The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1909-07-27
One Touch OF Mature
s.r?"

#
ened little wall that Dwight Maynard
did not heed it until he felt slight
tug at his coat, and the words were
repeated accompanied by an unmis.
taxable sob. Dwight turned. AT
his elbow stood a forlorn little p'ece
of humanity. with long golden curis
and pair Of deep brown eyes. look
ing mournfully out from face which
probably was white. but which now
bore q very streaked appearance. as
II a pair of dirty. chubby FISTS had
been frequently rubbed across it.
"Paper?" repeated Dwight. A
little lad like you selling papers?" He
took the unres:sting hand in his ane
lea the boy forward where an elec-
trio light gave him a clearer v.ew
snd low whistle escaped his lips as
re saw the youngster was cad n
suit of rich black velvet. the lace co
lar and cuffs of which matched the
tiny face in colorings Say, there's
something wrong here! You're onl,
baby and an aristocratic one al
that! Where do you live? Your
mamma. and probably half a dozen
servants. are very likely nearl- fran
tic searching for you. What's your
name?"
II don't want to tell. I'M not
baby. either. now-and no-no one
Is looking fer me-" The quiverns
lips could hardly frame the words,
and in spite of himself Dwight felt
big lump rise in his throat as the pit
iful little wall came again. "W-wili
you please buy paper?"
Sure / will," was the ready an.
swer, as Dwight took the .roffered
paper; then. as his eye rested on the
date. Look here, this is nearly a
month CID"
is it? 1 couldn't find any newer
ones. Does-does that make any
difference? Oh won't you please
buy IT," and without waiting for g
reply the curly head went forward
against Dwight's knee and the food
gates opened.
Nov, now. sonny" raising the
child until the golden curls rested or
his shoulder. tel me all about it and
maybe we'll find way out of this
awful predicament. and he marched
along the street to his rooms carry
Ing the heart3l oxen little news ven
der with him.
Not word was said until the door
c.osed behind them, and seating him
self in the Big lounging chair he
gently rocked the tired boy to and
fro until the quivering sighs almost
ceased and then he said softly:
Now, laddie, out with it. Why
were you selling papers?"
"I-I had to make my living some
how. and th-that was the only way
knew"
Make your living! Where are
your father and mother?"
"Home-b-but there's someore
else there, too-a baby sister! She
coined last night. and she's going t.
stay always! And there's something
the matter with my nose, cause
rursie said so. Mamma didn't CON-
to hear my prayeTc last night, anG
when l asked papa why. he said. MY
little chap isn't mammals baby an:
more-hell have to Shift for him
self That was just what ne said. so
1 ruined away and I'm not go ns
back there ever again!"
For :. moment Dwight said moth
ing. He well RENE. .lDered those ms
cradle first days when he himself hac
learned he was no longer baby" anc
he understood just how great anc
overpowering was the pain in .his
tiny lads heart. Then he told hin
of his own little sister, of the gooc
times they had had growing up to
gether-he tried, in his epngllne
way, to show him how mucA better
1t is to be the man than the baby O.
the family. He finally convinced
him there was love enough for hin
and the new sister. too, and he was
rewarded by hearing the sighs cease
entirely and resigned little voice
say:
We'll, If that's all a baby sister Is,
guess perhaps I'd better go back
and try it again. Do you s'pose yor
could show me the way?"
IF you tell me your name think
can"
Harold Winfield"
And Is Jack Winfield your papa?"
Yes, sir-do you know h;m?"
Indeed l do. Come along little
man, and we'll be home, safe and
sound in no time.
Il glaa, cause II want to see
mamma and papa" CA pause. theE
/. radiant smile lighting Up h face):
And gee, yes--I want to get another
lcok at that baby sister!"
New York the American Venice.