The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1875-04-22
A Cup Of Water.

railroad that went from busy city In
to the quiet, beautiful mountain regions,
bearing crowds of city people away for
their summer vacation.
Tommy's personal appearance was not
striking. Few people looked farther than
the small brown hand that dealt out cold
water to thirsty passengers. Though
Tommy expected no reward except what
the company paid him at the end of the
month. he sometimes thought how pleas
ant it would be to ''know people, and
receive kind word or smile for his
efforts to please.
1t was on sultry July afternoon that
| saw the little fellow with his honest
face. The cars were filled to overflow
ing with passengers for the mountains;
and what with the dust and heat and
cinders pouring in clouds through the
windows, and the frequent stopping of
the heavily loaded train, they were
very noisy, disconnected set Of people.
Tommy thought, as he heard the little
boys and girls, nicely dressed and we'll
cared for, fretting and making themselves
and every body in hearing uncomfortable,
that he should be very willing to endure
the dust and heat if he was going to stay
in the fresh, pure air Of the mountains all
summer; and, feeling just little discon-
tented with his lot, he carelessly spilled
the contents Of glass Of water on the
dress of lady he was serving.
A sharp reproof caused him to hasten
on rapidly; but, as he was leaving the
car, forlorn little object III the corner
met his eye. A grimy, i'll dressed little
figure it was, curled up in the corner
seat, with two small fists trying to wipe
away the tears that were making ''black
valley railroads" on either cheek.
Toms heart-a good large one. by the
way-was touched at the sight of the
boys distress, and he said to himself,
without knowing why: "Here's a chance
to pay off for that old woman who scold-
ed me-
In moment he had filled glass full of
cool water, and, reaching it out to the
child, shouted in a CHEEKY tone:
look here, little one, don't you want
this!''
The tears ran off the track, and pretty
soon stopped coming on the boys cheek;
the brown fists were drawn aside, and
pair of bright eyes took sharp look at
the newcomer. The survey was evident
ly satisfactory. for Toms invitation was
accepted, and little Sam drained the glass
in a twinkling.
why. what place you've got, young
ster!" said the company's water carrier.
"Sun shining right in, and the blind up!
Just wait bit until some one gets OF at
the next station, and we'll 60 to the shady
side. Our folks don't mean these seats
for nice little boys like you. Where be
you going!'
Sam couldn't help liking the kind
hearted fellow, and he was naturally
pleased to be called nice little boy, so
Tom was soon III possession Of his story.
As the train stopped at the station.
Tom hurried his charge along to a shaCy
seat. and drew from his shabby pocket an
illustrated almanac, and said:
There, you can look at the pictures
till l come back with something nice
and he smacked his lips with relish.
Little Sam looked up inquiringiy; but
Tom only nodded and was of.
"Been riding all day without anything
to eat, unused Tommy on the platform
Of the car. "Just wait till we get to
Pine Crossing!'' and he uttered salts
fed whistle.
At Pine Crossing lived nice old farm
er. who often had tossed fine yellow ap-
pies to the little water-boy, as the train
stopped for . moment; but to-day he
was little afraid. But no! there stood
the man with basket of luscious fruit
and Tommy caught one. two, three. half
a dozen, before the cars moved away.
Tom could hardly keep from laughing
aloud in his joy to sec Sam devour the APP
pies with such eagerness that there could
be no doubt about his appetite. and the
sight was most delightful one to those
of the passengers who had watched the
boys, and that was = good many. Even
the lady who had reproved Tom for his
earelessness, smiled kindly at him when
he went up the car with his water-can.
| But the boy cared little whether he
was praised or blamed The blessing
promised to the '4giver" was his. though
he could not have told ron why his heart
Was SO light.
| "Whosoever shall give = cup of water
to drink IN my name, he shall not lose his
I reward"