Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1893-11-18
PETER OF CORTONA.

A little over 200 years ago there
stood before one of the most elegant
residences in the city of Florence a
poor, tattered boy Of some twelve
years He was not beggar; for be-
ing employed by Cardinal, rich and
influential, of course he had all the
food he twanted. But why was he
there? History does not say.
He was gazing Iistlessly at what
was going on around him when he
felt a sudden tap upon his shoulder,
and on looking up there stood, to his
establishment boy from Cortona,
from which place he himself had
come only four years before
"Why, Peter, is that you?" he ex-
claimed. What IN the world brought
you to Florence? How did you leave
all our friends?"
The boy shook back his shock Of
dark hair, crushed his hat into a
shapeless mass as he looked at his old
friend Thomas, the tears, mean
while, fast coursing down his cheeks.
II came here to be painter, Tom,
and they say Florence is the best
place to learn; and there's school
here, too, where they teach you all
about it. Mothers died since you
came away, and l can't stay, now
she's gone. / just hope I'll never
have to go back. oh, how lonely I'd
beIn
nYes, but don't it take money,
Peter, to learn how to paint? Have
you got any?" asked his friend, be-
lieving from the boys general ap-
pearance that he had not.
''Not penny"
At this honest confession Peter
hung his head.
"Then Of course you can't do any
thing. How would it be if l got a
place for you in the palace where !
live? Al any rate I'll promise you
enough to eat"
''Do you really get enough to eat?"
asked Peter, earnestly, as if doubtful
IL that could bet took so much for
a growing appetite!
Indeed you'd think so; but come
and see for yourself. You won't be
sorry I'll warrant you"
81 can't take a position, Tom, in
deed 1 can't. must be a painter.
The desire was born in me. / came
all the way to Florence on foot for
that and so don't ask me to give it
Up, or put anything in my way to stop
me. But I'll tell you what I'll do;
suppose, if you have so much more
than you need, you take me on trust
and share with me, and when l get
TO be painter, grown up and fam
GUS YOU know, I'll pay you. Would
that suit you?"
'I'll do it, old fellow, and be glad
to We can but try and see how the
plan works Come with me to the
garrett in the palace where / sleep,
and I'll give you apart Of my dinner
tonight"
Two Jolly boys, poor as they were,
soon hurried to the little room where
Thomas slept, the one with the
thought Of good meal, the Other
pleased that he had the company OIL
an old friend to dine with him. ar
unusual treat in his lonely dwelling.
lt was so small a place chat the low
straw bed, table, and three-leggeC
stool completely filed it up There
was only one thing really worthy o.
notice-the wonderful whiteness o.
the walls on every side
Tom folded up his old coat to make
q rest for Peters head and begged hin
TO lie down, saying at the same
time
Don't YOU get frightened, Peter
I'll be back again before you know
it."
But Peter looked so miserable tina
he almost repented taking him in
puny, sicklY boy that he was; but tn,
poor fellows wistful eyes were reas
suring, and he was of as quickly a
his old shoes would carry him.
Thomas, you must know, was il
high favor with the cooks, and afte
his work was done, and the meal
well over, he had grand opportunit
With.the broken meats; and tonight
60 his great delight, he was evel
more lucky than usual, for anon
other things he found half of a pigeo
pie, which he triumphantly carrie,
on TO bis friend up among the chin
ney tops
Can you believe how the poor DO
oaioyed ity BE had tasted scarcely