The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-09-16

Tommy was the only little fellow in the block who did not attend. Tommy's mamma instructed him at home, for he was not a rugged fellow, and hls parents did not think 1t wise to send him to school till he should be older and stronger.
 Now, some people-who have forgotten that they were ever chlldren-would probably say that there was no reason why little Tommy should not be per fectly happy, for his parents were kind and indulgent and he was supplied with every kind of toy that genius could con- trlve. But, nevertheless, the little lad was very lonely at times, and hls heart called for companions of his own age.
 One day as Tommy was playing In the yard with his toy horses and express wagon two little children passed by car rying a basket on their arms. One was a girl of perhaps seven and me other a boy of some two years her senior In passing the gate to Tommy's yard they paused and looked through the fence pallngs at him and his fine playthings.
 Tommy, whose heart Ut this moment was longing for some little playmate, went to the gate, opened It. and, looking at the two strangers, said: "Who are your?
 My name's Trots." said the boy, rest ing the basket on the ground.
 ''What's her nameT' asked Tommy, pointing toward the little Miss
 Sadie an I'm seven years old, goin on eight" informed that young lady. not waiting for her big brother to answer Tor her.
 Then the three looked at each other for A few seconds, when Tommy again spoke. Want to come in an play With me? I've got lots of plnythings-l have. An you may play with any of them you like"
 .'Were goin' to the market to get things for dinner" said Trots. But IT you want to come with us, an go home witn us till we can ask mamma, we'll come back an play long time-h our mamma VIII let us."
 This invitation was all little Tommy needed Going out on the pavement he said. "All rlglt," and went of toward the business center of town with Trots and Sadie Never once did he think Of going in to tell his mamma, or to ask her consent for loneliness had filled his heart 80 completely that now he forgot all else save the fact that two little comrades had come to play with him. So ne trudged along with them, listening 10 their chat ter and answering their questions. never once remembering his mamma.
 Trots and Sadie took him to the mar ket where they had their big basket filled with vegetables and fruit. Then they went to their home; taking another and a shorter route than the one which led past Tommy's house. Once there Tommy was introduced to Trots puppy and Sndie's cat that had little kittens. Aside from these pets Trots and Sadie had few play things, Sadie bringing out a deplorable doll with a cracked face and Trots show ing off a damaged top and a handful of marbles. But 1t was not toys that Tommy wanted 1t was real, live boys like him self and he did not mind girl or two thrown in.
 After some time spent at the home of his new-found friends, Tommy began to feel hungry. Then it was that he re- membered his mamma anl his home. Say, Trots," he said, leaving of playing. 'I thought you an Sadie were going home with me-"
 "Yes I'll ask mamma" said Trots And he ran into the house to ask hls mothers permission to go home with Tommy for awhile In a few moments he came running back with long face and big pout on his lips. Mamma says it's almost dinner time, an Sade an me can't go," he said Sadie also pouted at this, but they both cheered up when Tommy said that he would go home and eat his luncheon and return to play all