The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1886-03-19
AFLoAT IN A GREAT CITY
BY FRAnkA. MvmsEY.

On dark November night-the vino
blowing bitterly from the east, chilly
and dispiriting- boy, thinly and most
shabby dressed, emerged from side
street, carrying in his hand a coars,
sack partially filled. He walked aim
lessly up Broadway till he reached Un
ion Square, and there, taking position
opposite Fourteenth ST., leaned wearily
against tree.
He had no especial object in going
there more than to any other part Of
the great city. He drifted there as 9
deserted boat drifts upon the ocean
and yet there was stronger curren,
operating upon him than the effect OF
the wind and tide upon the boat-a
mysterious something that directed his
steps to this point.
The scene about him was picturesque
| A little to his left was the great
statue of Washington upon his horse
in full military armor, and still nearer
was Lafayette, while to hisright stood
facing him, life-size statue of Lincoln
just across the street were tall, hand
some buildings, and directly in front of
him, on the sidewalk, were many richly
dressed ladies and gentlemen, hurrying
along Fourteenth Street.
They passed gaily by, without being
needed by him, or giving him passing
thought, though in his rags he was a
conspicuous figure amid the more
cheerful objects that surrounded him.
Presently lady and gentleman drew
near, accompanied by a boy who had
seen, probably, about sixteen summers.
His dress was that of extreme ele-
gance.
Upon his upper lip was down-like
substance, barely visible by the strong
rays of the electric light. Altogether
he presented the appearance of an ex-
quisite dude.
For some reason this party especially
attracted the attention of the friendless
boy by the tree. He looked at them
sharply, to try and make out if he had
ever seen them before. He concluded
he had not, and yet he felt strong fan
cy to know something of them.
He had never felt so keen an interest
in any one before; and why in these
people, more than in others? he asked
himself.
Perhaps it's that dudes long legs"
he said to himself, with smile.
The party was now directly opposite
him, and the lady turned her sweet,
motherly face and gave him look of
sympathy, that passed over him like an
electric current, and awakened within
his breast tenderer feeling than he
had ever before known.
"Poor boy, how 1 pity him, and what
sad. sweet face he has,
This much our young friend heard
the kind woman say, and the warmth
of his poor, starved nature went Out to
her, while the crystal drops of grati-
tude that rolled down his cheeks told
her, in one hasty glance, the effect her
kind words had had upon him.
"He is no ordinary street boy" she
thought, notwithstanding his repuls-
i've DRESS"
Such sympathy for ragged little
Arab like that-te- -he-hs-he-he aw, it's
quite too funny, you know" and his
father joined him in a laugh of ridicule.
This remark from the exquisite youth
and his thin, irritating laugh speedily
froze the warmth of our young hero's
feelings, and aroused his indignation.
His manliness and naturally high
spirit naturally rebelled against being
insulted by anyone, and instantly he
dropped his sack, and instantly started
out to teach the young dandy much
needed lesson in civility.
The crowd of theatre-goers was so
large, that he could not easily reach
him, and it was fortunate that he did
not, for upon reflection he saw plainly
the folly of such an act.
He, however, followed closely behind