The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-25
THE NEWSBOY'S DREAM;
 A CHRISTMAS STORY
By BEN S. GROSS.

last cried out: Paper reduced 1 cent" But still no enc bought it.
 Somewhere a clock chimed out the hour of Il. All other newsboys were long ago in their homes. and all of them had sold out except him.
 Jest one more hour before the stores close, and l ain't got enough money to buy the present until l sell this one. I'll try againJ' lie said as tears rolled down his cheeks
 Paper Paperl" he called out again and again, but still he was stuck" The fall of snow had now increased, and the wind beeame more sharp and biting, but he would not SC home. Finally he crossed the street and took shelter in an arched doorway The arc lights seemed to be- come dinner and dinner. A hazy film came over his eyes and his entire sur ioundings appeared to melt away. His eyelids became heavier and heavier, his legs relaxed and slowly down, down, the little fellow slid to the cold cement entry of the doorway and entered the world of dreams.
 The cold wind, less violent now, touched him as gently as the summer breeze. The crunch of horses hoofs, mingled with the loud clang of the cars, seemed to him the sweetest music. He rested in peace, for no one disturbed him except a stray dog, who licked hs fingers and then trotted away.
 Suddenly a stout gentleman in the finest of clothes passed. He noticed the sleep ing boy, wirk paper in hand, and touched him with his cane. Wake up, little boy, wake up' he shouted.
 Soon the newsboy was on his feet and said Paper, mister?'
 Haven't you sold out yet?" queried the gentleman, much surprised
 No, sin, l haven't, and unless l do can't buy mother a present"
 How many have you left?''
 "Only one"
 "All right, then. give it here, and here's a dollar for a Christmas present. Now hurry. sonny, and go home, for it's late."
 Say, mister, youse the best man I've ever seen in all my life. l thank you. Good nightl'
 Never in his life did the little fellow feel so happy as at present. His face beamed with unbounded joy and his heart beat like hammer Down the street he ran to the confectioner and bought for his mother large and decor ated christmas basket full of pies, cakes and candies
 She will be so glad" he said as he boarded the last car.
 Soon he alighted, and came upon the dark, narrow street in which his house not more than a shanty-was located. At last he knocked at the door.
 Why my boy, you're late tonight!" cried out hiss mother as she embraced him.
 Yes, mother" he said, as he held the package behind himself I'm late, be- cause just now sold out. Well, tomor- row is Christmas"
 "Yes, tomorrow Is Christmas, but not for us poor people. Other bays have nice things for tomorrow, but you have not. However, be patient my son, and some day you will have all those things too." sobbed the mother.
 Why mother, dear. do not cry. I don't care if I have a present or not, but you ought to have one."
 1T? Why who in the world will give me a present?'
 "I will, mother!' he shouted with in- tense joy as he handed her the basket.
 May God bless you, son, May God bless youl" she cried out with tears in her eyes Some day you will be re- warded for"
 What is the matter? Why the rooom has vanished! He hears his mothers voice no more. Why, he is still lying in the doorway
 Move on. kid! Move on. or I'll lock yer up!' said a policeman in a rough manner. as he touched him with his club.
 He jumped up just as the clocks over &he city were striking the hour of 12, and