The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1874-03-14

i
given the task of collecting together the
children. But the novelty Of 1t pleased
him, and he VAS very fond Of Nellie; so
he worked faithfully, and at seven O'Clock
In the evening every thing was in readi-
ness. The doors Of the large dining room
were locked, the parlors brilliantly lighted
aud the band waiting, and Nellie stood in
her room in plain white muslin dress,
her hair in ringlets around her neck, ner
vously trying to look out into the dark,
wondering if they would come.
Another hour and there is curious
scene in the merchants dwelling. A group
of children, some forty or more in num-
Der, were gathered in the beautiful par
lor they were taken from the most miser-
able Of the shanties in the neighboring
alleys, and were altogether a wretched
looking set, some of them dirty, all of
them ragged A few timid ones afraid to
stir from such place, were huddled to-
gether in one Of the corners Of the back
parlor, while the rest Of them mere bold,
we're walking around, and examining eve
rythiDg in their reach, while the cry of
amt this bully" was very frequent.
Games Of several kinds were started for
them, and they were soon in a wild uproar,
enjoying themselves in their own way, but
very good humoredly.
The picture was strange one, in strong
contrast to the night before. The same
beautiful surroundings brought together
with good taste, and unlimited means.
They could not appreciate all of the beauty
there, but they could enjoy it, and they
did Even Nellie was satisfied. At mid
night the large dining room was thrown
open, and the band commenced to play.
The children Immediately thronged into
the room, and for moment there was per-
feet silence.
Nellles dream was complete.
In the centre of the room was large
evergreen tree, covered with myriads of
little candles, gilt aud silver balls, gay bits
of tiuttering ribbons, bags of candy and
nuts, punches of grapes, and nice apples
and pears. such as they had seen in shop
windows, but never nearer. Around this
tree, in a circle, the supper tables were
arranged, and they we're loaded as on the
night before, only the food was Of a more
substantial kind. Beautiful bouquets
adorned them, and half a dozen servants
stood ready to wait upon them. After
moment of silence, they found voice,
and the expressions of JOY and thankful |
ness were noisy. but perfect. After they
were quiet, Mr.. Monroe addressed few
words to them, telling them they would
have plenty Of time to eat, after which
the tree would be dlsmantled, and the
things on it given to them. They were then
expected to quietly disperse to their homes,
taking with them the kind WISHES of little
Nellie, their hostess.
Two hours later and they are all gone.
Nellie has bid them good bye at the door,
and she goes to bed feeling perfectly hap
py, because she has given a nights pleas
ure to those who never have any ; not
thinking that she has done far more good
than that, in setting at least one Of them
to studying the possibility Of has becoming
somebody, and owning home like the one
he has Just left. He does not stop to think
it is to be done, but means to do it.
He is bright loo king boy of fourteen,
large and strong, with good deal of ener-
gy about him which he has always used to
torment his mother and sister, and to rule
his rude and ignorant associates. But he
has gained some new ideas to night. No
one has told him what an idle, worthless
boy he is, or how much he might do if he
would, but he has shaken hands with beau
tiful Nellie Monroe, end she said, hope
| shall see you again sometime. Common
place words enough, but there was plant
ed seed that shall some time bear a
flower.
William Brown, or as he is more fsmil-
iarly known, Bill" has before had
thoughts of being different from what lie
was has been to school long enough to
learn how to read and write and once,
even went so far as to work few weeks.
But he soon tired of it, and spent his time
in the streets, now and then carrying in q
ton Of coal, or load of wood for some one,
getting few pence to spend for cheap ci-
0ars and beer for himself and his compan-
ions.
His father had died drunkard, and his
mother had struggled hard to keep want
from the door, but had not always succeed
ed. They we're often cold and hungry.
And the boy, as he walked home this
Christmas night, thinking of all this, was
contrasting his own home two rooms in .
wretched garrett with the one he had Just
left, and he determined that he could Just
as well be somebody as nobody, and that .
few years should see him in position fit
to be noticed by Nellie Monroe
The next morning he cleaned himself up
as well as he was able, which was not
much, and started as usual for the street.
But, instead of going to the place where he
would be likely to meet his companions,
he went in the opposite direction, toward
the respectable business portion of the
city, and going into store after store, ne
tried to get something to do. 1t was OF
no use, most Of them had nothing for him
to do, and those who had would not hire
such looking boy. He was discouraged,
and stood at q street corner, near grocery
store, where he had Just been refused
work; when dray loaded with barrels Of
sugar, came round the corner, and striking
the curbstone, overturned, depositing the
sugar on the sidewalk in a rather uncere-
monious way, one Of the barrels breaking
as it fell. The proprietor of the store
| proved to be the owner Of the sugar and
anxious to get it in before the crowd Of
children which had collected, carried it all
away, he shouted, here boy, help bring in
this sugar. 'Biii' jumped, and taking a
SCOOP and bucket which was given HIM,
had it all safely deposited in q very short
time, to the great disgust of the ragged
crowd, end the satisfaction of the owner.
1 wonder if you are always as spry as that,
my boy, he said. like to be quick and
get done, answered Bill What is your
name Bill Brown, sir Are you hon.
est Bill hung his head he had not al
ways been honest, but he wished to 90 to
work and commence right now, 80 after a
moment he said, am going to be, sir.
The gentleman looked ksenly at him, and
being q pretty good Judge Of human ma
ture, concluded to give him chance, 50 he
said: Well, like honesty above oil
things you may come early tomorrow
morning, and l will try you for one week
as errand boy.
He came and succeeded 90 well in pleas
ing his employer, that at the end OF the