The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1902-12-25

Company? Looking at the huge,
seven-story building, with all its win
dows ablaze with light, you would
wonder what purpose the child had in
mind.
Nearly a year before, Mary Der
went, when the beginning of their
troubles had come, had mailed a
story to the Manhattan Magazine, en-
tering the competition for prize of
$500, which had been offered. Mary
Derwent, in her happier days, had
written verse which had been accept
ed and published. The prospect of
coming trouble had stimulated her,
as it has many another, to literary
effort, in the hope of giving her fam
lily the helping hand. Poverty had
knit this little family into a closer
and more intimate union than ordi-
narily exists in families, and they
had talked things over together, but
long since Mary had ceased to won
der about her story, giving it up for
lest.
The thought of it came as an in
spiration to small Harry, and he
meant to beg money for the story;
that was his errand. Surely
| thought the child, 1.-The good editor
will buy it if he knows how hungry
we all are"
Harry's tired little feet at last
reached the large building where the
Manhattan Magazine was published
and through his earnest solicitation
he was admitted to the editoria
rooms, where he told his errand
After some questioning, he was in
formed that Mary Derwent's story
had won the first prize, and as she
had sent no address except City,
they had forwarded the check to the
general delivery Office.
1t was so far to the post Office, bu
that letter would buy bread, so Harr,
trudged bravely on. At last he wa
there. There were two letters, ont
for his father. He clutched then
! tightly in his thin, small hand ant
started for home. How far it was
If he could. just hold out to ge
there! A pain came in his head ant
everything turned dark around him
despite the electric lights.
There was an elegant gentleman
sauntering leisurely along, looking
almost bored by the mere fact of ex
istence. Harry stopped a moment
passing his hand over his eyes as i
to clear away the mist, before at
tempting the muddy crossing.
What made everything turn arount
so? Suddenly there was an outer,
as little form went down in TIL
mud and slush, right in front of
carriage dashing furiously onward
A moment more and the cruel hoof
of the madTy driven horses will
trample the brave little life out.
But no, strong arm clutche
them, and with almost supernumal
strength forces them back on thei
launches as the little child struggle
to his feet. 1t was the listless ger
| tleman, a Mr.. Mayo.
"Oh, thank you, sir" gasped Harry
"Ah, don't mention it, sonny; lie
me help you across" and he graspe
the muddy, ragged sleeve in hi
daintily gloved hand, and nearly lift
ing the slight form, swung him over
The child reeled and would have fall
en-, but he caught and held him.
Il can't go on, and they are so hun
CRY at home. Please take this lette
to mother-I-1 can't see"
The gentleman signaled hack an,
lifted Harry in, taking seat besid
him.
| "Now, where do you live?" he in
quired.
Harry reused sufficiently to give di
rections, but Immediately sank bacl
almost fainting.
Mr.. Mayo suddenly exclaimed, as j
thought had struck him which wa
very surprising: