Weekly Trinity journal., 1873-02-22
OUR LITTLE NEWS ROY.
BY LOUISA NJ. ALCoTT.

SOieoih NOihci, lotc oHc stOIHly HiSuI, L
was suddenly arrested by the sight of n
queer-looking bundle in doorway.
"Bless my heart it's child Oh,
John, l am afraid he's frozen 7" L ex-
claimed to my brother, as we both bent
over the bundle.
Such little fellow as he was, in the
big ragged coat such tired baby face
under the fuzzy cap such purple little
hand, still holding fast few papers I;
such a pathetic sight altogether was the
boy, lying on the stone step, with the
snow drifting over him, that it was impos-
sible to go by.
He is asleep but he'll freeze if left
so long. Here, wake up my boy, and go
home as fast as you can," cried John,
with gentle shake and very gentle
voice for the memory of a dear lad safe
ly tackled up at home made him fatherly
kind to the little vagabond.
The moment he was touched the boy
tumbled up, and before he was halfawake
began his usual cry, with an eye to bust
ness.
Paper, sir? The Herald! Tran
script! Last" a great cape swallowed
up the "last edition." and he stood blink
ing at us like a very chilly young owl.
"I'll buy 'em all, if you'll go home,
my little chap it's high time you were
abed," said John, whisking the damp
papers into one pocket and his purse out
of the other as he spoke.
"All of 'em? why there's six!" croal<ed
the boy, for he was hoarse as a raven.
"Never mind, l can kindle fire with
'em. Put that in your pocket and trot
home as fast as possible"
"Where do you live," / asked, picking
up the fifty cents that fell from the little
fingers, too benumbcd to hold it.
"Mill's Court, out of Hanoyer. Cold
amt it?" said the boy, blowing his pur-
pie hands, and hopping feebly from one
leg to the other to take tho stiffness out.
" He can't go all that way in the storm
such a mite, and so used up with the
cold and sleep-John."
"Of course he can't Wen put him in n
car" began John, when the boy wheezed
out :
mo; I've got to wait for Sam. He'll
be along as soon as the theater's done.
He said he would, and so I'm waitin'."
"Who is Sam?" l asked.
"He's the feller l lives with. l amt
got any folks, and he takes care of me-"
"Nice care, indeed leaving a baby
like you to wait for him here such night
as this is" l said Grossly.
"Oh, he's good to me, Sam is; though
he does knock me around sometimes
when l aint spry. The big fellows shove
me back, you see, and ! gets cold and
can't sing out loud, so don't sell my pa
pers, and has to work 'em off late"
" Hear the child talk. One would
think he was sixteen instead Of six"
said, half laughing.
"I'm most ten. Hi !-ain't that n
oner?" cried the boy, as gust of slcet
slapped him in the face, and when he
peeped to sec if Sam was coming, Hol-
10 ? the light is out ! Why the plays is
done and the folks gone, and Sans for
got me-"
1t was very evident that Sam had for
gotten his little protege, and strong de-
sire to shake Sam possessed me.
No use waiting any longer ; and now
my papers is sold l amt afraid TO go
home," said the boy, stepping down like
a little old man with his rheumatism and
preparing to trudge away through the
storm.
"Stop bit, my little Cassabianca q
car will be along in fifteen minutes, and
while waiting you can warm yourself
over there" said John, with the purple
hand in his.
my name is Jack Hill, not Classy
Banks, please sir" said the little party
with dignity.
"Have you had your supper, Mr..
Hill?" asked John laughing.
" l had some peanuts and two sucks of
Joe's orange, but it warn't very fl lin"
he said gravely.
" | should think not. Here, one stew
and be quick, please" cried John as he
sat down in a warm corner of tho confec-
TONER'S opposite.
While little Jack shoveled in tho hot
oysters, with his eyes shutting up now
and then in spite Of himself, we looked
at him, and thought Of a little rosy face
at home, safe in his warm nest, with a
mothers love watching over him. Nod
ding toward the ragged, grimy, forlorn-
looking creature, dropping asleep over
his supper like tired baby, said
"Can you imagine our Freddy, out
alone at this hour trying TO work Off his
papers, because he was afraid to 90 home
until he had?"
"I'd rather not try" answered brother,
winking hard as he stroked the little head
beside him, which, by the way, looked
very much like ragged, yellow door
mat. / think brother John winked hard,
but / can't be sure for ! know did, and
for a minute there seemed to be dozen
newsboys dancing before my eyes.
"There goes our car, and its the last, "
said John, looking at me.
4" Let it go, but don't leave the boy;"
and | frowned at John for limiting such II
thing.
Here is his car. Now, my lad, bolt
your last oyster and come on"
GOOD night, madam! Thankee, sir"