Connecticut western news., 1879-12-24
Wiggin's Rob.
A CHRISTMAS STORY,

uet enough to make 1t look more like Christmas. It was cold, but not bitterly Do; and the people who wore furs and thick wraps were warm and comfortable enough. But there were some others with almost bare feet and thin and scanty garments, who huddled in sheltered corners or crept along shivering as an occasional gust swept by.
 Before the brilliant window of 8 fancy.shop small childish face paused and gazed with eager jnterest at the beautiful things there displayed.
 It was 8 simple enough picture, with no speclal artistic merit but the boy looked at it with quiet and intent interest. He knelt down, set his basket by his side, pulled up the collar of his old jacket (which was much too large for him) so as to protect his ears from the cold, and began to slowly spell out the words beneath the picture.
 What was it which attracted this child to the sweet face of the Christ in the picture, and held him there on his knees in the snowP
 Something strange and mysterious was stirring at his heart full of tenderness and longing; it might be "a memory-it might be hope. He could not tell.
 ss Look at that child" said lady, who was entering store on the arm of we'll dressed, comfortable-lo looking gen. t1eman. s Look at his bare toes and how pale and thin he is" The gentleman turned his head for an instant.
 "Oh, there are hundreds like him, " he sad. "It's pity, but it can't be helped"
 But the boy looks really i'll. I wish we could give him pair or shoes"
 don't think I can sfford it just now. If you are going to make me spend so much money upon the chil. dren's Christ mas tree, sha'n't have any left to bestow upon beggars."
 Then they passed in, and purchased wax, dolls and wax tapers and other such things for the happy children at home Rob was still gazing at the picture while blowing his nov chilled fingers tt give them little warmth, if possible. He was aroused by one of the clerk coming out of the shop, and angrily ordering him of. He arose and tool ; up his basket, but still fingered at { little distance for last look. Come, be off with you," said 8 DO hceman, tapping him sharply on th' shoulder with his club. 'sMove alon, at once, dye hear? If you don't IT take you inl"
 Rob was evidently used to such treat ment as this, for he was turning quietl, away when hand was laid on his othe shoulder. He looked up and saw hand some, grave-looking gentleman standinI there. In fact, the gentleman had beel watching him for some moments.
 You like that picture, my boy P'
 Yes, sir, :" he replied, wonderingly.
 And you would like to have it p
 "Yes, sir" he repeated, his eye brightening with half-hope."
 "Wen, if I give it to you, what vii you do with it? ?"
 This question seemed to puzzle him but he finally said
 " kin carry 1t round, and look at times"
 "Y You can hang it on the wall at th foot of your bed, {" suggested the gentle man.
 Rob looked doubtful.
 I'd be afeared. Some on lem woul nab it."
 Why, where do you live9 9''
 "In Mother Wiggin's suller. There lots of lem there, and they'd be sure t take it away from me. "But," he ai ded, suddenly brightening, s'I kno some 'un as would keep it for me-Pe, nut Polly.R
 ss Peanut Pollyr'
 She'd keep it. She lives in roo1 to herself. She'd let it stay there, an give it to me when I want to look at it,
 Then come in," said the gentleman " Ton shall have your picture"
 Rob followed him, his dark eyes a sglow, and with even faint flush c his pale face.
 We can put in plain frame, if yc wish, said the now polite clerk. z" will only cost you twenty-five cents a, ditional, and can be done in a m ment."
 Very well. Let us have the fran by ali means"
 How Rob's eyes sparkled when Jl framed picture was brought and plac'
 bis hands.