The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-12-25
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Three cheers fur Pete an his stockin,
SAID some one. They were given with a
VIII, though it was against the rules TO
make noise IN the dormitory. but every
one overiooks such demonstrations at
Christmas, and so cid Mrs. Brown.
When all the boys had gone she took
charge of Pete. but kept him ont CT her
sitting room. much to his surprise. bid
ding him wait till Patsey should come
home; so he played around contentedly
for a while
Does you know where the City OF
David Is" he asked suddenly. Il heard
about il las night" he said Il think It
was angel that sung it"
Mrs. Brown was busy just then, and
she gave little heed to the child's pratt
tie and he said no more. but IN his mind
was vague idea that be should ike TO
find the place because that beautiful lit
tie girl had sung about 1t. 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 establishment was nearly as
great as Pete's, for he thought the small
tree would not have much on it. There
it was, wen 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 aeon 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 RESTAURANT"
"Patsey, do You know where the city
of David ISL asked Pete. as they walked
gayly along.
Now, Pete, what makes yer talk so
silly? No, don't. an. what's more, l
don't want ter, said Patsey decidedly.
This city suits me well enough"
Didn't We hear boat il las night,
Patsey, when tha angel were singin'?'
THAT were a girl, Pete; bat she did
look like angel, sure 'nough. don't
remember the city of David, though"
Pete trudged on with sigh. He was
used to having his questions remain I'M
answered. After 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 "a block or so away. and
Pete said he could go 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 a step
further to the home he turned and went
up another street, resolved to ask "a pO-
liceman. 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 a crossing, just as dashing
team driven by one of four young men
in the carriage behind came around the
corner II struck the child and threw
him to one side, the carriage never stop
ping.
There was 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 10 the nearest hospital, after
which word was sent TO Mrs. Brown. II
did not take her and Patsey long 10 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 living in the hospital
cot knew no bounds. and he remorse-
fully blamed himself for leaving his
brother alone: but the boy tried TO con
sole him by saying: Il amt hurried much.
Patsey. Don't We mind"
What fur did We 20 or, Pete?" asked
Patsey.
Il wanted ter End the city as the little
girl sung about said Pete. Nobody
telleI me, so 1 thought maybe Id find il
meself."
When they left him he was bravely
smiling. 20 try 10 make them think he
didn't mind being left without them
They went TO visit him ~ often as 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 Patsy az
well as 10 the sick boy.
For days he lay III bed. growing more
and more feeble, but often talking 10
Patsey about how much he wished 70
find the city Of his search.
"Good-by. Patsey dear" lie said one
day, his arms around his brothers neck
I'm a-goin' ter sleep assoon as it's dark,
50 kin get up early in the mOrnin' an
find the city. I'll ask every one l 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. Soms time In the
night his search for all things earthly
was ended, and when morning dawned
there was only his body left, still and
white. bat with the old sweet smile on
the face. AxssTE ISABEL WILLIS.