Nevada County picayune., 1890-12-25
THE WA!F.

Up and down the streets he walked alone in the midst of the hurrying mutitudes- homeless, though sur rounded by homes.
 Little Gerald Grant>walked slowly onward, for it was warmer so than standing still. He could have no other motive, for among the thous- ands of homes that were all about him, there was none that awaited him.
 The New Years bells were ring ing. It was glad sound for thous- ands of children, for they knew that the New Year would bring them gifts and happy festive gatherings.
 The toy shops were full of pur- chasers. The light streamed from the windows upon the sidewalks, making it almost as light and cheer ful as at monday. There were groups of well-dressed ladies and gentlemen passing in different direc- tions, selecting from the shops their annual offerings for the little ones at home.
 None of them seemed to notice the thinly clad boy who kept on his way shivering, but with as stout heart as he could manage to preserve un- der the dishcartening circumstances ; for Gerald could not quite forget that 3 year ago he had home-not here, but in a distant city. His parents were in humble but comfortable cir cumstances. At length. in hope of obtaining more profitable employ ment, they moved hither. But for tune proved unpropitious-disease found them out, and never left them until both parents had fallen victims, and Gerald was left alone.
 Since then-it was a month ago he had lived as he could. Some times he obtained little job, some times a charitable person gave him g meal, and for lodging he did as SC many homeless poor are obliged tC do. More than once he had been without any roof other than the sky above him.
 But tonight sense of unusua desolation came over him. The sight of the general joy, in which hC had no share, was we'll calculated tC make him feel his own isolation.
 He paused before gaily illumi hated shop window and looked wist fully in. He would like to have gon, in moment to enjoy the comforta ble warmth that reigned within. Btu the clerks, who would have looked complacently upon him if he haC been well dressed, would have harsh ly ordered him out as an intruder i he had presented himself in his pov erty-stricken attire.
 A stout, comfortable looking maI was walking briskly along the street Everything looked bright and cheer full to him. He did not feel the cold How could he with his well-paddeC coat of Moscow beaver, his thicl gloves and his fur mantle!
 , Besides, his heart was warm witt the thoughts of the four children wh' were awaiting his return at home Children with bright rosy check glowing with health and happiness filling his home with merry, glad some shouts-that was the home |, which Randolph Percy was hastening l suppose it was because his mint was so pre-occupied that he did no distinguish little Gerald who stoo, before the window of the toy shop il mute admiration of the paradis, from which penury shut him out.
 At any rate, he stumbled ano nearly fell over the child, who turned d frightened glance towards him.
 Now, there is always something ridiculous and irritating in tho thought of falling in the street, anc Mir. Percy was not proof against 1t
 Don't you know any better thar to place yourself in my way, you lit tie ragamuliinE You nearly made me fall"
 "I didn't mean to, sir" said th' child, looking up ill his face.