The morning call., 1890-12-26
THE CUIRASSIER.

IL was IdlhlllE, Dul ii SCdlCtIN NlslDIC ldli,
as if the drops were pressed through fine
sprinkler by a gigantic hand behind the
clouds. which sailed low in the chilly air.
But in spite of the singing slaps of the
saucy wind the boulevard was full of peo-
ple-two crowds, one of which moved by
the force of business necessity; the other
more slowly, impelled only by curiosity, but
both meeting and passing in constant sue
ceSsion.
At the corner of street and the boule-
ward was stationed little boy scarcely ten
years old. His brown, thick, uncombed
hair fell in locks almost to his eyebrows,
or stood out like briStles from his temples
His jacket, vest and pantaloons were i'll
fitting and remade from old, worn corduroy
which had changed from yellowish brown
to a dirty gray hue. They were entirely too
large for him, but then ut was reasoned he
would grow inevitably. whether economy
made this desirable or not. His face and
hands showed the spots of mud which we're
sDattered on him short time before by a
luxurious carriage that in passing, almost
touched his three feet of corner territory.
He had small. bright, gentle blue eyes, and
was named Charles Froer.
His father, who was street vender of
toys, had placed him there some days be-
fore TO sell something he had lately in
vented. 1t was wooden cuirassier of
brave bearing, mounted on spirited
steed. When certain spring was touched
the horse would prance off on quick NOV
ing wheels, and the soldier would brandish
heroically his formidable saber, raising and
then falling TO pierce some bic
breasts or TO NOW off the heads of some
imaginary hosts of the invading enemy
During this invading attack the cui-
raSsier would roll his eyes ferociously
and his savage mustache would bristle
with fury. What more alluTing and en-
trancing toy could be offered to boy with
drop of French bravery in his young
heart? The father sold many of them in
walking the neighboriBg streets near the
wonderful church of the Madeleine. But
he chose TO have his son remain at the
street corner, having suspended from his
peck frame in which a company of the
cuirassiers were in line in the full splendor
oil paint anO gliding.
Every morning he received twenty of
them, and each one sold for 20 sous.
THUS every evening, in mounting to bis
home in Acacia street.-The sixth story of
the house-he must show 20 sous for each
missing cuirassier Now he shivered in the
misty air; his cheeks, nose and ears were
purI lie and his llttle chapped hands were
buried to the elbows in his pantaloon
pockets. liz feeble, thin and melancholy
voice lie cried:
1.-The cuirassier, the fine, brave cuiras-
sier, for 20 sousP But the Indifferent
crowd passed on, leaving him to repeat his
offers as regularly as he had heard his
father dc.
This good man. glider by trade, but
now out OF his proper work, turned to this
business to keep out of idleness. that he
might the better feed his motherless chill
drtn. He naturally sold many more of the
toys, because in his good-nstured way he
added 10 these attractions by his sparkling
Partisan jokes, they compelling attention
and inducing the listeners to buy. The
little boy could not do this; indeed was
rather I; Sad while crying. The cgiras-
were in his eyes, but not because of the
cold; ne was accustomed to that. Nor
was lie Ill or hungry; ON the contrary he
was strong and his father gave him plenty
TO eat
Whv, then. was he shedding tears, and
why did he regard with an air of disturb
ance, most OF fear, the children of the
wealthy who we're tempted by the pretty
toys 10 approach him?
And when he sold one and the 20 sous
sank deep IN his pocket, why did signs burst
from his curved lips and his eyes follow
with jealous and desolate expression the
happy ch ID who disappeared in the crowd
frnmphanty bearing away the gallant
Soldier? That day business had been ex-
cellent, only one toy .remaining-one only,
purse. Near him, almost touching him,
came little boy clinging to his mothers
hand Although of the same age he was
much smaller than Charles and very thin,
his face being emaciated and wan. 1t
seemed hard for him to walk, for his right
shoulder projected In hump.
1hey had never spoken, but they knew
each other very well. having often met.
The deformed boy was named CASTOR Lem
belly. one which Charles thought almost too
u fnrC hnAxr
rich widow, who lived in the first fiat of
the house in Acacia street, of which she was
owner.
CASTOR stopped before Charles, recogniz-
Ing him with smile and bow. He gaZed
earnestly at the remaining toy and ex-
claimed, on, mamma, see the splendid
cuiraSSierv'
Ills dark-rimmed eyes-those of one con-
denned TO soon close them forever-opened
wider, and he reached his long, thin. waxy
hand to grasp the wooden soldier and touch
the spring. Immediately the horse gave a
nerce bound, and the rider brandished his
weapon as If moving the heads and piercing
the breasts of an invisible host.
ON, mamma, please buy him for mep'
how much foryour cuirassier, my child?''
asked the mother.
Twenty sous, madame"
There is the money!" and CASTOR Lem
belly walked off with his prize.
The little wooden frame was now empty.
but with contracted lips Charles bent his
head. He tried hard not to weep but il was
tbo much for him, and his forehead almost
touching his little shelf, his hands thrust into
his pockets, he burst into a shower of tears
and signs.
CASTOR Lembelly heard him and turned
about, pulling his mother toward the little
vender of toys.
why are you weeping?" he inquired, In
familiar and kindly manner, for children
sre fraternal with each other before they are
spoiled by conventionality. HAS some one
hurt you?''
He sighed, but could not answer. The lit
tie invalid insisted.
Come, now, tell me why you are weep.
fngY ''r
Charles wiped his eyes with his sleeve, but
MS tears wetting the mud remaining on il
from his former efforts it left gray scar on
his troubled visage, extending from his eye
TO his left ear.
Between his signs, in broken sentences,
he tried to explain:
lam ot-crying-hou-houI No
one-bas-hurt-me. No-I-am-n0t-cry-
ng-oniy-my-cuirassie my fne-cui-
rassiersP
"Very well. have Won not been maid foy
tbem?" ~ 0'O'' '- ~
Yes, but love them so much. They are
30 handsome. when have them all before
me- look at them with so much pleasure
But dare not touch them because papa has
forbidden it. Then when they are ali gone
weep, for would like so much to have one
all to myself"
And have you not asked your father fol
"Yes. but papa is poor and cannot afford
It He needs all the money for u.s."
The little invalid looked at him with gentle
hut astonished eyes.
"Then one would make you very happy? '
he asked.
"Oh. yes, indeedl" sobbed Charles, with .
new flow of tears.
Then Gastonaxeached him his toy.
Here. take minei l give 1t to you, and
you can keep the 20 sous, tool"
Charles Froer feared he did not heal