The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1885-11-21
A LITTLE GENTLEMAN.


Demonstrates His Right to the Title.
II was on a hot, dusty day that first
saw the little gentleman | am going to
tell you about
To us who were being borne cityward
in the swift-nying express train, it
seemed as if there was not breath of
air stirring. All the windows were wide
open, yet no cool and refreshing breeze
came in to make our journey more en-
durable.
The ear seemed to condense the heat
on its shining surface, and radiate 1t
through its interior, and we felt as |
imagine turkey must, If he were alive,
when he is put in one of the old
fashioned, shed-ike ovens our grand
mothers still love to use once in awhile,
Just for the sake OF the good old days.
We went often from our uncomforta-
Bile seats to. the water-tank, but all the
water we drank could not keep out the
heat that seemed to make the air vibrate
about us, as you can see il on hot days
over a stubble-held.
The train-boy brought in fans to sell
by the armfnl, and we all patronized
him. For little while we stirred the
stagnant air vigorously with them.
Then the exertion OF using them became
too great, and they were dropped idly
in the seats, and we sat and sweltered.
The train stopped at a little country
station, and woman with a child came
into the car. The woman was pale,
tired Hooking creature, and the child,
boy. was one of those tireless uneasy
urchins, who want to be always on the
move.
The lady sat down YEARLY and lifted
the boy to a seat beside her with look
that said she hoped he might go to sleep
soon But nothing was further from
his thoughts Just then than a nap. He
climbed up beside his mother, and in
sisted on standing at the window with
his head out OF it, thus obliging her to
hold on to him.
please. Freddy sit down by mann
ma, she said You re such big
fellow that ~ hard work to hold on to
YOU, and mamma is very tired. Won't
you, dearP''
al want to look out and see things"
answered Freddy, too young and full of
spirits to understand how any one could
be tired.
His mother gave long sigh, as if she
saw that she must submit to the newt
able
wont YOU come here and look out
of my Window" | asked. thinking |
was better able TO keep the boy out OF
mischief than his mother was.
Freddy looked at me for a moment
critically, then shook his head.
'I'll stay with mamma, he said.
IN much Obliged to you for pro-
posing TO take him of my hands, she
said Il have a very bad headache,
and have tried to get him to sleep; but
he persists in keeping wide awaSe"
had not noticed the little gentleman
who sat opposite before | think be
had come into Che train at the same
station at which the woman did
perhaps the little boy Il let me take
care OF him." he said, pleasantly
Won't you, Freddyp'
Freddy looked him over for mo-
ment, and got down from the window
and walked across the aisle to him
.Yes, I'll stay with you he said.
and allowed himself to be lifted into
the little gentleman's seat
you look as if you were almost tired
out" the boy said to Freddy's mother
IF you could sleep, it would rest you,
I'm sure. I'll see to this little fellow
for YOU st asa4 a
Thank you! you are very kind
the weary woman answered, with a
sigh, ''but he's too big a fellow for a
ftltte boy to care for.
ooh no, ma am. can get along with
him well enough answered the little
fellow bravely '.You go to sleep ii you
can, and don't worry about Freddy
aud me- If you'll let me, I'll take him
to the other end of the car, where his
talking won't be so likely to disturb
you
Pm not afraid to trust you with
him." she answered, for tho manly
look on the lads face gave full assnr-
ance of his character and trustworth-
ness. If you are sure he won't be
too much trouble to you '---
"Pll risk that, answered the little
gentleman. Come. Freddy and
taking hold of the boys hand, he led
him to the other end of the car, and the
tired mother lay back in the seat and
closed her eyes.
Freddy had wants by tho dozen, and
his self-constituted guardian attended
to them patiently. BY and by there
were signs OF a lull in the demand on
his attention, and with ready tact he
proposed to tell stories if the other
would listen, and Freddy allowed him
self to be coaxed into reclining atti-
tude. Then the storytelling began,
and before the first story ended. Freddy
was asleep.
Twas sure ucould get him to sleep, :
said the little gentleman to me. with a
twinkle 10 his bright eyes. Il know
just tho sleepy kind of stories il needs.
you seen TSen he made u pillow for
Freddy's heAi, and laid him down as
carefully a. Yths bss's mother could