The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1908-05-07
By the Late DR.. 7. ]. BarnadO.

1t was a murky evening at the
close OF September, and the outlook
was drab and dreary A few splashy
drops of rain fell occasionally, and
the muddy streets were most unpleas-
ant for pedestrians. Truly, an un-
inviting night in which to be abroad |!
| had been attending the board
meeting of society in which / was
interested, and l was absorbed in
thinking over some few points of
the business transacted. 1 hardly
noticed, therefore, that as left Moor
gate street station timid little voice
began to assail my ear. Matches,
Z sir" 1t said in curious persistent
whine. l walked steadily on, but the
voice followed, challenging my atten-
ton. The speaker must have been a
diminutive little match seller, for the
sound was near the ground. Again
he repeated earnestly: Two a ha-'
penny! Two boxes ha'-pennyl Buy
'em, sir!" Then after a pause, he
resumed: Gould give yer three, but
there amt much profit"
That curious chant with its quaint
comment at length checked my pro-
gress. My thoughts were effectually
broken into. l stopped, and at a
glance took in the scene and the
speaker at once. / saw a sight, COM
mon enough, alas, in London--a lit
tie street veLder, shoeless and stock
ingless, his bare feet well mudded, his
I, l.
Trousers and jacket were all he had
to cover him from me drizzling rain
and shivering fog. A queer little old
patched cap was perched on one side
OF his head in a knowing fashion,
pathetically at variance with the sad
lines of his face. The child looked to
me about eight years of age; but |
guessed him to be nine, Tor he was OF
stunted growth.
Sold much to-day?" l inquired.
He shook his head.
Six boxes amt much-only tree
'a'pence for the lot"
who sent you out?"
Mother"
And why does mother send out a
chap like your"
She can't help it, she's VERY
bad"
Where is she?"
Home"
Anybody else there?'
Sissy"
How old is she?"
"oh, she don't count! She's hitler
than me-lots littler."
DO you make much money!"
Sometimes, II I'm lucky"
Are you often lucky?"
Not 'xactly often; 1 wor in real
luck yesterday"
How's that?"
Such nice gemman KEN along
ana says he; You are a poor little
chap; and he gey me a bob. Oh, he
"or nice gemman, he wor."
MY young companion had wasted
no words, and now, when such en-
pAasis was laid upon this particular
gentleman, l felt he was being held
up for imitation!
Why don't you go home with your
'hree ha'pence7" continued.
rant no use," said the boy.
RANT no use going home with lit
uer nor a tanner, sir!'-
Must you always have a tanner?..
rne little head was nodded quick
~ and emphatically Clearly six
pence was the irreducible minimum.
Well, now." said tell me where
your mother lives"
Thirteen Plough Court. Banner
street, st. Luke's." was the prompt
answer. -
knew Banner street well: the
piace was not more than ten min
utes walk away. Come on with
me-. / said. 'and / will see your
mother. am a doctor, you know,
anu perhaps can do her some good .
without more ado the little chan
gave himself up to the new idea. ana
Totted of by my side, his tongue
waging briskly the while. Here was
al adventure. or at least, an eyentI
ne managed to keep up a never fail
lug stream OF small talk which. !
souid not help observing, always
same round, often by very sharp an
s'ss, 10 the mice gemman!"
we soon reached Banner street. 4