The New York herald., 1869-02-28
THE CIry,s CHILDREN.

tell me that am too small to shovel snow and too
big to beg, and SO s'pose shall have to go home
without anythlng No, won't though" he added
suddenly. while look OF savage reckcssness settled
upon his pallid features; mo, won't have never
done any thing wicked vet, but I'll steal-rn murder
before 60 home without anything"
..Good gracious, poyl' exclaimed Mr. Seymour,
"what are you sayings Upon my life you talk like
perfect young savage. Here-here's some change
for YOUR And he placed IN his hand few silver
coins.
Instantly the look OF blank despair vanished from
the boys face and On expression OF intense satsfac-
ton took Its place, as, eagerly cutching the money
which the rich man held out to him. he hastily ejacu-
lated servent ..Thans'ee, sir~ and ned away up
the street at his topmost speed.
Mr. Seymour stood looking after the boy till he
saw him enter bakers shop on the corner, and
then he mechanically followed in the same direction
$50 he was hungry" he muttercd, as he walked
along .'and perhaps he may be connected with some
one Who is also hungry Who can tens don't
know that IT'S anything to me- but by George some
thing which cannot exactly understand impes me
to follow him, and will do so, let what win come
of 1t.
The boy was hungry-very hungry-for, as he
bread in his nervous grasp, Mr.. Seymour. who fol-
lowed closely observed that he tore piece from 1t
and ravenousIy gnawed it as he started on run.
At length the boy darted up dark alleyway, the
entrance to which Mr.. seymour reached just In time
to see the object Of his pursuit enter tenant build
ing which stood far back in the rear
Mr.. Seymour also entered the dismal habitation,
and after some delay found himself in an apartment
on the second floor. The room was q small one,
and from s position the ighs OF day. except at me.
ridIan dt was about three O'Clock then) was almost
excluded. The noor was cleanly scrubbed, the walls
were white and the window panes, what few were
left, glistened brightly IN the sunlight: but save
clean board which, resting upon barrel, served as
table and bed, which occupied the darkest corner
Of the room on the floor. the apartment contained
no furniture.
4 40 hO rOhf upOnt laftn felo vuan
woman wasted away almost to skeleton. In both
her bony hands she clutched loaf Of bread, from
lying prone at her side, with his face buried In the
pillow and groanng and sobbing piteously, was the
boy whom the rich man had followed.
Mr.. Seymour was unable to scan the woman's
features closely for the bright glare Of the sun upon
the snow without had temporarily united his eyes
to view objects in subdued light but he saw enough
to shock him greatly, and STOPPING down he placed
his hand upon the shoulder Of the boy and shaking
him gently he said in kindly tone:-
"Get up, my little man, and run ont for some more
fitting food than that You shall want for nothing
now; for win be your friend. See, here is moneyp'
And as he spoke he took some silver coins from
his pocket.
Rising from his recumbent position rs the nrst
tones OF the gentemans voice fell upon his ears the
boy turned and faced the latter. who was surprised
to upon his features, look Of gratitude but
an expression amounting almost to malignity.
go away ~ exclaimed the boy, bitterly "go away
and leave me alone hate you p'
"And why should you hate me- my poor lad ?" in.
qured Mr.. Seymour in tone Of unfeigned surprise;
81 never injured your
"You have ~ exclaimed the boy, passionately,
'you have always injured me and such as me.
hate you because Jon are rich and because you don't
care who starves SO long you have plenty to eat
and to drink and to wear and throw away. / feel
a. though could XIII you, and may, too, II you
don't 60 away; for have the strength to do 1t now,
although am only boyr
Upon my life believe the boy II getting crazy
exclaimed Mr.. Seymour, In sort of half soliloouy.
81 believe am" returned the boy vehemently:
"and it wouldn't be much wonder II did. Iwish
was crazy or dead-l wouldn't care whichp,
Mr.. Seymour was about TO make some con c,liatorv
reply, but before he could do 20 the door opened.
and little girl about nine years Of age entered,
bearing in her hand bowl Of SOUP. sne vas
beautiful bright looking child, although her clothes
| were untdy and her hair was uncombed ana fell
struggling around her face. Her large blue eyes
L woro fnIin M Oenflcncna love ana an or.~.. -