The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1893-01-11
MIDGET AND MIsER.
now LITTLE sTRIrE FOUND SIMEON
PINcH's HEART.

Another day was done. 1t was mute
ly proclaimed by the steady tide of stall
NaTt pedestrians who hurried along to
their homes, anxious to lay aside busi-
ness cares for a steaming supper and the
evenings relaxations. 1t was pathetic
ally told by groups of beggar children,
who, on their tagging course toward cold
fresides and empty larders, drifted from
one brilliantly-hghted shop window to
another, pointing with lean fingers like
the hungry Barmeeide in the Arabian
talel to one good thing and another, and
crying shrilly:
That's mine. On, and that And /
will have this, tooT'
A fine snow was beginning tosift down
and keen wintry wind springing up,
scattered the half clad beggar children
with 3 single blast Of its icy breath. 1t
lashed them onward with whips made of
their own tat;ered garments it drove
the shivering, frozen snowflakes sharply
against shutter and window pane il
scuttled down the street in a whirl Of
snow that blinded every living thing
within its path and now, all at once, it
was gone But take heed 1t il in hid
ing round the corner Of yonder substan-
iial mansion. to pounce out and lsirly
cut down the unwary pa5ser-by. Within
the mansion, Simeon Pinch, lord ard
owner, rose from his essy-chair and peer
ed out into the gathering darkness be-
fore drawing the sheavy curtains. He
stopped TO scowl at a picture that shone
forth from a house across the way. Rosy,
laughing children that greeted their IA
tiers arrival with showers Of kisses and
shouts Of welcome, dragged the helpless
victim into their merry game and ma
rzuded his pockets for forfeits. Simeon
Pinch gazed, and as he gazed his seowl
grew deeper and blacker.
"Foolsp he muttered. Bah, I'm
glad I've no relations; no, not one
Cousin nor wife, nor chick nor child, to
worry my life and rob me OF my hard
earned gainsw
He dropped the hangings with a
grim satisfaction, and returning TO his
chair, be stirred up the open fire vigor-
ously.
Just then the ponderous door swung
slowly open-only IA enough TO admit 4
very small body indeed-and Simeon
Pineh's angel entered. She had very
wide open blue eyes, heeey white hood
tied down over her golden curls, and her
white coat was buttoned down to her
ankles.
Simeon Pinch rubbed his eyes and
looked again. Yes. the fairy, the vision
whatever it was-had not melted away.
She stood there regarding him in the
most serious manner, and finally asked
in sweet, clear voice:
"Are you Mr.. Pinch ?"
Mr.. Pinch managed to nod his head
in assent but as yet he was speech
less.
Then I am very glad to see you, Mr..
Pinch" went ON the sprite, and I've
come to live with you"
Who are you ?D croaked Simeon
Pinch, at last,
"I'm Midget-Midget Brown. But
suppose now my name will be Midget
Pinch. Pinch-Pineh--M Midget Pinch
1t DOESN'T sound real good, but I'll get
used to it, guess"
She nodded gayly at the beetle-brOwed
old man sitting bolt upright in his chair,
aud went on, in the most amiable man.
ner:
Yes, I've come to live with you be-
cause you are all alone, and because you
have lots Of money and l haven't very
much, and I'm always needing so many
fhings. My mamma says you're dreadful
rich, and it's q shame-you won't help
anybody in need, and you can't take il
with you when you die And papa says
your name is Pinch a-purpose because
you pinch everyone. But thought you
couldn't know how much needed some
things, SO | thought I'd come and stay
with you if you would buy them for
me-"
Simeon Pinch was beginning to wake
up. His face had not looked 80 ruddy