The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1886-04-30
JEFFoS FORTUNE.


untidy, his clothes torn and faded, his
small face pale and dirty; yet, in spite OF
this and tho hunger he had felt all day,
he was anything but unhappy as he
busily piled his broom across the muddy
road.
The day was cold, and rain had fallen
plentifully during the night; jeff felt
rather glad than otherwise, because il
gave him work, and chance of earning
few stray pence.
These last, however, did not come
often; he had been sweeping for over an
hour, and as yet had only one halfpenny
hidden in the depths of his ragged
pocket
Presently. as he stood by the curb
resting, gentleman, leading by the
hand little fair haired girl. came up.
The child was chattering gaily, and
over her fathers sombrc face broke
tender smiles as he listened to her
voice.
Jeff could not help gazing after them
as they walked over his crossing, some.
thing like envy in his heart; the maiden
looked so bright. little, and pretty,
warmly wrapped up in costly velvet and
furs.
Almost unconsciously rs she reached
the other side she glanced back, and
meeting Jeff's regretful. hungry eyes,
paused.
The boy saw her speak few eager
words to her father; then the wealthy
man with smile thrust something into
her tiny hand.
jeff noticed she hesitated moment
before she obeyed her fathers gentle
command.
''Go, FIossie dear; the poor boy will
not hurt you"
Flossie shyly moved towards jeff. and
slipped bright shilling in his hand.
'Are you cold?" she asked pitifully.
"Yes, a little" jeff answered, his face
flushing with confused pleasure.
"And hungry?"
Eyes; have had nothing to ca,
yet"
Poor boyr' Flossie continued, sympa
thetically .Now, you will be able u
have breakfast ut once, won't youP"
Jefi's eyes glistencd, and smile cross
cd his pinched lips.
breakfast and dinner, too; thank you
kindly miss"
"Flossic. come" MIR. Hope called
sharply, and the child, nodding Q
bright farewell to jeff, fastened to hel
father.
jeff lost no time in hurrying to the
nearest coffee-shop, where for few
pence he made quite u hearty meal. II
troubled him little TO part with Flos-
sizes shilling, but hunger soon overcame
reluctance.
Feeling much better and warmer after
his breakfast, he once more returned to
his post, inwardly hoping the next hour
would prove rs fortunate.
Whistling merry tune. jeff swept
away the mud which had gathered dur
ing his absence. and rs he neared the
spot where Mr.. Hope had waited for his
daughter, something bright and shin
ing, lying in the dirt. attracted his at.
tention.
STOPPING, he picked it up. and gazed
curiously ut the strange object.
1t looked like a rough piece of crystal,
though not quite so clear or white. Jeirs
away, the next to drop it carelessly into
his pocket.
Perhaps it will bring me luck; any
way, I'll keep it," he muttered. and con-
tinued his sweeping
Whether due to the unpublished crystal
or because people were struck with un-
usual compassion for JEFF, certain it was
the boy had more pennies dropped in his
hand that day than had ever fallen to
his lot
After counting his money the same
night, when he retired to rest beneath
an archway close by, jeff drew out his
lucky find. and turned il over and over
in his hand.
"I'll keep you always-sce if don't"
he unused. You have brought me luck
already; in future I'll call you my for
tune"
Jeff slept soundly all night, undisturb-
ed as he generally was by stern police
men.
Morning saw him again Mt his cross
ing, sweeping with renewed energy,
fortified by q hearty breakfast.
Not long had he worked before man,
kintAfaced and white-haired, passed over
the crossing.
Halfway, his gold-hcaded cane slip
ped from his trembling fingers to the
ground, and jeff, ever watchful and
Obliging, rushed forward to pick it up.
AS he handed it to its owner, the
gentleman smiled, gazing earnestly into
the boys open, honest face.
After fumbling in his pockets few
minutes, he shook his head, and sighed.
Il have no money. my boy; l can give
you nothing"
jeff laughed cheerfully.
"Never mind, sir; do not want any
reward" he said.
Come TO my house instead, this eve
ming, and | will see what | can do for
YOU" the gentleman added gravcly, Civ
ing him his card, pleased at the boys
frankness.
jeff promised to obey, and after work
hurried to the address given.
He was welcomed kindly by his old
patron. and before another week JEFF
was placed where he could learn an hon.
est trade, his ragged clothes changed for
clean new ones.
He was happy now. but never once
did he cease to believe his fortune was
owing entirely to the rough stone found
| in the mud; it hung round his throat
now, fastened by a blue ribbon, and
strangely enough, though remarked
often by his protector, no curious and
prying questions were asked as to why
he cherished so ugly thing.
Nearly a year passed by. and ono day
whilst returning to his home, JEFF
suddenly came face to face with Flos,