Williams news., 1914-12-31

VI corner before me, he tried to get leave to put up stand alongside oi the fountain where there's plenty o1 room, but the aldermen turned him down. He didn't have no pull, and ain't got none neither. Me and Pete was up on the northeast corner. and when Billy got wet feet and pneumonia and died, we come down to his COT ner."
 Tom. are your father and mothe, living"
 Nav is. dunno much about paw He ain't no good. Uncle Pat says he sees him hangin' round once i1 awhile. Maw's got two younger'n me and Pete. I'm ten and Pete's goin' on nine. Nav works awful hard takin' care of the kids and sewin' fer a de- partment store. She says to me one time: Tom. you look after Pete and I'll take care of the young uns.' Nav can't hardly get enough to buy lem clothes, so I chip in when biz Is good. Say, doc, I read in my papes bout that kid you fixed up last week. and I'll bet ten cents Pete's legs just like that. Thinks I, when read that, I'm goin' to see Doc Harrison and tell him bout Pete Now, doc, on the level. how much do you charge for job like that?"
 q received $3,000 for that opera tion." There was merry twinkle in the doctors eye that was lost on his little visitor.
 "Aw, say, doc, wot yer givin' me? You didn't make all that in one daY?''
 "Yes, in two hours, Tom"
 The youngsters eyes filled with tears, and he bit his lip to hold back the sobs. A good leg meant so much to Pete, and he would gladly give $5,000 for one for him if that were possible, but the doctor might have as we'll asked for the moon in pay ment for that leg. His vision of Pete without the hated crutch was fast dis appearing, but he would not let 1t get away entirely.
 Don't you never charge no less?" the boy managed to ask. without gfv- ing away to the burst of tears ready to flow at his disappointment:
 Ou, ycS, AAQSSQs OuL yOu dSh0Q m0 how much received for an operation like last weeks, and never per formed one just like that before. It was very difficult and peculiar"
 Tom slid out of the chair as if to go. T guess it's all of, doc. I ain't in your class"
 From, sit down there" The doc tors tone of command was filled with more laughter than severity. Let's talk business"
 The youngster obeyed, watching the eminent surgeon with a puzzled look, uncertain whether the great man was really going to make concession or upbraid him for taking his time. Faint though 1t was, new hope sprang uI in the small breast. Possibly there might be some terms of payment that he could meet as he grew older and could earn more than the few pennies that meant thei days profits on his paper sales.
 ''Tom," the doctor continued, q know Pete"
 You know Peter" Tom gasped in amazement.
 Yes, 1 have seen him down by the fountain at the square. You know we specialists always keep our. eyes open for anything in our line, so have noticed him several times as I passed the corner. Of course, can't say posi- lively, but I think an operation will give Pete two legs instead of one Now, how much can you afford to pay for such an operation?"
 The youngsters eyes shone like two live coals. So the doctor knew Pete, and thought he could cure him! Was it dream? Tom pinched him self to make sure it was all real. Yes he was awake all right. How much could he afford? He felt he could af ford anything to give Pete new leg but how little that was compared with what the doctor would expect! Both sat in silence for over a minute. The surgeon knew what was going on ip the youngsters mind, but thought best to let him come to his own conclusion The boy fumbled his cap nervously while he considered the great ques, tion, and at length looked up suddenly into the surgeons face. There was nc doubt or uncertainty in his face or tone as he announced his decision.
 Doc, the only thing I've got in the world is me corner down by the foun tain. where me and Pete sells papers l can't give you all that, for I wouldn't have nuthin' for me and Pete to live on and to help maw with the kids. I'll tell you what I'll do, doc, I'll let you have half O that corner. You can hire kid to sell papes fer you and have some dough left, but you won't make no $3.000 in kingdom come"
 The doctor knit his brows and Tom imagined he could see quick refusal of his proposition. but the kindly gleam came back into the doctors eye and Tom began to hope again as the doc. tor pondered over the proposition for