The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-12-24

MIS-. BrOWn was DuSy Ju5b IHtu, anu
she gave little heed to the child's pratt
tie and he said no more, but in his mind
was vague idea that he should like to
find the place because that beautiful ht-
tie girl had sung about it, and so it
must be very nice.
When Patsey came back he looked in.
quiringly at Mrs. Brown, and she said
at once, "Come into my sitting room,
boys. have something to show you"
Patsey's astonishment was nearly as
great as Pete's, for he thought the small
tree would not have much ON it. There
it was, well filed, and as Mrs. Brown
gave Pete the things she told who each
donor was. Both boys were wild with
delight, but as it was nearly noon when
the tree was bare, they begged place
to put the treasures in, and started out,
Pete with his red mittens on proud
hands, to the ''restyurant."
"Patsey, do you know where the city
of David is?' asked Pete, as they walked
gayly along.
"Now, Pete, what makes yer talk 30
silly? No, I don't, an, what's more,
don't want ter" said Patsey decidedly.
"This city suits me well enough"
Didn't ye hear bout it las night,
Pasey, when the angel were singin'T.
"That were girl, Pete; but she did
look like a angel, sure 'nough. I don't
remember the city OF David, though"
Pete trudged on with sigh. He was
used to having his questions remain un-
answered. After a good dinner the boys
started back to the home, but as they
neared the place group of Patsey's
chums came up and asked him to join
them in some fun they had planned.
The home was block or SO away, and
Pete said he could 60 the rest of the way
alone, so Patsey left him and went with
the boys. The little fellow trotted on,
looking so happy in spite of his worn
clothes and cheap, clumsy shoes that
many whom he met smiled at him.
A fragment of that beautiful song
again sounded in his ears. The city of
David! He would find it, himself, Pete
thought, and though it was but step
further to the home he turned and went
up another street, resolved to ask po-
iceman. None appeared, and he walked
on and on, thinking that perhaps the
city he sought was next to his own city,
and if he could only get outside Of that
great place he could find what he sought.
More and more tired grew the little feet,
and at last, frightened and chilled. he
stumbled on crossing, just as dashing
team driven by one of four young men
in the carriage behind came around the
corner. It struck the child and threw
him to one side, the carriage never stop
ping.
There was a rush Of bystanders for
the little figure, and when picked up
Pete was very limp and weak, but con-
scious, and he begged them to take him
to the home. Of course this could not
be done, and Pete was carried in an am
bulance to the nearest hospital, after
which word was sent to Mrs. Brown. 1t
did not take her and Patsey long to find
their way to the place where Pete lay,
and she mourned over the sick child as
if he were one of her own. Patsey's grief
when he saw Pete lying in the hospital
cot knew no bounds, and hs remorse-
fully blamed himself for leaving his
brother alone; but the boy tried to con-
sole him by saying: "Iain't hurted much,
Patsey. Don't ye mind"
"What fur did ye go off, Peter? asked
Patsey.
"I wanted ter find the city as the little
girl sung about" said Pete. Nobody
telled me, so I thought maybe I'd find it
mesef."
When they left him he was bravely
smiling, to try to make them think he
didn't mind being left without them.
They went to visit him as often Us the
rules allowed, and each time he said
Better" when asked how he felt. He
complained of no pain, but simply
wished to lie quiet. The newsboys sent
all sorts of nice things to him, and these
attentions were consoling to Patsey as
well as to the sick boy.
For days he lay in bed. growing more
and more feeble, but often talking to
Patsey about how much he wished to
find the city of his search.
"Good-by, Patsey DEAR" he said one
day, his arms around his brothers neck.
I'm a-goin' ter sleep assoon as it's dark.
so I lin get up early in the mornin' an
find the city. I'll ask every one I meet.
an sure some one II know"
The brothers kissed each other. Then
Patsey went slowly away to sell his
evening papers. At dusk little Pete fell
TRANQUILITY asleep. Some tina in the
night his search for all things earthly
was ended, and when morning dawned
there was only his body left, still and
white, but with the old sweet smile on
The face. ANNIE ISABEL WILLIS.