The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-11

He mentally observed that she wore ca swell gray cloak and had sparkle on her finger"
 father was seldom happy and that his mother shared his melancholy.
 He remembered that in his fourth year, his father died and that few months later the heartbrokeu mother followed. Two years Crappy remained In an orphanage, but the restrictions were too great for his active nature and at six, he was earning devious living selling papers and shining shoes. He had no home but he did have re- markable lodging houses. Early in his career, the valuable lesson had been taught him by fellow unfortu- nate that the saw dust in the rear of a blaming mill. makes a remarkably warm bed and that Patsy Donovan. the big hearted proprietor of an all-night barroom never turned a spalpeen out in the Ailments" And his self gain ed education had also taught him that the Young Women's Charity Associa- tion gave great dinners on Christmas Eve.
 Crappy had become used to the young ladies of the Young Womens Charity Association serving him at the dinner. He had come to regard this as the necessary thorn on the rosebush and he minded them not.
 It was her first year at the annual dinner. The society columns had but a few weeks ago heralded her debut. Engrossed as he was in reading the spirited controversy between James J. Jefries and a pugilistic star that ,threatened to eclipse him, Crappy had overlooked this item of news.
 She did not overlook Crappy at the dinner. His attention was first direct ed to her by her insisting that he be helped to turkey a fourth time. He mentally observed that she wore "a swell gray cloak and had a sparkle on her finger that made plunging Harrys look like dark night" Again his at tention was drawn when he heard her while conversing with a friend say. isn't that the cutest little ragamuffin you ever saw? Look how his eyes sparkle"
 For the first time In his life. Crappy blushed. When the dinner finally end ed, he inquired her name of his friend, the newspaper reporter. who was writ ing a feature story of the dinner and was making the guests say and do things they never did nor said The newspaper reporter was Crappy' s friend. He was a gay young man, who never had a care. Crappy interested him,
 You're aspiring high. kiddy,' he re- piled. That dame Is Miss Laura Bur kilt and she has more money than you and have troubles. Don't make your assault too aggressive. Crappy" he advised. Tt will be better to let Char ley and Reggie down little bit easy Concluding with this final sally, which caused Crappy's second blush, he gave him the requested cigarette stump. laughed and walked away.
 An hour later, while diligently ply ing his trade of disposing of the after Burkitt. He nodded familiarly and was called by her. When he again called out his paper he was the proud pos , eessor of an invitation to visit her home on tine day following and receive a Christmas gift.
 Crappy had never before received such a gift He was at the Burkitt mansion bright and early on the morn l ing of the 25th. so early in fact that he received a stinging rebuke from the butler to which he returned so spirited an answer that the entire household | was awakened.
 The ire of the lethargic Burkitt ST, | was so thoroughly aroused that Crappy | was in dire peril. Only the appearance | of Burkitt. Jr., a young collegian and | Miss Burkitt saved him from the pa rental wrath. When Crappy left the Burkitt man 1sion he wore a new suit of clothes. had | every pocket of the new clothes stuffed | with fruits and candies and, best of ]
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