New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-01-25
ONE TOUCH OF NATURE
CLAY Ferguson OF Bloomington. III.


TT was Sunday in the big hotel It was cheerful and
warm enough within; but out in the street the snow
was coming in gusts from the Northwest, the home
and brhpace of the blizzard, before it starts on It's
mad career Of destruction.
The door swung open, and midget OF ne"sboy
stepped inside, covered with from head to foot
His face was very red and the ear his scant cap
refused to cover looked nearly frozen lie hcSitated
but a few seconds to get his bearings; then, as the
qr,G hardware man was nearest he made straight for
him.
~Ncws," he said in a thin, piping voice; but the man
with the iron face scrbblcl away unnoticng. News
again with a hesitating step forward.
This time the man looked up with his customary
scow and "What's that" loud enough to be heard
on the second floor
The boy said nothing; but pulled mittcnless, red
bcnumbed hand out of his pocket and cumsiy picked
ont paper and held it toward him.
Then the hardware man Strengthened up and looked
the boy up and down, and, without noticing the eX-
tended paper said. "Whercs Your other mltten;
"Hain't got none" said the boy.
what are YOU wearing such hat as that for;
You'll freeze your ears.
The boy was evidently bored. He shifted his feet
little and said It's all I've got News
And your shoes at EN-! Why YOU haven't
any overshocs on he fairly roarcd, and no ovcrcoat
to speak Of. Say, what are YOU out selling papers Tor
a day like this"
cot TO-" said the boy bashfuly, and then with an
effort added, "Aint got much coal.
The oil man had walked softly up: the little dude
from indianapolis had followed; lake the clothing man
had shown interest; and the goceryman had moved MS
chair over and sat down near them to listen
Then the clerk noticed the boy for the first time and
sang out, Boy, you'd better move on" and the boy
started.
The hardware man was on his feet in a minute, and
with heavy hand on the boys shoulder he roarcd
at the clerk. Hold on there This boy don't move
on until get ready How many papers have YOU,
Sonny"
Ten.
BOYS. he said, well buy him ont, and nothing less
than ten cents goes.
He took the papers from the boys arm and handed
them round and ten men paid ten cents apiece Tor
them.
BOYS, said he again, think Of little fellow like
him out such a day as this hall dressed"
Then a man spoke up. ~Perhaps some Of us have
some samples could spare. Here are some overshoes
that think will just fit him, and he stopped down and
put the boys feet into them.
lake said not a word; but went to one OF his many
trunks marked youths, and brought out an overcoat
that Just fitted.
man who sold caps and gloves was the next con-
trbutor.
The little fellow from indianapolis seemed to think
it was up to him He sold white goods. Perhaps
there was not much he could DO. He turned away,
wping his eyes suspicously opened long case behind
the clerks desk and brought out a white silk muller
and tied it round the boys neck.
The groccryman had nothing but some candy; but
he added half-doar to it.
The hardware man covered the front Of the boy with
his Dort1v form and nut something into his hand.