The Washington times., 1907-08-11

noon as Master Jones. In a some
what famished condition. strolled
Up Aldgate, with a keen eye on
the gutter. in search of anything
that would serve him for his tea.
Toe late. he wished that he had saved
some of the stale bread and damaged
fruit which had constituted his dinner.
AIdgate proving barren, he turned
up into the uuieter MInories. skillfuily
dodgins the mechanical cuff of the
constable at the corner as he passed
and watching with some interest the
efforts of a stray mohBrel TO get itself
adopted. It's victim had sworn at Il,
cut at It with his stick, and even made
little runs at it-all to no purpose.
Finally, being n soft-hearted man, he
was weak enough to pat the covering
schenier on the head. and, being
frantically licked by the homeless one.
took it up in hts arms and walked of
with IL.
Billy Jones watched the proceedings
with interest. not uhtempered by envy.
If he had only been a dog! The dog
passed in the mans arms, and. with
a whine of ecstasy. insisted upon lick
ing his ear They went on their way.
the dog wondering between licks what
sort OF table the man Kept. and the
man specializing idly as to a descent
which appeared to have included,
among other things an ant-eater.
"'E's all right" said the orphan,
wistfully. mo coppers TO Chlvyy i'm
about, and as much grub as he wants.
Wish Id been a dog"
He tied up his breeches with a piece
OF string which was lying on the pave
ment. and. his hands being now free,
placed them in a couple Of rents which
served as pockets, and began to
whistle. He was not a proud boy. and
~as quite willing to take a lesson
even from the humblest. Surely he
was as useful as a dog
The thought struck him Just as a
stout, kindly looking seaman passed
with a couple OF shipmates. II was
good -natured face, and the figure was
that of a man who lived well A mo-
ment's hesitation, and Master Jones,
with courage born of despair, ran
after him and tugged him by the
sleeve.
"Halloar' said Mr.. Samuel Brown,
looking round. What do you want?"
Want you. father" said Master
Jones
The jolly seaman's face broke into
a smile So also did the faces OF the
Jolly seamans friends.
I'm not your matey." he said, good
naturedly.
Yes. you are" said the desperate
Billy; you know you are"
You've made a mistake, my lad"
said Mr.. Brown, still smiling. Here.
run away"
He felt IN his trouser pocket and pro
duced a penny. 1t was a gift. not
bribe. but 1t had by no means the
effect its donor intended. Master Jones.
now quite certain that he had made a
wise choice Of a father, trotted along
n yard or two in the rear.
Look here. my lad" exclaimed Mr..
Brown. goaded into action by inter
cepting a emile with which Mr.. Charles
Legge had favored Mr.. Harry Green
You run off home"
where do you live now?'' inquired
Billy. anxiOusly.
Mr.. Grcan. disdaining concealment,
slapped MIR. Legge on the back. and,
laughing uproariously, regarded Mas
ter. Jones with much kindness.
You mustn't follow me- said Sam,
severely; dye hear7"
"All right. father" said the boy.
dutlfuliy
"And don't can me father" vocifer-
ated Mr. Brown.
''wny not?' inquired the youth. art
lessly.
Mr. Legge stopped suddenly. and.
putting his hand on Mr.. Green's shoul-
der. gaspingly expressed his inability
to go any farther Mr.. Green, patting
his back. said he knew how he felt
because he felt the same, and. turning
to Sam. told him he'd he the death OF
MIN II he wasn't more careful
IF you don't run away" said Mr..
Brown, harshly. as he turned 10 the
boy. Il shall give you a hiding"
where am 1 to run to?" whimpered
Master Jones. dodging of and on.
Run ONE" said Sam.
That's where I'm going, said Mas
ter Jones. following.
Better try and give i'm the slip.