Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1897-12-24

Their. I'm interested in him, and l
guess I'll keep track of him Il while and
help him along; he's too bright to be
kicked about like a beggar."
"Did you find out his name?"
"Yes, and No: of his companions
called him Muff, but I've an idea it's
only Il nickname. When the doctor
asked him where he lived. he said.
with Mrs. Burns, ON East Side.-Why
what's the matter, Graves?"
Mr.. Graves had risen abruptly, look
ing quite pale.
"What hospital did You say he was
taken to-" he asked, without needing
the question asked him.
"Orphans' Home; it's u pretty good
one, too. Going out? What's the mat
ter, Graves?" he asked again.
Mr.. Graves looked at his friend a mo-
ment and then said, st is Christmas
eve. Last year, this time l had a fam
lily: now 1 have none, and l don't know
what has become of them. Naturally
I'm restless, and your story has upset
me somewhat" He turned abruptly
and went out. The wind vas blowing
the snow hither and thither, and it was
very cold. He buttoned up his coat
and started hurriedly forward, so alb
sorbed in thought that he didnot know
which way he went. He began musing:
sBrown eyes and curly hair-that's like
Harry; but many a boy might answer
to that description. But this one lived
with Mrs. Burns; it might be Harry
after all. Believe I'll go and see" He
looked up and saw a policeman and in
quired courteously; "Can you directme
to Orphans Home Hospital, sir?"
"Yis sor, yis sor." replied the kindly
Irishman, ut is OIL siventy-foive and
Duglas street. Better take a car; it's a
long way sor." he called after Mr.. G.
who had walked away with a kind
"Thank you" He would rather walk.
as it gave him more opportunity to
think and calm himself. He walked
rapidly and with every step his desire
get there became stronger. At last he
came to the hospital and went into the
reception hall.
There were three boys in the hall ev.
identity waiting for some one, for one
of them said, 81 wish he'd hurry up an
tell US how he is; I guess he's pretty
bad. Poor Muf, I almost wish it had
been me as got hurt; reckon / could
stand it better, anyway"
At the mention of Muff, Mr.. Graves
listened attentively, but without the
boys knowledge.
The same boy went on: "Won't he
be glad, Bill, when we tell him you'll
quit smokin'; l know how tickled lie
vas when 1 quit
"Yes, Bill" said the other in a shrill
voice. You tell it yourself if we can go
go in. Tell him it's your Christmas
present to him"
''Yes," softly assented Bill, II hope
he won't die" he added slowly, brush
ing Il tear from his eye with the back
of his hand. He's IL good Teller; he
helped ME out several times and got a
thumpin' for it from his old woman
when he got home"
ME too" said the others in one
breath.
At this moment an attendant came
in and said, ''I'm sorry, but you can't
come in tonight boys; he's resting
nicely now"
"Was he hurt bad?" asked Bill.
SWELL, his leg is rather bad, but
otherwise he's not as bad as he looked.
Have you anything to say to him?"
Tho boys looked from one to the
other. Finally the smallest one said,
Tell him Bills goin' to quit smokin'
nell understand"
Then they went out and the attend
ant turned to Mr.. Graves. "Wa.
there some one you would like to seer
ayes, l want to see this Muf that tn,
boys were speaking Of"