Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-06-30

ITO take you to the hospital.
Beppo studied him searchingly.
that's where they cut people up. no
said, steadily.
Where they cure people"
Where they cut them mp the boy
persisted. ~ know q man who went
and had his hand cut on"
Perhaps he'd have died II they
hadn't cut 1t of. Wouldn't you rather
lose hand or foot than die?"
There was quick, indrawn breath
But that was the only sign Of emotion
Beppo showed.
Can come back tomorrow II they
cut of my hand or foot" he demanded.
"Of course, it'll hurt, but don't care
for that"
mo, not to-morrow-not for several
weeks, I'm afraid. But If all goes well,
you'll come back some time. Can We do
anything for your"
Beppo did not answer for some min
utea His gaze left them and sought his
push cart
II s'pose you'll have to take care Of
that" he said, presently. 1.-THE fruit
won't keep, Of course, but maybe you
can sell 1t to somebody for half price.
And there's another thing. You know
where liver
mo"
Beppo's gaze wandered again until II
found very small boy peeping at him
with frightened eyes from behind a by
stander. 1t was one of his old friends.
Hello, Swipesy," he called, forcing
sudden gayety into his voice. Don't
you look 30 scared. boy, I'm all right"
Then to the policeman who had bought
fruit from him: "Swipesy'll show you
where live. He knows. He stayed
with me once. You'll sort of look out
for my folks till get back. I'll pay you.
The cart'll sell for something, and then
there's the fruit, and I've got ten dollars
saved up in the boys bank. You keep
count of every cent you spend" sharp
ly, "cause I'll pay There's the am
bulance now, s'pose," as wagon drove
up rapidly, turned, and then backed to
the curb. "Well," his voice still steady,
I'm all ready Sorry cant take you
to ride with me. Swipesy, but wouldn't
be any fun for you"
AS soon as he was off duty the police
man went with Swipesy to Beppos home.
What he saw he reported to the COM
panion Of his beat the next day.
Seven sick boys" he snorted in or
der to keep his voice steady, land three
of 'em cripples, and the oldest not over
ten One cripple told me he'd been with
Beppo ever since he could remember.
And l called that boy young miser!
Seems like he's been picking up weak
and sick boys and taking care of them
just like an old maid gathers up cats,
and he commenced when he WASH much
more than baby himself Maybe he
was remembering his own hard start"
The policeman walked on by his friends
side for a half block In silence, then add
ed: "Bellew. the department store man
On the next block, asked me about him
ust now, and when told all knew, he
said for me to bring Beppo to him Just
Is soons he got out the hospital, thata
BOY with nerve and head like that had
10 business to be pushing fruit cart
'ound. l wouldn't wonder II he tried
o get Beppo into something better"
Two months later Beppo presented
himself at the police station. On leg was
zone, and he was hobbling on a crutch
which the hospital had given him, but
which he declared he should pay for.
my cart here?" he asked.
Eyes"
well, want to sell 1t for what I can
et and let 1t help pay you folks up. III
ay the rest before long. don't s'pose
he carts rotted down from old age yet"
ayly.
What do you intend to do, Beppo?"
Don't know" sturdily; Something.
II course" glancing down at the crutch,
can't push cart and things like that.
pose likely I'll hire hand organ, and
tand round corners. Even one-legged
olks can turn cranks."
Would you like to do that?"
Course not" sharply. Don't ask
, many fool questions It's case Of
lust."
II suppose So" calmly. But there's
man up the street who wants to see
ou first, Beppo. Wen talk about the
art and hand organ afterwards"
Mr.. Bellew was busy at his desk when
ley were shown into his Office, but he
rned promptly, and held out his
md.
"Glad to see you, Beppo," he said,
iskly. II want to talk with you about
,ur future"
Don't want any help, II that's what
,u're after" anticipated Beppo.
Certainly not. l never help boy
ho wants help" imperturbably. "This
pure business. You can be Of use to
e, but you must have training first.
hat could you do by yourself with but
% Leg"
T've got armA"
YES; but arms are badly handicapped
thout legs to assist them. No, no, my
y; you must depend on your head