Nevada County picayune., 1890-12-25

laugtcr of children and the indistinc' sound of merry voices floated out up. on the air. There was something contagious in it. It even went |, the heart of little Gerald. who looked all about him for the house from which these sounds proceeded. He did not have to look long. A fresh burst of laughter showed him that they issued from the house which he was then passing.
 Then a sudden impulse seized Gerald-I think it must have been providential-to become spectator of the merry scene of which he could hear the indications. He could re- member when he had been merry and happy-it seemed long time ago some centuries at least-for misfor- tunes make the time pass slowly. He thought it might revive the memory of the happy past if he could only see children enjoying themselves as he used to do.
 Perhaps Gerald was not aware of all the reasons that influenced him. To his own mind it only seemed an impulse-a sudden impulse, to which he at once yielded.
 ''It won't be wrong, don't think" |" he said to himself. "It can't do any harm that know of
 So he clambered up by the railing on the outside of the steps, and, bending to one side, had good chance to look in. It was a large and brilliantly lighted double parlor. There was thick carpet on the floor. Sofas and ottomans were scattered here and there, and in the midst of all there were four happy, romping children.
 It was New Years eve, and on this occasion they had been allowed to re main up beyond their regular time of retiring. They were playing the old fashioned game of "Hlind Mans Buff" and the merry shouts showed that they were enjoying it highly.
 The parents were sitting on sofa looking at the sports of their child ren with beaming faces. Gerald's attention was, however, confined to the children. He followed their sports with eager eyes, and with keen enjoyment.
 Just then one of the little ones mo- ticed him and called out:
 Why, papa. there's boy looking in at the window"
 Gerald swiftly slid down, but not until he had been seen.
 Good gracious." exclaimed Mir. Percy--for it was his house and the children was his-''it's the very boy 1 tried to find to-night!'
 He slipped on his hat and without waiting for his coat hastily left the house. He came quickly upon Ger ald. who had not expected pursuit, and placed his hlnd on his shoulder
 Gerald looked up, and without ap- prehension recognized the gentleman who had spoken harshly to him that evening.
 II didn't mean any harm" said the child, quickly.
 "Nor do l, my poor child," said MT, Percy, gently. "Butl If you will come into the house with me l may do you some good"
 Hardly knowing what to think Gerald followed MT. Percy into tht house. The children quickly gath cred about him and looked compas sionately at his face and hands, ant hIs battle with the cold. They ex tended to him cordial welcome ant even induced him to join in thei merry party.
 From that New Years day littl, Gerald was no longer homeless. MT Percy assumed the expense of his ed ] ucation, and the boy promises to d' credit to his benefactor.
 Dear reader, if some day penury should present her face at the win dow of your heart, open wide the door and bid her enter.
 Representative Breckinridge, o Kentucky, says the New York Trib