The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1881-05-10

such circumstances and the darkness
was the worst of ALL / struck light at
once. Some one tried to blow it out
and failed. I clutched at the dark object
Lesr me, and found it to be the wrist OF
a small boy; and now we stood face to
face, and l held him tight and looked at
him. A child of ten years-not more
"a little slender, dark creature dressed
in dark blue shirt and pantaloons, and
with list slippers on his feet. His head
was almost shaven it was cropped so
closely, and he looked rather like q
gnome than child. I knew at once he
was the boy the burglars had slipped
through the window-a tight squeeze for
even this slim thing futtering in my
grasp.
"Be quiet, child" I said," am not
going to hurt you. / suppose you are
onlysa tool of those wicked men. 81.
down there and let me look at you"
He sat dowE looking at me in terror.
"You must tell me the truth" said.
IL want to be your friend. "You came
here with the burglars2"
He nodded.
"They put you through the window to
open our door2''
"Yes," be said.
"Did your mother know OF it" I
asked.
II never had any MOTHER" he an.
swered.
"And your father ?"
"Daddy2 Daddy was hung for kill.
ing a man." said the child.
"Do you like this sort Of life ?"
asked.
He looked at me doubtfully.
81 d'no," he answered.
II mean going out with these men to
rob houses Y''
"No," replied the boy; "l'm afraid ol
the dark. Once they shooted me, and ii
bled. I like to 60 to bed and sleep
nights. I wish they'd let me"
"Poor little wretch" :" sighed to my
self. When l had called for help again
he would be sent to police station, and
thence to some prison school or reform
atory. That was better than the life be
now led; but after all, what miserable
fate.s
I am one OF the women who really
love children. and it struck me that the
child was pretty, and had good head
What a pleasant task it would be to re-
form him; to educate him; to save him
from all that lay before him. Had
been q rich woman / should have seen
my way clear to the attempt, but a spin
ster governess-yet, after all
"Child," said, "what is your name ?"
"Ben," he answered.
swell, Ben," I said, 'are they good
to you, these people you live with2 Do
you like them1 Are you happy, or
would you like to live differently 2"
sid like" said poor little. Ben, "to
have plenty to eat and 60 to school with
other fellers. get whippings, and am
hungry sometimes. don't belong to
no one, and nobody cares for MEL
don't live anywhere regular"
"You'd like to 60 to school, eh ?" l
asked.
"Yes, like fellers," replied Ben. II
went to school once to get in, but the
lady said to 60 away, had dirty feet.
Jim said you could sneak lots of things
in school if you was smart. He did,
hut ho hod ohooo >,
1t seemed hopeless case. However,
even yet l could not bring myself to
hand the boy over to MIR. Pemberton,
who assuredly would give him to the
police. There was way in which l
could help him if he were not really
fond of his companions, aud older in
crime than he seemed, but to do SO /
must be very cautious. The character
of a female Don Quixote would not be
a good one for governess.
"Ben," / said, 81 want to help you, to
keep you from going back to those peo-
pie, and to put you to school,"
He looked at me wonderingly.
"If anyone else in the house knows
that you are here, you will be given to
the police" said. "It will now soon
be day. You must let me lock you up
in this room until dark, and you mus,
make DO noise. will give you plenty
to eat. Remember, it is for your good.''
He nodded. The experience of bis
life had taught him to understand The
necessity of concealment as other chill
dren do not.
"I'll be num-" he said. "Don't fear
me; I'll be num-"
And from that time until dawn I sal
and looked at him without saying any
more.
1t was easy enough to provide him
with food that day, but my conscience
was heavy. Glad enough was / when
night came, and in the darkness snug.
gled the little creature out Of the house
and holding his hand, went straight te
the clergyman of the church / regularly
attended. He was good man, devoted
to his calling, and knew him to take .
great interest in the redemption of s1cl
waits as Ben, and that he was secretar.
of an association for such objects.
j Mr.. Dale received me In his study
and left little Ben in the hall, and no
feeling quite sure Of the safety of th,
hats and coats upon the stand, whisper
ed to the servant to watch him.
Once within the study, told truth
fnl story to Mr.. Dale. "He is already
} little thief, I suppose" / added "bu
he is very young. Will you help me L
save him? Will you send him to you
} farm school, keeping the secret Of hi
antecedents ! will pay you for hi
outfit; his clothes, trunk, etc., and TO
his journey Also"
"That will be the duty OF the soci
; ety." replied the reverend gentleman
} "I will report the case. If / am pei
mitted to send him he shall go. Mean
while-walt moment" He arose an
left the room, and soon returned
"Meanwhile," he continued, "my hous
keeper will take charge of him. He CO
stay here"
A month from that day little Be
Gray was sent away to the Jefferso
farm.school He wore stout cloth su
and cap, and had small trunk full {
clothing. He was proud and happy