The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1908-10-17
ONE TOUCH OF NATURE.
P-paper, sir 2"

"P-paper, sir?"
1t was such ptiful, weak frightened little vail
that Dwight Maynard did not heed it until he felt
slight tug at his coat and the words were repeated
accompanied by an unmistakable sob. Dwight
turned At his elbow stood fororn little piece of
humanity, with long golden curs and pair of
deep brown eyes, looking mournfully out from
face which probably was white, but which now bore
very streaked appearance, as if a pair of dirty,
chubby fists had been frequently rubbed across it.
"Paperw repeated Dwight. "a little lad like
you selling papers?" He took the unresisting hand
in his and led the boy forward where an electric
light gave him clearer view, and low whistle
escaped his lips he the youngster clad
in suit of rich black velvet the lace collar and
cuffs of which matched the tiny face in colorings
"Say, there's something wrong here! You're only
baby, and an aristocratic one at that! Where do
you live? Your mamma and probably half dozen
servants, very likely nearly frantic searching for
you. What's your name?"
II don't want to tell. Pm not baby, either
now-and no-no one is looking for me-" The
quivering lips could hardly frame the words, and in
spite of himself Dwight felt big lump rise in his
throat as the pitiful little wall came again CIV
will you please buy paperP
"Sure / WILL" was the ready answer, as Dwight
took the proffered paper; then, his eye rested
the date, "Look here, this is nearly month
old"
"Is it? I couldn't find any newer ones Does
does that make any difference? Oh, won't you
please buy it 2" and without waiting for reply the
curly head went forward against Dwight's knee and
the floodgates opened
"Now, now, sonny" raising the child until the
golden curls rested on his shoulder, "tell me all
about it and maybe we'll fix way out of this awful
predicament," and he marched along the street to
his rooms carrying the heartbroken little news
vender with him.
Not word was said until the door closed behind
them, and seating himself in the big loungnp
o6o,- H. -oI A. -,
til the quivering signs almost ceased and then he
said softly:
"Now, laddie, out with it, Why were you sell
ing papers,"
"I-had to make my living somehow, and th-tha
was the only way | knew"
''Make your living! Where are your father anC
mother?"
''Home-b-but there's some one else there, too
baby sister! She coined last night, and she's go
ing to stay alwaysl And there's something the
matter with my nose, cause nursie said so. MANN;
didn't come to hear my prayers last night ant
when | asked papa why, he said, My little char
isn't mammals baby any more-he'll have to shift
forhimself' That was just what he said, so
ruined away and I'm not going back there eve
again!"
For moment Dwight said nothing He wei
remembered those miserable first days when HI
himself had learned he was no longer 'baby" anc
he understood just how great and overpoweriug wa
the pain in this tiny lads heart Then he told hif,
of his little sister, of the good times they haC
had growing up together-he tried, in his bungline
way, to show him how much better it is to be tn,
man than the baby of the family. He finally con
WINGED him there was love enough for him and tn,
new sister. too and he was rewarded by hearing
the signs cease entirely and a resigned little voice
say
''Well, if that's all baby sister is [ guess per
haps I'd better go back and try it again. Do yol
suppose you could show me the way?"
IF you tell me your name I think I can
"Harold Winfield"
'And is Jack Winfield your papal"
eyes, sir-do you know HING"