River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1899-11-23


great objection to boys" he said, 'but
hear good reports OF you, and am
going to take the responsibility of keep
ing you on till he comes back"
This day was very like the preceding
one, and at night Mr.. Leslie was still
no better.
Thanksgiving morning came, and
showed no change, either in the wealth
er or the invalid's condition. and
Charles heart was very heavy as he
began his third days work. Shortly
before noon portly man with yalise
boarded the car by the front platform,
which was against the eompany's rules,
and took seat near the forward end.
He looked tired and cross, and the lit
tie girl with blue eyes, opposite him,
shrank back lie, however, stared
straight before him over her head and
did not appear to see her, or indeed
anything else, till Charities voice close
beside him said courteously:
"Your fare, sir"
He turned quickly at this, and, see
ing Charles boyish face, his own grew
red, and he scowled.
what are you doing here?" he de-
manded, roughly.
Taking fares, sir" Charlie answered,
pleasantly.
The man opened his lips to speak
again, then checked himself and grim
ly paid his fare.
Charlie now gave his attention to the
little girl, who was on the verge of tears
because she had dropped one of her
pennies.
Don't cry and III find it for you in a
iiffy," said Charlie, and falling on one
knee he poled carefully in the straw
till he found the missing coin, and held
it up to her with a smile that brought
an answering smile from her. Now,
where do you want to stop?' he asked.
Maple avenue" she whispered, for
she was very shy, and when the place
was reached, Charlie stopped the car
and beckoned to her, and lifted her
gently to the crossing.
Soon after this an old lady was seen
running toward the ear. She was try
ing to carry several bundles and hold
up an umbrella at the same time.
Don't worry, ma am; there's plenty
of time called Charlie, and helped her
up the steps. I'm keep this for you, !"
he said, as he closed the umbrella, and
when, a little further on, she left the
car, there was her umbrella opened
ready, and a strong young arm to help
her down the steps.
Then there was girl who had put
her fare inside her glove for safe keep
ing, and when it was wanted her fin
GERS were so chilled she couldn't I'M
fasten the glove.
Let me try ito" proposed Charlie.
The girl held out her hand, and in an
instant the glove was unfastened, and
with laugh she shook nickel into his
palm.
Next, young man got off, leaving a
bundle behind. Charlie saw it just as
the car started again, and, picking it
off the floor, fastened back to the plat
form. The young man had remem-
bered and was running after the car.
"Toss?" shouted Charlie, with one
hand on the bell cord.
Yes, toss it,"
So Charlle tossed II, tHe young man
caught it, and the car didn't have to be
stopped.
But few minutes later Charlie did
ring, and as the car came to a standstill
the door of a house opposite opened and
an old man ca ne out.
How did he know that man wanted
to ride?" one passenger asked of an
other in low voice.
There was a woman inside at a
closed window motioning to him" her
companion answered.
The car was SO crowded that for a