The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-03-25

that was worse than the most vicious | enmity. He would have none of 1t. The world had cuffed and kicked him through his early years, and perhaps he now meant to retaliate. In spite of his l5 years, he was no larger than a properly developed boy of 10 or l2 | So now, as he lodged and twisted and wormed his push cart through the tel | escaping traffic. jeering and yelling de- | fance at the drivers. and even perhaps | showing open violence, there was no | friendly glance toward him save those | or the two or three urchins who. even | in this confusion of wheels and horses feet, had found and were following him. Two policemen stood near. One of them shook his head.
 That boy ought to be run in, not only for his own sake. but for the streets, = | he said. Hes a menace to everybody, | and a bad example in reckessness for the other boys. I don't see how he got under those horses heads without hav-
 ing his cart smashed and himself, too
 His companion smiled. You've only
 been on this beat a month. Delehey." he
 returned. "and I've been here seven years. That boy was here when I came, and he's been taking chances like that all the time. and never a smash yet. I'm thinking it's not SO reckless as 1t looks | to us.''
 l "All the same he's tough case" per- | sisted the first speaker. and 1t would be a good thing for even a street like this If he was off''
 Hes tough. all right" readily, "and a bad example in recklessness to the oth- CT boys; but I've got good deal of respect for Beppo Things have gone tough with him and that's had a good deal to do with making him what he is l va t. always in the way of trade. I've seen him dodge and twist his cart through | as bad jam as the street ever had. just to sell few oranges to an old customer l he saw on the other sidewalk. He'll do l anything for trade, and in spite of be- f ing so little. Wouldn't wonder if he sold twice as much as any other push cart | man on the street.
 There was a sound of altercation among the push cart men lower down the curb, and the policemen started in that direction. the last speaker dropping few cents upon Beppo's cart as he passed and picking up banana. The next day they were at almost the | same place, watching a thickening con | fusion of vehicles that threatened jam. i Beppos cart was close by alongside the | curb. and he was carrying on a brisk | trade.
 Suddenly he turned from a prospective customer, glancing sharply out into the street Then, with a wild bound and | scramble that carried him almost under pair of prancing horses. and across the very tongue of a slow-moving car riage he was in the midst of the turmoil | os vehicles
 | Both policemen sprang forward. but for moment could not see what he was after. Then truck passed, and they saw child. scarcely more than a baby, standing motionless and bewildered | On all sides were interlocking vehicles, and horses legs were laundering upon him and horses eyes glaring at him. The child turned in one direct Jn and another, then screamed and sank upon thc ground, hiding its face. Then another truck came in between. bIt not before they saw Beppo grasp the l child from the very wheels of a van and | swing 1t up to the arms of the driver and then. because his keen watchfulness | Was momentarily drawn from himself, he was forced back under the wheels from which he had saved the child. The policemen were in the street now, | forcing horses back upon their launches | shouting to drivers. and enforcing com rands with their cubs. When they reached Beppo they thought he was dead. But after being carried to the sidewalk, while they were waiting for. an an1bu- lance. he opened his eyes and struggled | half to his feet.
 What are you looking at me so for?" he demanded. roughly. I'm all right. Get out of the way and let me go to my cart. I'm losing trade" and again he tried to raise himself. only to fall back with white. drawn face. But not a groan came from his lips. Say, what's the matter?" he asked, as soon as he had regalned strength l enough to speak. What you all stand | ink round for?"
 Were waiting for the ambulance" one of the policemen answered, gently.
 What for?"
 ITO take you to the hospitaI''
 Beppo studied him searchingly
 That's where they cut people up," he said. steadily. Where they cure people," where they cut them up" the boy persisted. T know man who went and had his hand cut off.'
 Perhaps he'd have died if they hadn't cut 1t off. Wouldn't you rather lose a hand or foot than die.'
 There was a quick, indrawn breath. But that was the only sign of emotion Beppo showed.
 Can I come back tomorrow if they cut of my hand or foot?" he demanded. "of course, it'll hurt, but l don't care for that"
 NO. not tomorrow-not for several weeks. I'm afraid. But if all goes we'll you'll come back some time. Can we do anything for you?"
 Beppo did not answer for some min utes. His gaze left them and sought his push cart
 T spose you'll have to take care of that" he said. presently. The fruit won't keep, of course, but maybe you can sell it to somebody for half price. And there's another thing. You know where I live?"
 "No."
 Beppo's gaze wandered again until 1t found a very small boy peeping at him with frightened eyes from behind a by stander. It was one of his old friends.
 Hello. swipesy." he called forcing sudden gayety into his voice. Don't you look so scared. boy, I'm all right" Then to the policeman who had bought fruit from him: "Swipesv'll show you where live He knows. He staved with me once You'll sort of look out for my folks till I get back I'll pay you. The earth 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 SD nd" sharp ly. "'cause I'll pay. There's the anbu- lance now, I spose," as a wagon drove up rapidly. turned and then hacked to the curb. Well" his voice still steady. I'm all ready. Sorry I can't take you