Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-04
The Conaical Pig.
BY E. W. wYLDE.

Pfggy's home was a dingy little back
room in tenement house, where Jewish
peddler lived with his wife and child. boy
Of five years.
Jacob Goldfinger had quickly learned that
people liked variety, he carried plaster
figures one day. mechanical toys another
sewing materials another. and in that way
made more money than many peddlers.
One evening he brought home a boxfui or
such queer looking objects Small Joseph
could not imagine what they were until
Goldflnger took one of the shapeless things
from the box and filed it with wind; then
it became squealing pig. 1t looked very
funny standing on the table, jerking Its
little legs closer and closer while it's body
slowly decreased in size. until finally with
despairing cry IL collapsed into shape
less heap. 1t made Joseph shout with giee.
Goldfinger was sure he would find ready
sale for such novel toys. SO he bought quite
number; and he delighted Joseph by tell
Ing him that he could help sell the pigs on
the following day
Cant have one to keep" Joseph asked
examining pig critically. Isn't there one
without a tall? You couldn't sell poor
one, could your"
''oh. they are all right" laughed the
father; you needn't be afraid. I looked
at them ALL
did you count them?" was the next
query, given with a shrewd glance.
VI cOurSG! was the quick reply. Here,
you can play with one, but IL you spoil 1t
you shall notrgo with me tomorrow"
Joseph sat down on the floor near the
fire, laughing and caressing his new toy.
squealing to satisfy him. When he was
sent to bed the pig had to go, too. though
Joseph promised not to blow Ii out any
more that night. The next morning Gold
finger and his wife were wakened by the
squeals of the pig, much to Joseph's de-
light.
I'm going with you today. father" he
cried, nodding gaily, cause piggy is all
right. VIII you let me keep it If there Is
one over? I'll put this one in my pocket
to keep 1t safe until the others are sold.'
The father nodded his head and began to
dress.
ut is a dark morning he said. gazing
out of the window: IF it rains the pigs will
have to wait for tomorrow 1t would spoil
them to get wet
1t was not only that day that was rainy.
but several others in succession, and during
that time Joseph and his pig were insep-
arabic
IF it rains much longer. piggy will be
worn out" said Joseph, then the peopls
will not buy ii and shall have IL to keep"
When at last there did come clear day,
Joseph was half inclined to leave his pig
at home. he was SO afraid that it would be
sold but he finally decided that 1t would be
safer in his pocket, and he followed his IA
Their, anxious to know the fate OF the 9th
ers.
Luck did not come their way that day.
and at last Goldhnger decided to go home.
Only six little pigs had changed owners,
which made the peddler feel cross. Joseph
was rather pleased than otherwise, though
he did not express his Joy for fear of an
noying his father, who looked gloomy.
The next day they tried again and this
time 1t was Joseph who looked gloomy, be-
cause all the pigs were sold. even his. He
felt very much like crying. but his father
made him take the pig from his pocket
when the last customer asked for three
and there was only two in the box.
Il had no trouble In selling them today,
Rachel" said sGoldfinger to his wife as
they entered their little room; everybody
seemed to want pigs, didn't they, Joseph?"
Yes, SIR was the quiet answer.
Il believe the boy is tired, he has been
standing too long" said the mother. "A bit
of supper and good, long sleep is the best
cure for that I made the coffee. because 1
thought you would be in directly"
Tn supper OF hot coffee and cold potatoes
was soon eaten, then the mother undressed
Joseph. wondering at his quietness She
thought that something had gone wrong
about which he would tell her when the IA
Their was not there. Sure enough, the next
morning. after Goidfnger had started on
his round. Joseph told her how his pig had
to be sold.
81 kept him in my pocket" he said "hop-
ing father would forget. but when the lady
said she would take three IL father had
them, he told me to hand him the one /
was playing with I wanted to keep it,"
he sobbed. 81 know piggy liked to be with
me; he squeaked better for me than ne
did for father"
Maybe the lady was going to take them
to the little sick children"
Piggy would rather be with me-" ne
stoutly declared
yes. dear but think how pleased you
would be IL you were little sick boy with
nothing to amuse you, and some kind lady
brought you q nice little pig.
DO you suppose she would give it to
Reubena They took Reuben to the hospital
yesterday" said Joseph, with ring of
hopefulness in his voice.
Maybe You wouldn't mind Reuben
having it. would your
Mo" said Joseph. doubtfulIy II
would rather Reuben had 1t than anybody
times"
This Thought SO cheered his heart that he
boarding house where his mother was
working. But when the short day came to
an end and the tired little boy started for
home with his mother the loss of his be-
loved pig weighed upon his heart
'.Do you suppose father viii remember
my birthday tomorrow, mother? he asked
so lonesome without my piggy. and maybe
II father gave something wouldn't feel
so bad"
AS soon as their simple supper was over,
whispered, as she tucked the clothes around
him:
maybe hen fnd his way home. Go to sleep
aRealiy and truly, nother?o opening his
big. black eYex in astonishment.
Rachel kiassed him. and turned round to
her husband saying IN an undertone:
Cant You buy your next supply tonight |
Jacob? He misses his pig 50 much that |
wish he might md another when he wakes
3 rs that what makes him. 20 auietr'