Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1874-12-31

idea, nevertheless.
III tell you" cried needless, gen
erous Denny, struck with sudden
thought Il will take your basket and
sell for you while you slide few
times. Take my scarf, too, the snow
flies into your face So"
The next minute Denny had flung his
pretty scarf about the peanut-bOys neck,
and was holding out to him the sled
rope. 1t was not in boy nature to re-
sist the temptation, and after an instant's
hesitation the offer was accepted.
You're a regular bangor" said the
peanut-boy, admiringly. You'll be sure
and meet me here pretty soon?"
"Of course, said Denny, singing the
basket on his arm, and the new-made
friends parted.
1t was a funny sight to see Denny in
his new office; he never did anything by
halves and now, intent only on adding to
the capital of his employer, he plucked
at gentlemen's coattails, presented his
basket in the way of fashionable ladi
marched into shop-doors, and ran against
large boys with reckless earnestness.
Some people bought of him, but more
put him aside or bade him clear out, and
most were too busy to notice that this
little peanut boy wore q surprisingly
nice overcoat with a velvet collar, and
showed handsome pfaided stockings be-
low his knickerbockers. The few who
did attempt to question him about his
costume Denny took leave of at once.
He had no idea Of having his fun spoiled
too early. On and on he ran, careless of
time, until he saw line of horse cars
waiting for some temporary obstruction
to be cleared from the track, and sprang
aboard.
Peanuts! only ten cents" called
Denny, but nobody minded him; and he
had reached the forward car in the line
when with jerk and rumble it
started on.
Denny sat down very suddenly and
hard on the floor, but picked himself up
and held on by the door as the car rat
tied around corner and long distance
up the street, then as it stopped he
jumped off and discovered two things
which surprised him greatly: First, that
it was evening; second, that he did not
know where he was.
"Of course can find my way to the
Common, but wish twas nearer" said
Denny, with little gasp. "Spose that
boys waiting this minute"
On and on he ran, but the streets still
were strange, the glare Of the lamps con-
fused him, and he was tired and very
hungry.
g. might eat some peanuts, only am
honest" sighed Denny. Shouldn't
wonder if some boys would CRY if they
felt like me-"
Before long poor little Denny found
himself on the list of "some boys" for
the tears fell fast down his brown cheeks.
It's cold without my scarf, and we
were going to have oysters for supper"
sobbed Denny. " shan't eat any pea
nuts, though, cause I'm honest. Maybe
that boy is hunting for me, so I'll sit
down here till he comes along"
So it came to pass that later q police
man spied Denny asleep, curled up IN
doorway, and knew him for a "lost
child" though somewhat puzzled by the
basket. Denny was too sleepy to ex-
plain, but told his name and the street
and the number where he lived so
presently he was stumbling and trotting
along in the right direction by the police
mans side, hungry still, but happier.
How glad he was to see the familiar
house and hear the bell tinkle sharply in
answer to his guides strong pull.
The door few open with jerk, and in
the hall Denny saw a curious group.
Papa John, Uncle John, Johnnie Hatha-
way with bis arm around mammals neck,
Auntie Meg with fearful eyes, all staring
at another policeman who held by the
collar a little, shivering boy, with torn
hat, and gay scarf hanging from his
neck.
"HalloW said Denny.
TheEe! he'll tell you l amt a theft
and"
"Here sold a lot of 'em for YOU"
said Denny and the boy together.
Then they both began to cry, the fam
lily began to laugh, and the policemen
stared at each other very supposedly
Well, at last it was all explained, the
policemen went away, the real peanut
boy was sent away with his basket,
thick jacket and handful of fve-cent
pieces, and the boy who had played at
his trade cuddled into mammals lap and
wiped his eyes on her soft kerchief.
Did you think how naughty it was to
run away and frighten me so?" whispered
she, gently.
But wasn't going to lose myself
apurpose; was going to help that boy.
And how did l know it was going to
hurry up and be night so quick" said
needless, generous, naughty Donny-
Cb1l8ttd71 Union.
THE Milwaukee Neaos says: " Here Is