The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-08-30

on an animated conversation in a lan- guage all Greek to Teddy, but from their manner of taking side glances of him while they conversed he knew he was the topic of talk, and began to feel a bit uneasy. And to exaggerate his ap- prehensions he saw they had turned into a road which led westward, and the place of Teddy's destination lay directly north on the main section of road. Why're you going that road?" he made bold to ask leaning over md speaking to the woman. They looked at him, but made no answer. Then the man explained: Were going to meet some of our people They'll be at the river wonder. Then we'll all go to the fair together"
 And then it flashed through Teddy's mind that he was in the hands of gipsies Terror chilled him. and he feared to ask be allowed to get out of the wagon. He had heard such terrible tales of the gipsies, of their carrying off children, and these children never again being heard of by their family and friends. Teddy sat with compressed lips and clenched hands. Was he being carried away from his home lis dear sick mother. his good, indulgent father-forever? Oh, what fool he had been to ask for a ride in that wagon! Oh, what worse fool he had been to leave his dear home at all!
 Teddy's eyes filed; he choked on a huge lump In his throat "Oh, oh," he said mentally, If I could just get out of this wagon and be allowed to go back home I'd never. never leave it again-not even for the fair Oh. l was bad, bad
 
 papa and mamma will be. And, oh, what if they'll never, never see me againl Oh, I'll die. I'll die if l have to be carried away by the gipsiesl"
 Then, in his agony of fear, Teddy groaned and sobbed aloud, attracting the attention of the children who had been playing among themselves, and taking lit- tie notice of the strange child.
 One of the little girls plucked at the sleeve of her mother, pointing her atten- tion to Teddy, who was now sobbing aloud The woman in turn called to the man, who spoke a little English. He turned and looked at Teddy, asking him what was the matter. Teddy quickly raised his face impioringly, saying earn estly, supplicating 'Oh, please, sir, I don't wish to go any further with you. l want to go home again. Oh, please, sir, my mother is so sick, and I'm the only child papa and mamma have. May l go home again, please, sir? m give you what money 1 have. and I'll give my shoes to this little boy"-pointing to- wards one of the boys of his own size. And I'll ask my papa to send you some money, too, if you'll tell us where you're camping
 grin crossed the face of the man. He drew the horses reins, and explained to his companions in his own tongue what was the trouble with Teddy. "All right he said. Take of your shoes and give 'em to that boy. And let me see what coin you've got. Hi-hl! Cniy few pennies. Well, they'll pay for the ride you've had-countin' in the shoes And you d better leave your hat, too. It'll fit that other boy there.
 Teddy jerked off shoes, stockings too, and hat, giving them gladly to the boys beside him. He had already rendered up his banks savings to the driver. Then being allowed to climb from the wagon, he said, as he stood on free ground again: Aren't you folks gipsies. please, sir'r'
 "Sure, kid" replied the man, grinning broadly, and understanding his fear. ..But we've got all the childer we can