The sun., 1896-10-24
ANNIE FOoN: AGED FOUR.
a LITTLE HEATHEN VINO RETIRES
At MIDNIG HT AND GETS UP AT TEN

She Runs In aud Out or the Chinese
Thentre-Not Afraid OF Kidnnppers ns
"Pienty Policemen sabe Her "-Couid
SivePoints How to ne Graceful.
1t was 10 o'clock and things were at their
noisiest at the Chinese Theatre in Doyers street.
The low, sitting place was thick with smoke.
but even that was driven back In waves by the
changing exertions of the musicians on the
stage. The reporter stood on q rallied platform
in tho corner opposite the ono where the mu-
sicians and actors were doing their violent
worst In front OF him. in ncrescent-shaped rows
of seats converginR toward the stage, were sew
eral hundred Cinnamon, hats on. pipes or cigar
cites in their mouths. Everything was dark
and repulsive Suddenly the detective at the
reporters side said:
Hello. Annie! where'd you como from3"
Tho reporter looked around; then down. A
GltterinR little bundle of green and red and
gold stood munching an apple in the dark cor
ner. Her long narrow eyes were almost round
with excitement as she watched n tall domestic
tyrant pull his wife all over the stage by her
nose. The bundle ate on; not in silence, 1t
must be admitted, for Annie munched 80 that
che almost rivalled the musicians in the other
corner. But she was silent so far as taking any
notice OF the detective was concerned.
Come, comel shake hands, Anniel" he said.
She didn't for an instant remove her en-
tranced gaze from the stage, but she reached
out her hand.
"Now shake hands with this gentleman"
Annie stuck = moist little fist out vaguely,
being still occupied with the domestic tragedy
in the other corner. She laughed with keen
enjoyment, but with the silent chuckle of an
older person. Her funny little face was full OF
q weird intelligence. Just as suddenly as she
had appeared she started for the door.
Going home, Annie 2" asked the detective.
Yes"
"All right; we'll be over to you in few
minutes"
That was the reporters introduction to Annie
Foon. and. although it may be ticklish ground,
he is prepared to say that there isn't a more at
tractivo child in the whole OF Greater New
York. Perhaps this statement may not go un-
challenged. There several hundred thou
sand fond parents who probably won't believe
word of it. They can show good evidence on
their side. but-they haven't seen Annie.
Tho Foons live at Doyers street directly op-
posite the theatre. This is very convenient for
Annie. who runs In and out at all hours OF the
evening. Good American mothers, who put
their little folk to bed at 8 o'clock, will have
shiver of horror when they find that this little
heather doesn't retire until the witching hour
of II. At any rate, that was what her mother
said. But she also said that Annie doesn't get
Mr.. and Mrs. Foon were reclining on a raised
platform which occupies fully q third OF the
room which serves them as parlor bedroom.
dining room. and kitchen. The platform is
about three feet high. and is covered. first with
some mating aud then with some layers of
cotton and calico. In the centre was a group of
what was evidently considered choice bric-a-
brac; a small nickel clock which, as Annie ex-
planned. refuses to go: little china dog. ditto
.-.,I,
of the Virgin and the infant Jesus, a carved
stone inkstand. and the inevitable opium outfit.
Mrs Foon is rather attractive Chinese woman,
with n good deal of pride in her little daughter.
This pride varies according TO Annie's success
AS q source Of revenue.
How old arc you. Annie2" asked tho re-
porter.
She held up four srimy little fingers.
" Aren't you sleepy Z"
Her eyes opened as wide as they possibly
couIa TO show how m'stnken ST this idea was
With my doll and my carriages, see! My
mama bought EN- for me for 25 cent"
where did you learn to speak English ?"
=" At school, In Mott street. Far away. Oh.
SoS Hst sqSsHes TTs nisps p.Gn'r'y impressed
Yes. me no fraid." iapsinr into pigeon Eng
lish. Nobody carry me off, call policeman.
him lock 'em up. Plenty policemen snbe me-"
But Annie was boasting Of her courage little
mournruliy just outside the window. Instantly
the narrow eyes flew wide open again. and she
Sat MP with 4 start.
What: ,that' Bogie MANI"
"Oh. no"'
Yes it is. He eat me mp"
No: that's only cat. You like cats."
| The little green and gold bundle crept over TO
| the reporter and got NJ as close as it could
You 'fraid 2" she demanded in whisper
"N-o-oN in very big and bold tone. which
SO reassured Annie that she consented TO sing.
1t was then that her audience became con-
WINGED that she Is the most fascinating ittle bit
Of OH humanity IN the Gi,y Grace Why. the d..
! Foon. II you don't believe it. Just happen into
| the Foon apartment some evening, hold n quar-
| insist on song and dance by Annie. There is
no dance to it in the American sense but the
hands and eyes do slow, subtle. Oriental dance
which makes you rub your eyes and look again
| to see II it really is a 4-year-old child.
When Annie had finished her song her mother
and wanted n penny. Then Il was the reporters
turn. Unfortunately. a spirit OF wild generosity
| IDENTIFY thought they mad found gold mine. A
| day or two later the new spaper man went again
| to the house. and when Mrs. Foon's eyes ignted
on him there was CLEAN in them. II WAS IL
| O'Clock in the morning. and Annie was huddled
| In one corner OF the platform. where her father
and mother had been the time before. She had
| black silk handkerchief against her cheek
and her head was lying on one OF those Chi
nebe pillows. which must be as comfortable
as 81; Catharine's brick. The reporter wanted
visit and demanded 50. Annie confded to the
newspaper new man that IL her mother should sell
" My papa hit my mama" she said.
Evidentlyithe husbands of Chinatown profit by
picture could give any idea OF little Annie's
| charm. One must her sing and dance with
her grimy but indescrib badly graceful hands 10
realize how altogether bewitching a 4-year-o
heather can be-
| n DEAF WOMAN At THE AUCTTON