River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1902-12-25
he touched her cheek with his cold

lips.
"Where is Harry?'' were the first
words he spoke after regaining his
breath, for he was quite exhausted
by the exertion of mounting the
steep staircase
"He's gone out, dearest; / couldn't
stop him. Mary cried for something
to eat, and the little fellow rushed
out, determined to do something.
Don't be frightened, Hugh God will
take care of him, and of us, too. We
must not hide our trouble from your
aunt any longer; it isn't justice to
our children"
Where, meantime, was little Harry,
and what was his object in visiting
the great publishing house of Ford &
Company? Looking at the huge,
seven-stOry building, with all it's win
dows abIaze 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 a 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
4 h I,I
knit this little family into closer
and more intimate union than ord1-
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
lost.
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, "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,
he was admitted to the editorial
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, but
that letter would buy bread, SO Harry
trudged bravely on. At last he was
there. There were two letters, one
for his father. He cIutchd them
tightly in his thin, small hand and
started for home. How far it was!
If he could just hold out to get
there! A pain came in his head and
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 moment,
passing his hand over his eyes as if
to clear away the mist, before at
tempting the muddy crossing.
What made everything turn around
so? Suddenly there was an cutlery
as little form went down in the
mud and slush, right in front of a
carriage dashing furiously onward.
A moment more and the cruel hoofs
of the madly driven horses will
trample the brave little life out.
But no, strong arm clutches
IL. 4,
strength forces them back on their
launches as the little child struggles
to his feet. 1t was the listless gen
tleman, Mr.. Mayo.
"Oh, thank you, sir" gasped Harry.
"Ah, don't mention it, sonny; let
me help you across" and he grasped
the muddy, ragged sleeve in his
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 hum
CRY at home. Please take this letter
to mother-I-I can't see"
The gentleman signaled hack and
lifted Harry in, taking a seat beside
him.
Now, where do you live?" he in
quired.
Harry reused sufficiently to give di-
rections, but Immediately sank back
almost fainting.
Mr.. Mayo suddenly exclaimed, as if
thought had struck him which was
very surprising: