stoop! But what makes you cry, sir?
Aint you glad that am your little grand
son? l won't have to beg my bread any
longer; you give it to me, after this, if
don't ask, say, wont you?'
The lion in the old mans heart was
tanned, and little child now led him.
The soft white arms were folded about his
neck, the downlike cheeks pressed to his
own, while lips met lips in kisses of love.
Harrie stays very long," whispered a
low, faint voice from one corner of the
cellar. ado you not fear for him, dear
wife? He is very young to wander alone
over this great city"
"God will care for him, my husband
His artless, winning ways and his sweet
voice will make him friends. Yet it is
hard that he, our darling, first born one,
should be beggar boy.n hrs a94I
''My father, @, nay father" moaned the
sick man.. "Ifhe would only but see me
Eonee again" .EFks 4aE
There was slight hustle at, the door,
and then lit was pushed wide open. There
fwas pattering of two feet, and then a
curly head rested upon the, mothers knee.
There was a firm, broad football, and a
manly form bent over the sufferer. ssa'
r.You called me, Charlie, a moment
since,p murmured the voice of the new
conner. t..What would you have?"
I "My father, O, my father,p burst from
the white lips in impassioned tones, ''give
me your blessings ere | die, and for my
mothers sake love these, SO dear to him
who was so dear TO her. y ls f-d g .
= Words trembled on the old mans lips
but he dare not trust himself to speak,
His knees grew weak beneath him, and1ho
sank beside the bed of straw and hid his
| face. x
|sql In luxuriantly furnished chamber were