The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1880-07-28
ONLY Half a Dollar.

A big. boned Texan somewhat over
six feet high, with an enormous broad
brimmed hat and q sweeping mustache
reaching nearly to his shoulders, stood
at the Laclede hotel Office carelessly ex-
amining the register. A slight twitch-
ing at his coat skirts was passed by un.
needed, but more vigorous pull caused
him to look around expecting to greet
Joking friend or something of that sort.
He saw nothing and was turning back
to the register leaves again when his
glance fell upon such a wee mite OF
girl, whose head was such short dis
tance from the floor that it was no won
der he had not seen her. The wild
looking face bent down t> the little one
and deep bass voice asked: "What is
it, little galP"
"Please, mister, won't you buy my
matchesp" came in weak, childish tones
so low that the words could not have
been understood had the appea! not. been
reinforced by the holding up OF q box OF
matches, the corners Of the paper-box
all dog cared and miserably soiled:
The little figure was barefooted: ana
the one calico garment rent and faded
and torn. .,
"No; don't want any to-day, sissy"
said the Texan.
sPlesse, mister, won't you buy my
matches?" with a second pull at the
coat.
The man turned again, impatiently,
and glanced at the little one; then, as
il ashamed, and with. 8 furtiVe glance
around to see if he was unobserved put
finger in his vest pocket, and the next
instant a bright hIlf-dollar cleaned in
the little grimy fingers. With a halt
sigh the big-hearted fellow said, half to
himself, Poor little cuss."
"Please, mister, don't you want the
matches, and hain't got no change"
"Oh, the devil, no; keep the change
and matches, too.
Holding the precious coin in both
hands the little match girl vanished
like a shadow through. the front door,
and the Texan, with muttered, what
fool am," followed.
Around the corner and down Sixth
street patted the little naked feet, un-
conscious that she was followed, and up
one of the streets devoted to small
dealers and perfect nest Of pawnsheps.
Into one of the least clean and imposing
of these she darted and Whispered some
thing to the woman, who took paper
parcel out ofa drawer and handed it to
the child. The child tore off the paper
with nervous fingers, and there was the
sole treasure of her heart, her only pos
session her doll. She hugged it to her
breast and kissed it. What vas said
between woman and child could not be
heard, but when the little wait laid the
half-dollar on the counter the woman
shook her head and pushed it back very
far toward the child, as if her resolu-
tion might not hold out very steadfast.
The child looked amazed b'lt turned to
20, hugging her dolly, and at the door
Stood the Texan with very suspicious
moisture upon his check and big lump
in his throat. 49,, ,.
1--WE got q little girl like you at
home" Sid he. Come along and
show me where you live" .,
Well, YOU may be sure that the SICK
mother and the little girl were rendered
more comfortable, for an hour alter
ward she had receipt for a months
rent in her hands and o doctors car
riage stood at the door of that tene-
ment house. 80,
And such is the story that was told
to the reporter by the blg-hearted
Texan, who last night left the Laclede
hotel for his home upon the wide plans
where range his broad-horned herds
| q T,o,tis GL0te.