La Junta tribune., 1907-03-16

eyes was huldsing out OF the reach Of
the biting wind. With the skill OF q
diplOmatist Morgan proceeded with his
mission. He stopped In front OF the
doorway and looked up and down the
street several times rs IL searching for
something. He then gnve ufterance
to an exclamation of annoyance. which
caused the little boy to look, up ut him
inquiringly.
Can you tell me where William
Jones' clothing store is:"
Instantly the boy frightened. Here
was an opportunity to earn nickel.
and he was at the side OF his possible
benefactor In an instant
Its just down lie street kin show
you where 1t is
II wish you would. my little man."
and he started to walk In the direction
indicated. with the little boy at his
side. After a carefully timed pause.
which gave his guide an opportunity
to look him over with the keen sagac-
ity OF n street urchin. he asked:
Ibid Santa Claus come to see You
last night:''
Nav" retorted the little arab. with
an expression OF defiance that only
thiniy veiled his disappointment.
But you are going to have Christ
mas dinner. are you nOt!"
"Oh. yes replied the little man
cheerfully. Mrs. Dugan asked me to
wait up for her. She does cleaning and
dishwashin.. in one OF the big houses
uptown. and they always gives her
something dat's left over Mt dinner.
She's asked me to come and have a
bite wild her and wild Maggie and Jncl;
when she gifts home"
but haven't you any folks Of your
own"
"ies: I've got dad. but he's too
me. and l don't spect he'll git over II
for two or three days"
The case was so like that of his own
youth that Morgan felt lump rising
in his throat. A child always knows
when he is being sympathized with
truly. aud the little street arab was as
comfortable with his new friend rs II
he had known him all his life.
Here's Jones place" said the boy
but It's closed today"
'Ycs, but Jones lives upstairs. doesn't
he:'' said Morgan. who really knew
the district well.
Sure he does
"Thcn well ring him up and Nor
gan applied himself to the bell. In the
meantime the little boy was wonder
ing why his expected nickel hadn't ap
peared, but refrained from asking fol
1t to the last moment.
Presently Jones opened the door
looking greasy and unkempt.
"Wcll. Mr.. Jones' said Morgan
there's n little boy who wants II new
suit OF clothes. Don't you think you
could open up and sell ii to himY'
-wha-what:" exclaimed the rag
amufiin.
''You see" explained Morgan. 'you
are going to have your Christmas din
ner with me at Il restaurant, and
think you would feel better II you
dressed up before you went. Wha
do you thinkY'
What the little fellow thought wa,
not of the things That could be told II
words. and Jones. seeing prospect o
II sale, opened his shop without urging
Picking from the goods displayed 4
complete outfit Of warm clothing. Nor
gan asked II they could not get ii bnsiI
of water and II towel In back room sc
that their little friend could dress mp
After some difficulty these necessafies
and dry. well seasoned piece OF soaI
were produced. For the first time with
In his memory Bud Lester. for he had
by this time confessed his name. np
proached water with enthusiasm. and
1t was not many minutes until he stood
before his benefactOr thoroughly trans
formed. For the first time In his life
lie had new shoes and new clothes