The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1912-08-09
Heart Of
a Child
"ifave you any boysf"

lad with dusty shoes and lunch box
In hand at o'clock. as walked along
quiet country road was on my
way to the postofiice half mile dis
tant. He was going home from school.
| inferred from his box and the time
Of day.
Now, have no boys. and I love
boys, and | did not like to tell the
truth about it and answer directly. so
fenced. why. are you out looking
for boys. ladder" | smilingly Ques-
toned in return.
His blue eyes looked up into mine
with the sweetest. shyest look from
under the longest OF curved lashes.
and his little round freckled nose was
tipped sideways in the friendliest
way. while his lips began to draw
down in proper shape to make a busi-
ness reply. Yes. ma'am, have some
tickets to sell. They're 10 cents. and
you can see the ball game"
"Oh." said l. Are you going?"
mo. I guess not. It's way down
town. an the big boys are going to
play. some from our own school,"
"Oh, | see. And II you sell five. per-
haps you could have ticket for your.
SELF" said l.
"Oh. yes. teacher said II any one
sold five he could have a ticket free.
But don't guess Ill sell five-I don't
know any body at has FIVE boys
l became more interested. didn't
want to miss that ball game. and
wanted him to see 1t. So thought I
would try to get a boy. do you
know Of any boy l could get to take
me to that ball gamer" said I. with
all the intensity l could put into my
manner.
We'll, no ma'am. don't know any
just now--'less Jim could go-he
works for MIR. Ward next house to
u.s." he said with such sweet concern.
hoping to sell a ticket.
But you see. don't know Jim. I'd
rather take some one I know, and We
could both see the game. Now.
don't suppose you could take me.
could you. II bought the tickets and
paid the street car fare and ali? You
see, don't like to go alone. and I
don't know any boys but YOU"
Downcast eyes fringed with black
lashes gave a proper modesty to the
eagerness of his reply. Yes. ma'am.
l think could do it, II you'd like to
see the game"
So the time and place OF meeting
was arranged. the two tickets paid
for. and went on my way to the post
office. I was really happily excited.
That boy had awakened a feeling OF
youth in me that had been a stranger
for some years. I wanted to see the
ball game-I wanted a chlld's COM
panionship-I was impatient for the
appointed day.
My escort arrived early on Satur-
day, just as finished my lunch. ring
ing the bell with timid hand. I
spied him through the window and
went to the door myself. did not
want any one to come between our
new and growing confidence. That
shy lifting Of the eyes greeted me, and
l at once brought out Felix. my little
terrier, who IL friesdiy and a good
entertainer. I left the two on the
porch while got my hat. gloves and
my pink tickets.
When returned. Felix had . new
friend. II like your dog" said my
boy" q had never asked his nancy
you don't want to sell him. do your"
he asked In truly business tone.
"No." said I. hes my burglar
alarm"
"Oh. course" said he.
We boarded a car, and I was more
d delightfully."- entertained during that
half hour than I had been for many
a day.
PA said for me to be sure and |
thank you for my ride and the ticket.
and I guess I better do 1t now. / |
might forget. you know. IL have q
perfectly splendid time"
"Your papa is a gentleman. and
you give him my best wishes for
many happy returns of the day"
He looked earnestly at me. II
guess l can't remember all that"
Then tell him you did not forget"
said, and he was satisfied.
The excitement Of passing the
charmed ticket man and walking up
hat long road to the benches with
MS little warm hand in mine was de-
ightful. My pulses beat with his. my
ayes saw with his eyes. my feet kept
ime with his.
And then the game-how We did
shout and wave our handkerchiefs.
md stand up to get the best view!
vas as merry as my boy OF eight.
iidn't want the game to come to an
aAas! it did. We went home
lied, but happy.
"Good-by." he said. at my gate.
"Good-by, laddie," said I. "Come In
md see Felix next Saturday"
"All right" he called. as his feet
licked up the dust In the road.
was alone with my thoughts.
And whose shall receive one such
title child receiveth me-"