Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-11
then turned angrily away, walking slowly
I'D the street his dirty little forehead puck

then turned angrily away, walking slowly
up the street, his dirty little forehead puck
cred in thought.
this was Valentines day he might have
saved up enough pennies for even SO daz-
zing an extravaganza as the ceiluloid
dream of beauty. But now could ne , IA
simultaneously earn so vast a sum! Inc
holidays with their snapshot opportunities
to run errands, were passed. and now IN
stead of there being lucky blizzafo with
a jolly lot of sidewalks to sweep. TINS lfth
Of February, the air was as balmy as
MayAas if spring had sent breath OF her
flowers to old winter for valentine
Bob glanced at clock. 1t was too early
to go for his evening papers. lie turned
up the alley leading to the Grotto. For
the first time in the last proud three
months he was almost sorry that the gang
had taken him in. OF course, after sleep
ing on shed roofs and burrowing under
wharfs, fellow lived like swell in
fine cellar, but when he had paid treckies
the gangs ten-year-old business man
ager-for his bunk and contributed ms
share of the daily grub. his regular In
come was always exhausted II only
there could be some sensation IN that AFTER
moons edition, Mary Ann might still-Bop
thoughts were abruptly interrupted py
cats plaintive cry.
''Helle there" exclaimed Bob. where J.
the world did you come from?' ii stopped
and stealthiy stroked the rough FUR OF
forlorn kitten who had appeared as mySter-
iousIy as though trapdoor had suddenly
opened in the ground for her special &C
communication "You are beaut!' laughed
Bob Just ought to see your ribs! Looks
as if you'd been living on washboards all
winter! What are you following me Tor?
Take me for the avenue swell whose father
keeps a dairy?
"Meowi Meowr" The half-starvcd kitten
timidly rubbed against Bob's foot, her
frightened eyes looking up pleadingly into
the boys face.
q amt got anything for you-shoo!"
In terror, the cat scampered behind an
ash barrel-the tip of an ear one big yell
low eye, a cobwebby whisker alone vlsl-
BILE.
"Say, I didn't mean to scare you that
way apologized Bob, contritely kneeilng
by the barrel. Come here kitty, kitty.
No poor alley cat-hungry for love as wen
as starving for food-could resist the be-
quilting note in Bob's coaxing voice and
little by little the kitten crawied out from
its hiding place.
You see kit" explained Bob. gently
stroking the thin little head Il like cats
honest. But it would be worth all nine
OF your lives to follow me into the Grotto
l. hain't that the fellers haven't kind
hearts. It's just because they can't under
stand that they're got feelings inside IKE
other folks, you know. Besides, theodore
Fitzsimmons would make mlnce pie out Oh
you in short order! You're terrible hungry,
amt your?
Meow! Meow
Sorry old girl, but 1 amt a millionaire
that can AFFORD TO cine stray dliey CdtS a.
restaurants. Clean busted, except Bob
face flushed a sudden red. He had remem-
bered the nickel in his pocket.
He scrambled up and scowled down at the
kitten There's no of year looking at
mel A fellow can do what he pleases with
his own money, and you needn't suppose
for one instant I'm going to give up Mary
AIMS valentine to feed old alley cat!
Emphatically jerking his head. Bob turn
ed his back upon the two pleading, hungry
eyes riveted upon him, and took to his
heels But glance over his shoulder was
his undoing, for the cat trying to run after
him. toppled over from weakness, giving
cry that cut deep into Bob's tender heart.
The brave little pussy was soon on her
feet again, the plaintive meow with a
note of triumph when she found her new
friend coming toward her.
Bob stood looking down at her, the hand
thrust into his trousers pocket turning the
nickel over and over. while visions of the
scent valent mes so recently scorned flashed
through his mind in pictures of Irresistible
beauty.
whats the use of feeding you up just
once when you'll go right off and get hum
CRY again." he grumbled.
MEOW! Meow
Its very uncomfortable being hollow ali
the way down to your toes, | know" sighed
Bob ''but--" The dropping corners of his
mouth suddenly Strengthened into a smile