The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1919-10-02
P |.
n MAGIC SHOES.

The two children considered on
another with curious attention, un
smiling, intent. The boy tightene'
his grip on the iron grille tina
closed the area way Of the hous
from intruders. A cool defianc'
hardened his thin, unchildish fac,
as he awaited the others action
a face dark in tint as a southern
Europeans, yet not Latin in form
or expression and lighted by a pail
of brilliant, light gray eyes. A
eleven years of age, it already ex
pressed character and a strength
now altogether sullen. There was
sullenness, too-not cringing OF
a%ppeal-in the gesture with which
he drew his ragged garments
closer about him and leaned
against the gate. This attitude
even the very small girl opposite
him vaguely recognized She spoke
to him with half coaxing timidlty
you're not goin' to away
today, boys"
Her voice was very childish, thin
and purec, and she hsped engag-
ingly. The boys expression slight
ly relaxed it's guard.
"How do you know what | did
other daysY" he encountered.
81 was in the window, behind
the goldfis'. l saw you run away
when Clark came out. Did you
come to look at my goldfis', boy?"
He glanced at the beautiful and
costly aquarium plainly visible
through the window, but he dis
dained the pretext innocently
"No--to get warm he con-
fessed. Its cold enough, amt
itf"
Haven't you any overcoat,
boy" -.
"I'd wear it ir | had, wouldn't
II"
The five-year-old pondered that
question, balancing on the brown
stone step Of the handsome house.
She herself was clothed with all
the luxury that love could choose
or good taste sanction. The hem
Of a fine, embroidered frock
showed beneath her white velvet
coat; her dimpled face, framed i'm
shining auburn curls, looked out
from a white velvet and silk bon
net most quantity becoming. The
coat had a deep collar of white fur
and a diminutive muff was sus-
pended from a silk cord about her,
neck. She was warm and rosy In
the biting wind which gnawedinto'
the boys very fiber, leaving, him
pinched and wan. Across, the,
broad sidewalk, a glistening coupe.
and pair stood in patient atten-
dance. At that day, the automo-
bile had not yet superseded the
horse as a fashionable transport
II wis you had a comfy coat,
boy" the little fine lady at last
pronounced, lifting her red-brown.
eyes to the pauper's.
Thanks he acknowledged the.
kindness, surprised and softened
in spite of himself, and, boy like,
assuming gruffness. I'm all right
here"
is it warmer to stand there2'
Sure The heat comes up from
the kitchen, don't it'll"
Her eyes widened before the
new idea Of that meager overflow
having value. She looked down
toward the area, and for the first
time saw his feet in THEM pitiful,
broken tatters of shoes, next to
naked in the inch deep snow that
whitened New York.
The change that swept her face
was that of Mortified awakening,
of plenty first glimpsing the ex-
istence of want. Her infantile
serenity was abruptly stormed by
o passion of sympathy amounting
almost to anguish.
boy, you haven't any shoesl
Boy, your poor feets!'
The cry was sharp, and sharply
broken off. On the moment she
vas down upon the step, curled in
a ball Of chubby proportions. her
inexperienced fingers Juggling at
the buttons Of her boots. Before
the boy grasped her intention. she
had scrambled mp again and thrust
into his hands two small white
shoes.
81 have lots more, che painted
Blue ones, an pink ones wis tas.
sells! Take 'em boy-please."
Herel'' he cried, startled ans
COMPOUNDED. What are You do
ing, kidf I couldn't wear them
anyhow. Here, take them backl'
Shaking her curls cross eye,
Ilre bright with tAcIUcTaunt, SIM; re
treated before his advance.
Sell I'm an buy new ones
She developed unexpected wisdom
II 4 4 4 NV. 49, - - N &Att q .