The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1875-07-17
THE BEGGAR GIRL.

in general is the throwing of stones where
ever they congregate, windowpanes ana pc
destrians' heads are in danger. Nay, we have
seen one boy without companions, hing pep
bles against a fence or into pool tor Two
mortal hours This being promised, 1t is mol
astonishing that the young gentlemen Oh
worthy Professor Slicklebat's Commercial
Academy" were occupied at half past three
one Thursday afternoon in war OF brick
bats, not with malicious intentions, but win
rather unpleasant effects In the first place
three had retired wounded; in the second
the professors flower beds suffered: ana IN
the third, the parlor window OF Miss feDecCa
Jenkins had been shivered and bit OF 6rok
en- glass had entered the paw OF her pc,
noodle, Trip, who howled mourntully ana
piteously.
Retributlon awaited the young gentlemen
on Professor Sticklebat's return from a prl
vatc expedition, involving the dunninS oi
delinquent parent for sundry quarters tuition
and this they knew, but ut present all was
forgotten in their holiday trolic. Jones, as
captain of one party, led the attack, ana fres'
ton CALAMITY defended the grass-plo' AT inc
head of his division.
A yolley of bricks from the besiegers clat
tered among the besiegcd. Another, crash.
ing through the ranks of the attacking party,
routed them; and amidst the flying missiles,
with her face pressed close to the iron gate,
stood q little beggar-glr in such ragged gar
ments that YOU mi ht have fancied them
made of old dish,clOths, overlooking the
mimic trav, as ladies of the olden time might
have gazcd upon tournament
She was eager, excited, deeply Interested
and privately took part in favor OF Preston
party.
What n nice, big boy" she thought; "the
incest OF them all. hope he'll beat em-l
do hope he Il beat en-
And in her excitement, she thrust her curly
little head in at the gate. IL was an unlucky
movement. Just then a brick from Preston
hand, intended for Jones shins, missed It's
mark, and flying gateward, grazed the fore
head of the little beggar girl, not seriously
wounding her, but drawing blood neverthe,
less.
The poor girl burst into tears, and skunk
away, smarting and giddy, to hide herself
under the hedge and cry. She was so used
to kicks and blows, that she never thought
of expecting pity. 1t was even surprising
not to be cutfed for complaining OF being
hurt.
But as she crouchcd there sobbing some one
bent over her, and touched her kindly. She
looked up. twas the big hoy they had called
Preston.
"Where are YOU hurt, little girl: he sad
81 am sorry. Let me sce-why it's bleeding
| declarcw
"Halloo. come back, Preston-never mind
the young onew shouted a score OF voices
but the boy never needed them. He had lit
ed the little creatures head to his knee, ana
was examining the wound.
II don't think it will hurt long" he said
II will wash it and see;' and from TIE school
pump he brought some cold water and wiped
away good deal of blood and even more
dirt, with silk handkerchief
Then from his breastpock et he took a
cambrlc one, quite new and snow white
with his nome upon it-Paul Preston-in In
delible ink, and bound up the wound.
And then from the same receptacle he drew
a purse -, ..,.,.,.,. ,,.,o =, =,
he said
II don't know never had any"
"Hey? never had any gingerbread? |
couldn't have believed there was such a per.
son in the world Here, come along' and
with the little grimy paw in his, he crossed
the road, entered Q small confectioner's pa
tronized by Professor Sticklebats young gen
tlemen, and filled the poor child's hands
with dainties she had never seen, save through
glass, before. The sight of this lavish expen
dlture almost frightened her, and she touched
him on the arm.
"Aint you spending all ofyOur money"
ooh, mol have lots. | say, little girl
you're very poor, amt YOU
She nodded.
Got MOTHER
mo"
"a father"
mo"
"Who takes care Of ycu:'
Nobody
"Where do you llveE
Just as the child was about to answer, the
shadow of a portly parsonage fell over the
steps where she crouched, munching hel
dainties Preston locked up. He stood in
the awful presence of Professor Stickleba
himself, less genial than usual, from the fact
that the delinquent parent had not settled the
bills presented.
III am not aware, Preston, said the Profes
sor, "that gave my young gentlemen per
mission to leave the ground of the academy
Neither am aware that the society in which
/ find you is exactly what your father wout
select for you. Pray explain
you see, SIR began Preston, 1--WE were
firing stones and bricks
Firing
II mean hrOriag 'em sir And hit thit
child, and, CT course as a-as gentleman, sir
was in honor bound to make some amends
AS a gentleman, you were bound not to IN
dulge in the idle and forbidden practice o
throwing stones. BE kind enough to go IN
doors at once
YES, sir"
The professor stalkcd towards the academy
Preston ran back. He tossed his purse I'M,
the childs lap,
~ can't stay-take that, poor little dear.
wish could do more; | wish you had som
one to take care of you. II my aunt wa
here, she'd see TO you, know. There, goo
bye. Coming, sir"'-iOr the professor hat
paused to beckon awfully.
Good bye-keep a good heart hop
you amt hurt much-Ies, sir! Good bye,
and so they parted.
Preston was caned that night Tor THROWN!
stones in the academy garden, and was to-
noble to betray his companions, so that h
suffered alone. After this he had sundry les
sons in the Latin grammar given to HIM as
sort of punishment for seeking low company
] ~ 4 l., -. y.