The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1881-10-15
HIS LAST MESSAGE.

blue, and seldierly cap, gave him an
important and business-like aspect
oddly at variance with his small, ro-
tund stature and almost baby face.
Hector Graeme-that was his name,
though the other boys in the Office
called him 'sDoggie." "ittle Pug"
Bundle" and a dozen of funny So
briquets, to all of which he answered
with unfailing good-humor. And, in
deed, they did not call him names to
tease him. They had given that up
ever since the first week of his entrance
among them, when they had found him
the sunniest-tempered. truest-hearted.
most honorable of boys. They liked
him, every one of them, even to ugly,
swearing Jim Daggart; and would have
fought any fellow who was unkind to
their red-cheeked, jolly little Hector.
please, sir, mayn't 1 go out for
him?' questioned one of the big boys
of the clerk who had called next one,
who happened to be Hector. s'He's
not long come in, and is warming his
SELF
''Oh, no, old fellow; I'm all right,
really" chimed in Hector, with his
laughing voice.
Take this, then, you little baggage"
growled Jim Daggart. rolling his wor-
sted comforter into q ball and throwing
it at Hector's head
Hector lodged the ball with laughter
bubbling over.
t'Of course WON'T. old fellow, when
it Il be your turn to go out next. You're
a brick, though to offer it. -
''And you shall take it." mumbled
Jim. I'm use to chilblains, but you're
little chap and it's your first winter
Here, do as you are toldr' and wrap
ping the comforter around the lads
throat the larger boy showed him rough
ly away.
Hector threw back a grateful glance
as he departed, thrust his red, cold lit
tie hands into his pockets, and started
of on his errand at lively trot; for he
had to go to the very end of Halstead
street, and itseemed a long distance
that bitterly cold day. Just as he
neared his destination, and star ted
across the wide crowded street, an ele-
giant private carriage rolled passed him,
and a little girl, standing at its open
window, let slip q small dark object
tors feet. He darted forward and
picked it up, then rushed on to the
pavement to avoid being run over. By
that time the carriage had gone on
some distance, and Hector found that
he held in his hand little purse con-
tanning two bright half sovereigns.
Twenty shiilings! Perhaps they were
not of much account to the child
wrapped in costly furs and riding in
grand carriage, but they seemed untold
riches to Hector. He commenced
thinking what he should buy with this
sudden accession of wealth-mittens, q
comforter, aud a lovely picture-book
for the dear little invalid sister his
mother had babe him care for so ten
derIy-his motheri His mother, who
had prayed when dying
''Thy will be done, oh, my Saviour'
But, pray Thee, help Thou. and guard
these two, my precious little ones. whom
l am called upon to leave, so that they
may one day be folded again in their
mothers arms"
Hector prided himself upon the swift
ness with which he went with messages,
and already he had not minute to
spare But with the words of his
mothers last prayer ringing in his ears
he could not keep the little purse.
Off he dashed, up Halsted, across
Fortieth Street, until, all out of breath.
he hailed the carriage. A IT. ansient
blockade of vehicles detained it. Hee-
tor pushed in among the wheels and
the horses, and got up to the carriage
| door.
'If you please" he said, politely, to
the lady within, ''your little girl
dropped this out of the window" and
he held up the pocket-book.
''Why, yes! It's mine! It's my purse.
dropped it. mammal exclaimed the
little oirI. deliphtedly.
$50 it is. You're good boy" re-
marked the lady, languidly, to Hector.
eff I had any change, would give
you some coppers."
Il don't wan t to be paid for doing
| what was right, ma am," said Hector.
and fastened away.
| But a minute later the little girl
/ looked up from her recovered treasure,
and cried:
"Oh, mamma! The boy who brought
back my purse has slipped down, and
the horses are walking on himr'
|.How horrible! How can you look,
childP''
! Some men carried Hector into the
| until the little boy Enclosed his eyes.
sTm hurt he said, feebly.
| Eyes, my lad" answered one voice,
ssbut I'm doctor, and we are going to
take you TO a hospital and do whit we
| can for you"
'sOh, no! Not to a hospital, please!
Take me to the Office! feel as if / was
dying. And I'd rather die among
friends. Take me to the officei It's
not far. really, and want to tell Mr..
Hart why I'm SO late-and-about my
sister. o, do, please''
The doctor could not resist the child s
pleading. and he knew well that the
boys hours were numbered. So Hec-
tor was borne to the Office in among
the boys.
why, it's little Pugr' they said, and
crowded about him.
mot too close, boys" commanded
the doctor. "He can hardly breathe. .
''How did it happenPn cried MIR.
Hart.
Hector answered for himself; but
slowly, for the blood from some intern
al injury kept yelling ND into his throat
and choking him, and he was getting
fainter every minute.
ssAnd didn't they give yer notllin' for
tllatp'' said Jim, feroeiously. e
mo, Jim. But j didn't care I did
il because twas right. =
s.But / carers declared big Daggart.
SIT warn't treating yer right. Little
Pug, and Jim rubbed his coat sleeve
across his eyes.
Al - - Il