Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-05-24

when the boy ran out from his place of shelter, and holding up copy Of an af- ternoon newspaper before him, said.
 "Buy paper, Mir. Eokerta"
 As first Eckert did not heed the solici- tation, but when 1t was repeated, with all the persistency of the bright, active newsboy, who is eager to sell his wares, the morose man lost his temper, and with an oath exclaimed
 "Get out of the way, you young whelp, or I'll break your back"
 "I did not mean to give any offense, sir, " said Sam, politely; but this only in creased Mir. Eckert's ire, and grabbing the boy by the collar, he growled:
 You young weasel, you've been watch ing me, and I'll fix you for it. This is not the first time, either, and owe you a good kicking, that will probably teach you discretion"
 Eckert's face was flushed with hatred and anger, and he was about to kick Sam, when he felt a strong hand laid on his shoulder, and firm voice said:
 Hold on, MT. Eckert! Don't strike that orphan boy, at your peril!"
 Tom Eckert looked around ill a rage,
 
 Newcomb, for whom he knew he was no match.
 "Oh, it's you, eha" said Eckert, with sheer. "You are the knight-errant of Grimsby, who goes about like the five cent heroes of the story books, protecting the weak and virtuous from the assaults of the wicked. I've good mind to teach this monkey a lesson that he will not for get, all the same, even if you are here"
 And if you do," said Ned, who was stung to the quick by the irony of Tom Eckert's words, I'll teach you a lesson that you will not soon forget, either"
 "Oh, well, darn the little puppy; he is not worth bothering about, anyhow, said Eckert, in a bitter burst of impotent passion, and with vicious Jerk he let go his grip on little Sam.
 "Youre great big coward; that's what you are, " said Sam Sharp, taking refuge behind his stalwart friend, Ned Newcomb, " and some day I'll make you sorry for this"
 Eckert tried to laugh it off with:
 "Well, like the little fellows impu- dence anyway. Here, Sam, let's not be enemies. Here's a quarter, and we'll call it square,"
 Eckert was man of policy, and thought it best to conciliate the boy, in Ned Newcomb's presence, with a pretense of generosity, but Sam was not to be sub sidized in that way, and he said:
 Keep your money, Tom Eckert, and buy lamp with it. You may need it the next time you go a-playing spook in the Carson slope"
 It was clear to Ned Newcomb that if he had not been there the boy would pay dearly for this speech; for, although Eek ert did not pretend to hear it, there was a baleful look in his eye that boded noth. ing good to Sam Sharp.
 Ned Newcomb cut the interview short by taking the boy by the hand, and say ing:
 "Come with me, Sam; am going to see some friends of yours."
 Eckert, without saying word, walked off in the opposite direction, his heart newsboy.
 "He's a bad 'un, said Sam.
 And that is all the more reason why you should be on your guard," added Ned Newcomb. "Take care not to approach him hereafter, or he may do you some injury. don't think the fellow is above hurting you if he got the chance, and you must keep out of his way"
 He don't like me ever since saw him coming out of the mine slope, said Sam, "one morning early without light.
 "When was this?" asked Ned, coming to a sudden halt.
 "The very morning that Edith's father rescued her from those ruffians, answer ed the lad.
 "There may be something in that, Sam my boy. For the present keep it to your, self, though, and do not venture in Tom Eckert's way. He's 6 dark, dangerous man, and would not scruple to hurt even child if it were necessary for his sel. fish purpose. Look out, lad, and don't get in his way again"
 "Tm goin' to watch him, all the same, I" said Sam. But ain't goin' within his reach again, Ned, never fear. Good-by, |" and Sam darted off to dispose of the re- mainder of his stock of afternoon papers, while Ned Newcomb went to take a look at his friend Noel Edwards, who had been ordered by the doctor to go to some institution for the treatment of the eyes in Philadelphia, where, under proper care, he might yet regain his sight.
 This was Noels only hope-his last chance of ever being able to see again; and even though the prospect was not 8 cheering one, he had been persuaded by his wife and daughter to give it trial.
 The purpose of Ned Newcomb,s visit was to accompany Noel to the railway station, along with Edith and her mother, and see him comfortably cared for in the train. Faiths mother was to go with him all the way to Philadelphia. How glad they all were to see Ned Newcomb and hear his brave voice, that seemed to inspire them with courage and with hope in the midst of their misery.
 Edith, especially, had learned to look for Ned's coming with more eagerness, within a short time than she cared tO