The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1880-05-12
Our Little Newsboy.

Louisa Alcott in Chicago Interiorl
Hurrying to catch certain car at GER
tain corner, late one stormy night, L was sud
denly arrested by the sight of queer look
ing bundle lying in doorway.
"Bless my heart, it's child o John, I'm
afraid he's frozen" L exclaimed to my
brother, as we both bent over the bundle.
Such little fellow as he was, in the big,
ragged, coat; such tired baby face, under
the fuzzy cap; such a purple little hand, still
holding fast few papers; such pathetic
sight altogether was the boy, lying on the
stone step, with the snow drifting him, that
it was impossible to go by.
SHE is asleep, but he'll freeze if left so
long. Here, wake up my boy, and go home
as fast as you cant" cried John, with gen.
tie shake, and very gentle voice; for the
memory of dear little lad safely tucked up
at home, made him feel fatherly kind to the
small vagabond.
The moment he was touched the boy tum-
bled up, and before he was half awake began
his usual cry, with an eye to business.
"Paper, sir2 Heraldl-TranskipI Last
a great cape swallowed up the last edition;
and he stood blinking at US like young owl.
"I'll buy'em all if you'll go home, my lit
tie chap; it's high time you were abed, said
John, whisking the damp papers into one
pocket and his purse out of another, as he
spoke.
'sAIl of 'em-why there is ski" croaked
the boy, for he was hoarse as raven.
"Never mind, L can kindle the fire with
'em. Put that in your pocket and trot home
as fast as possible"
"Where do you liver" asked, picking up
the fifty cents that fell from the little fingers,
too benumbed to hold it.
g Il "a
it?" said the boy blowing on his purple hands,
and hopping feebly, from one leg to the other,
to take the stiffness out.
"He can't go all that way in this storm
such mite, and so used up with cold and
sleep-John."
"0f course he can't; we'll put him in a
car" began John, when the boy wheezed
out
"No; I've got to wait for Sam. He'll be
along as soon as the theater's done. He said
he would, and so I'm waitin'."
"Who is Sam2" l asked.
"He's the Teller I lives with. 1 amt got
any folks, and he takes care o. me-"
'.Nice care, indeed; leaving a baby like
YOU to wait for him here such a night as
this" 1 said Grossly.
"Oh, he's good to me, Sam is; though he
does knock me round sometimes, when L
amt spry. The big fellers shove me back,
YOU see; and l gets cold and can't sing; so
1 don't sell my papers, and has to work 'em
off late"
he was sixteen, instead of six" / said, half
laughing.
"I'm most ten. Hi 'ain't that oner2"
cried the boy, as gust of wind slapped him
in the face when ne peeped to see if Sam
was coming. "Hullol the lights is out
Why. the plays done, and the folks gone;
and Sans forgot me-"
1t was very evident that Sam had forgot
ten his little protege; and strong desire to
shake Sam possessed me.
"No use waitin' any longer; and now my
papers is sold amt afraid to go home" said
the boy, stepping down like little old man
with the rheumatism, and preparing to trudge
away through the storm.
"Stop bit, my little Casabianca; a car viii
be along in fifteen minutes, and while wait
ing you can warm yourself over there" said
John with the purple hand in his.
MY names Jack HILL not Classy Banks,
please, sill" said the little party, with digni-
ty.
"Have you had your supper, Mr. Hill7"
asked John laughing.
81 had some peanuts, and two sucks Of Joe's
orange; but it wasn't very film" he said
gravely,
81 should think not. Here one stew; and
be quick, please" cried John, as we sat down
nj a warm corner of the confectioner's, oppo-
SITE
While little Jack shoveled in the hot
oysters, with his eyes shutting up and
then in spite of himself-we looked at him
and thought again of the little rosy face at
home, safe in his warm nest, with mother
love watching over him. Nodding at the
ragged. grimy, forlorn little creature, drop
ping asleep over his supper like tired baby,
i said:
"Can you imagine our little Freddy out