Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-05

the little folks, is the children's ward, IL
which there are a number Of cots en-
dowed by different denominations. nearly
all Of which are occupied most of the
time. Mrs. j. Taylor Ellyson, treasurer
Of the Baptist cot, which lacks but $500
Of being fully endowed, tells in the Rel-
gious Herald this interesting story OF a
bright little boy recently brought to the
Retreat:
Dear Children: 1t viii be of interest to
the friends OF the cot 10 know that it Is
now occupied by a very interesting little
boy Of five years. He is suffering with
lnfantile paralysis. and has to walk on
crutches. He came from Stuart's Draft,
Va. and took the Chesapeake and Ohio
train for Richmond at Fishersville, and
was put in the care Of the conductor.
A card was attached to a cord about his
neck, giving his name-"Frank Demestas,
Retreat for the Sick"
While / waited on the platform. the
night he came, M son went In the train
to find him, and came out with the little
fellow in his arms-crutches and all. In
Guiding a little canvas bag, which held all
Of his simple belongings. His helpless
condition attracted much kind attention
from the passengers. and the conductor
said that he had been q very good little
boy and gave him no trouble. How the
noise and confusion of his arrival must
have startled himl Yet he showed no
sign. except a little tremor OF the hands,
which were tightly closed. as though he
were resisting the probability of breaking
down.
His self-possession was wonderful In one
so Young. How many little boys Of five
years would have stood the test OF meet
ing strangers and the separation from
mamma so bravely?
we carried him TO the Retreat and
put him in the care of the nurse. And
thus we left him, still composed ana
fearless. though to us he looked so pitiful
that we reluctantly babe him good nlsht'
He soon had his supper and was snugly
| tucked away in the little blue and white
cot which has been so generously pro-
vided by you pennies.
The next day, the doctor put a plaster
| cast on his leg, which is bent just as
though he were kneeling. Although he
| has not been here a month. he is now
| walking without his crutches. There Is
| strong hope of his recovery; put' or
| course, IT will take a long time; and even
when he is we'll enough to go home. he
will have to wearaa brace 10 keep the leg
in the right position.
You will be glad to know that he Is a
| good boy and very polite, lovely of face,
| and appreciative of the attention he re-
| ceiyes. His wardrobe has been replenish-
ed by a kind friend, and he keeps his
bureau drawer in nice order. and enjoys
wearing his new clothes just as all little
boys do.
The children in the ward seem to be
nanny and contented, although some OF
! them are strapped TO their cots. All who
could go went to the Dog and Pony
chow" at the invitation Of a friend. &C
companied by three Of the nurses. 1t Is
needless to say that they enjoyed the
wonderful feats of the animals. and hac
something TO talk about for a long time
I will take this opportunity to thank
those who have contributed to the Baptist
cot, and also to express the nope ina
tha s,mple story of this dear little boy
will stimulate you TO renewed zeal in thi:
blessed work, which has for its Object