The southern aegis, and Harford County intelligencer., 1862-08-30

man. There were cakes on the stand,
and the poor little mouth of the homeless
child watered as he saw one boy after
another deposit his penny, and take his
cake. He had no penny, and though
there was hunger in his eyes, the cross
looking old man never offered him a
morsel.
The tempter came. The old man s
back was turned. A vile boy at his side
at the side of the homeless child
nudged his elbow. "You take one," he
whispered; "I'll give you half"
The little child gazed at him steadily
He saw something in the blearing eyes
that ma3e him shrink-something set his
heart to beating.
81 tell you, hook one,' whispered the
boy; 81 wont tell, and we'll go away and
eat it"
81 don't want to steal,' said the home
less child.
30 you fool p muttered the brutal
tempter, and smote him in the eyes, his
heavy hand dealing blow that sent the
poor little child against the wall, his whole
frame quivering with anguish. The ter
rible blow had almost blinded him for q
moment A great sob came up in his
throat, 30 what have done to be treated
so" There never, never was God, or
He would not let him suffer so, and that
because he refused to be wicked [ don't
believe that ever man in his deadliest
bereavements suffered more than that sad
little child. His heart was literally SWELL
ing with grief, and though he could not
reason about it, he felt as if there were
great and sore injustice somewhere.
He started to cross the street. A dark
binding pain made his poor temples ring.
"Back back! Good heavens! the child
is under his feet. Back! backp p
30 mamma, it is our horses ran over a
poor little boy! Q mamma, mamma! !''
"Is he hurt much, coachman ?" The
woman's face is pale as ashes. eyes, he
is hurt badly. Take him right in, don't
wait; carry him right in and up stairs.
1t was your carelessness The child shall
be attended to-"
There is no anguish now. Perhaps
God saw he had borne all he could, and so
took the poor little broken heart there to
heal. How very white and quiet 30
Ia sweet face, sweet face ~ murmured
the woman, bending over the boy; and
tears fell upon his forehead, but be did
not feel them.
30 the poor little boy!" sobs Nelly; ''the
poor little boy! [ wish he had kept on
the sidewalk; [ wish he had stayed home
with his mother"
Alas, in this world there was no mother
to keep him.
Thedoctor came, said he was not dead but
would very likely die. There was hos
pital near. The poor thing had better be
sent there. But the good woman would
not allow that She would care for him
herself, she said. He had been injured
by one of her horses, and she felt it was
her duty to attend to him. Besides, it
was likely that the child had no mother.
Such boy as he, with his face SO sweet
and girlish, SO pure and lovable would
never be sent on the streets like that if he
had mother. Besides (and here tears
felD there was little mound not yet green
over just such child. No, no, it was not
in her heart to put the poor wounded boy
away. Let him stay whether he lived or
died.
The weary, weary days passed on
One morning the little boy opened his dim
blue eyes, but he did not know himself
His glance fell wearily on his hands,
There were white bands around his wrists,
with rufles on them. The bed was
snowy white, too, and crimson light fell
over everything.
aDear God! am in Heaven" muir
INJURED the child. eyes, God will take
care of me now"
What visions Of loveliness glanced forth
from the shadow behind the bed. The
rich curls fell around face of exquisite
beauty. The beaming eyes looked love
and gladness upon him.
30 yes there is an ANGELO he said
softly. II am glad. They won't knock
me over again, they n't.want me to
steal apples here, and perhaps I shall
never die again. Now | want to see my
mother. Il.
"My dear boy, are you better this mern-
ing?" asked low soft voice, n
He turned slowly and wearily.
HIs it mother r. he murmured
20 yes !" and there were quick sobs
and tears; eyes my little child, | will be