The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-10-29
Hn,v Rnrrles Rose.

u wish't there was a yacht race every
64y in the year." cried Raggles, as he
paused under a lamp-post and began
counting over a handful OF coppers that
he had drawn out of one Of his frayed
pockets.
Here 1t is on'y o'clock and all me
mpes sold out III have a gay old iced
tonight. II j never cit another ana he
frrIed the coins over again just to near
what pleasant music they made. Wine
be debated how he could best spend his
wealth. and where il would bring the best
returns.
Rargles was only nine. but he had ac-
1uired q good deal Of wisdom in those Few
ears that could not be picked UP In
r.hools. lie could tell you where
the best penny restaurants were
located. and what baker gave
the most broken crackers for the
money; and ~ you We're looking for a
nights lodging free. there were certain
c0sey corners I'm the docks that he could
have shown YOU with pleasure.
Ragrles had made up his mind about
his supper. and was turning away when
"a plaintiye sob struck his ear. lie stopped
and looked around him, and saw a small
boy Of about seven huddled up on door
step.
well. wonder what ails this ldd?' he
said TO himself Perhaps he aint had no
money TO buy pape's to-day, and is dead
hungry"
BE went mp to the stranger and slapped
him on the shoulder
"Sav. sonny what's de matter? Amt
you had no luck to-day?"
The little boy hid his face IN his hands
and began 90 sob afresh. Ragges looked
az him "a little scOrnfully.
"What are ye cryiu' about? We better
tell me quick, cause 1 got 'gogement 10
go 60 the oprer tonight, and me horse
cars waidn''
"T want 10 20 home" was the reply he
received. land I'm hungry" The little
boy looked up at Raggies hopefully
We'll. why done you so home? Who's
a-hnderin' ye.' remarked the pavement
philosopher
ell don't know whore IL is
"Nel ye must be a greeny. 10 go and
got iost-a big fellow like youl If ] had a
home ] wouldn't forget where it IS. Is it
far from hcrcg"
"Ob yes; It's miles-hundreds a miles
from here. j came down here ga the cars
with papa. ana got lost while we were
r1.n' through "a crowd. and thcn-and then
20 bad. dirty. old woman said she'd find
papa for me. and she took me down a
dark street and we walked and walked,
and then she took me into a cellar and
tore off my pretty clothes and put these
oH instead"
well. what did you do them" asked
Elgglcs who was getting interested.
"She looked me out again. and we walked
around again. and then she gimme a
H1p. and told me 80 SO home. / ran till
7 got here. an then / fell asleep
"Phew" whisued Raggles. you did
get 80 in the neck. You must be one o.
them little dudes from uptown, You're in
hard luck. young feiier but III see Won
trough You come along with me and
youll wear dImonds Get a move ON ye,
end Wen hit sumpin' TO eat"
The last remark was enough 10 get the
other boy on his feet
and viii YOU take me home 90 papa@'
BE asked, putting his hand conhdingly in
uW ~ Raegies
'lr bet j win n can find him but
.e,s ,ed first. and then Wen see what's
u te done"
le stranger seemed 70 be satisfied with
is AND trueccd along bravely by the
A- OF ais neNly-found friend.
What's your name2 asked Raggles Il
sl9. you viii forget that" with a touch
q, H9m.
'4y names Harold" was the timid re-
sgoase
Harold"
We'll that's n nice heightened sort OF
name 20 Doe sure. My names just plain,
everyday Ragelcs"
What queer name" murmured the
Stranger.
VEL / amt got any better. But here
We are ~ tae hash house." as he led the
way down Into a 0ingy basement
They entered room dimly lit by some
smoky lamps A long wooden table food
lA Tie centre. about which a number OF
men ana boys. ragged ana dirty. were
seated, eating erecdly.
a slender dirty man with a patch over
ans eye presided AZ a stove In The corner
ensased IN cooking. lie left his positioo
now ana Then % attend 10 his cuetovners
Don't you get scared. young nm ssi6
hafgles. os his friend drew back M The
t'sht OF 'his strange scene. There ain,
no one 70 eat you here; they got somethin'
else 10 DO"
rushing Harold down on the end OF the
bench not unkintly he went over 10 the
pfopnetor ana gave his order for supper
- got some chicken stew for You.
AAFry.' he said when he came back. u