summaryrefslogtreecommitdiff
diff options
context:
space:
mode:
-rw-r--r--.gitattributes3
-rw-r--r--19936.txt2085
-rw-r--r--19936.zipbin0 -> 36378 bytes
-rw-r--r--LICENSE.txt11
-rw-r--r--README.md2
-rw-r--r--images/1.GIFbin0 -> 8358 bytes
-rw-r--r--images/2.GIFbin0 -> 3106 bytes
-rw-r--r--images/3.GIFbin0 -> 3416 bytes
-rw-r--r--images/I.GIFbin0 -> 9787 bytes
-rw-r--r--images/III.GIFbin0 -> 40174 bytes
-rw-r--r--images/IV.GIFbin0 -> 30311 bytes
-rw-r--r--images/NOTES.txt7
-rw-r--r--images/V.GIFbin0 -> 9124 bytes
-rw-r--r--images/frontis.GIFbin0 -> 49026 bytes
14 files changed, 2108 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/19936.txt b/19936.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2582696
--- /dev/null
+++ b/19936.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,2085 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Willie the Waif, by Minie Herbert
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Willie the Waif
+
+Author: Minie Herbert
+
+Release Date: November 27, 2006 [EBook #19936]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIE THE WAIF ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Andrew Hodson
+
+
+
+
+
+ WILLIE THE WAIF
+
+ BY MINIE HERBERT
+
+ _FULLY ILLUSTRATED_
+
+
+LONDON S. W. PARTRIDGE & CO. 8 & 9 PATERNOSTER ROW
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAP. PAGE
+
+ I. RUNNING AWAY FROM HOME. 7
+
+ II. A FRIEND IN NEED
+
+III. THE MISSION SCHOOL
+
+ IV. A VISITOR FOR WILLIE
+
+ V. THE CHRISTMAS TREAT
+
+ VI. LITTLE BERTRAM
+
+
+
+ WILLIE THE WAIF
+
+ ---o---
+
+ CHAPTER I
+
+ RUNNING AWAY FROM HOME
+
+One hot summer's day the sun was trying to shine into a poor, miserable
+alley in London. There are some places in that great city where even the
+sun cannot find its way, and Primrose Place was one of them.
+
+It was a very narrow court, and the houses on both sides were so high that
+the people who lived there had never seen the sunbeams shining on the
+pavement or glinting on the windows. But even supposing the sun could have
+shone into the court, it would not have been able to pierce into the
+rooms, for the windows were too dirty. Most of them were broken and
+patched with brown paper. The doors of the houses always stood open,
+so that people could go in and out without knocking. Very few of them
+could afford to pay enough rent to have two rooms all to themselves,
+so that a whole family was generally huddled into one room, in which they
+had to live during the day and sleep at night. But most of the daytime was
+spent by the inhabitants of Primrose Place out of doors, lounging about on
+the pavement, or sitting on the doorsteps.
+
+On this day, if you had walked down the court, you would have seen groups
+of women standing round the doors gossiping, with their sleeves rolled up
+to their elbows, and nothing on their heads. This was the way they all
+spent their time when they were not in the beershops, one of which stood,
+as usual, at each corner of the court. These women never had time to clean
+their rooms, even if they had known they were dirty. But this fact they
+did not know. They had never seen them any other way and they had become
+so used to their surroundings that they never noticed the dirt.
+
+The children ran about the court or played in the gutter, barefooted and
+bareheaded. Poor little things! there was nobody in Primrose Place to love
+or care for them, or teach them to be good. Their mothers would not be
+troubled by them, and the children kept out of their way as much as
+possible, and, of course, got into that of every body else. This was the
+cause of a great deal of quarrelling among the mothers, because, although
+they didn't care for their children themselves, they wouldn't let any one
+else find fault with them. At the present time three or four boys were
+playing at buttons. One of them accused another of cheating, which he
+denied. This led to angry words, then to blows, when suddenly one of the
+mothers called out:---"'Ere, you Tom, just you leave my Bill alone,
+or I'll warm yer!" This was taken up by Tom's mother, and the women fought
+the children's battle. In such scenes the children of Primrose Place grew
+up---miserable, dirty, and generally neglected.
+
+Sitting alone on the pavement that evening, huddled close to the wall, was
+a little boy of six or seven years of age. His fair hair hung in tangled
+curls all round his head. His clothes, which had never been made for him,
+were much too large, and so ragged that they could scarcely hold together.
+As he sat there, with his little bare feet stretched out on the pavement,
+he seemed to be watching for somebody, for he kept continually;
+looking towards the end of the court which opened out on to the main road.
+All at once he started up eagerly as [the one for whom he had been watching
+turned the corner.] This was his brother, a boy about ten years of age,
+a tired, miserable-looking little fellow, carrying in his hand a broom.
+He had been spending the day trying to earn a few pence by sweeping a
+crossing. His anxious face changed the instant he caught sight of his
+little brother, for these two were all the world to each other.
+
+"I'm so glad you've come 'ome Bob," said Willie. "I've been waitin' such a
+long time for yer."
+
+"Poor little chap! I'm a bit late to-day, and I s'pose yer feel lonely.
+Ain't yer 'ad no one to play with?"
+
+"No," he replied. "All the boys tease and make such a noise. It makes my
+'ead ache. But it's all right now you've come 'ome," he added cheerfully.
+
+Bob looked down at the fragile little figure at his side and a great lump
+seemed to rise in his throat, almost choking him, as he thought how thin
+Willie was; and he wished that he could make haste and grow up to be a man,
+so that he could earn a lot of money and buy nice things for him to eat.
+"But s'pose Willie should die before then!" The thought was too dreadful,
+and he put it away directly it came.
+
+"See, Willie," he said, "what I've got for yer!" and he held up a large
+penny bun before the child.
+
+Willie clapped his hands. "Oh, Bob, is that for me, really?
+Let's sit down 'ere and eat it."
+
+The child sat down on the kerbstone, pulled his brother down beside him,
+and broke the bun in halves. One half he handed to Bob, and would take no
+refusal. So the two children soon devoured it between them.
+
+"I say, Bob," said Willie, when they had finished, "'ave yer 'ad a good day
+to-day?"
+
+"No," said Bob sadly. "Yer see there's no mud about and when there's no
+mud the people don't take any notice of yer----"
+
+"Oh, dear!" said Willie. "Father'll whack yer. I wish yer 'adn't bought
+me the bun."
+
+"I don't, care," responded the other wearily "He may whack me if 'e likes,
+it don't matter, you shan't be 'ungry if I can 'elp it.
+Is father indoors?"
+
+"Yes," said Willie, beginning to cry, "and I'm so frightened.
+'E 'it me this morning. I dunno what's the matter. 'E's been awful angry
+all day, and now 'e'll beat you. Oh, dear! oh, dear!"
+
+Bob's face flushed, and he clenched his hands. For himself he didn't care,
+but he did care when anything hurt Willie. He couldn't stand that, and he
+wouldn't. He sat still for a moment lost in thought. At last he sprang
+up, saying:---"Come on, Willie, we won't go 'ome to-night, we'll find
+somewhere to sleep. Father shan't 'it yer again. We'll go right away."
+
+Willie got up willingly. He had implicit faith in his brother.
+Whatever Bob said or did was sure to be right. He followed him without a
+word as Bob led the way up one street and down another, till his little
+legs began to ache. But it didn't seem as though they could stop,
+for every time they sat down on a doorstep the policeman came and told them
+to "Move on!" At last Bob turned into the park, and they sat down under a
+tree, when Willie soon fell fast asleep. Bob laid the tired little head
+against his shoulder, and although he became cramped with sitting so long
+in one position, he would not move for fear of waking him.
+
+As he sat there he naturally began to think. What were they going to do?
+Whatever happened he would take care of Willie. He would have to find
+another crossing, and Willie would have to go with him. At any rate they
+would always be together, and nobody should hit Willie again. He knew his
+father wouldn't come to look for them. He would be only too glad to be rid
+of them. Were all fathers like his? he wondered. He didn't think so,
+because he had seen some children running along by the side of their
+father, and they even laughed and looked as though they were glad.
+_He_ laughed sometimes at some of the queer things Willie said, but he
+never laughed if his father was there. No, they couldn't all be alike.
+
+As he sat there thinking, it had become quite dark, and presently he heard
+the park-keeper calling, "All out!" Very gently he roused the little
+sleeper, and again they trudged along, on and on, till at last they found
+themselves at Covent Garden Market, and there Bob resolve to stay for the
+night. They crept into an empty barrel, and locked in each other's arms
+they were soon fast asleep.
+
+
+ CHAPTER II
+
+ A FRIEND IN NEED
+
+The two boys were awake early next for business begins early in Covent
+Garden, and they soon had to leave the shelter of their barrel, for barrels
+had to be used for other purposes than to serve as bedrooms for little
+boys. Besides, Bob felt that he had no time now that he had Willie to
+provide for.
+
+"Come, Willie," he said, "we must have a wash the fust thing, and then we
+must earn some money to buy our breakfast with."
+
+"Why, where can we wash?" asked Willie.
+
+"Oh, I know a fust-rate place," answered Rob. "I think it was just made
+for boys like you and me wot ain't got no 'ome."
+
+Willie placed his hand in his brother's, and off the two boys ran, until
+they reached Trafalgar Square. Willie shouted with glee at the sight of so
+much water. Never had he enjoyed himself so much as he did that morning as
+he splashed about in the water, and never had he felt so clean as he did
+when he had finished.
+
+"Now," said Bob, "jist you run up and down 'ere as fast as you can;
+yer'll soon dry."
+
+Willie did as he was told, and soon felt dry and quite hungry; but he was a
+thoughtful little fellow, and determined to wait bravely until Bob could
+get something for him to eat.
+
+"Are yer dry, Willie?" asked Bob.
+
+"Should jist think I am," replied Willie; "feel me."
+
+"Come on, then; let's go and see if we can find some work.
+Ain't yer 'ungry?"
+
+"Little." said Willie briefly.
+
+Dame Fortune was kind to these poor little waifs this morning, for they had
+not gone far on their travels when Willie's sharp eye spied something on
+the ground. Eagerly he ran forward, and picked up a small silver coin,
+which he held up with high glee for his brother to see.
+
+"Why, Willie," exclaimed Bob, "you are lucky! That's a real silver
+sixpence. Now you shall have a jolly good breakfast."
+
+"Oh, yes," said Willie, "I am 'ungry. Ain't yer Bob?"
+
+With light hearts the two boys went on, talking eagerly as to how the
+sixpence should be spent. To these two poor little street arabs it seemed
+almost unlimited wealth, for never in their short lives had they had so
+much money to spend. Bob was determined to give Willie a treat, so,
+without saying where they were going, he led the way to St. James's Park,
+where they found a man in charge of a stall, with a cow standing near by.
+With a very important air Bob marched up to the man, and asked for two
+glasses of milk. The man looked at them rather suspiciously.
+In their ragged clothes they looked very different from most of the people
+who came to buy milk.
+
+"Have you any money?" he asked.
+
+"'Course we 'ave," answered Bob proudly. "Show 'im, Willie."
+
+Willie held up his hand and showed the man the shining coin.
+
+"Why, where, did you get that?" asked the man. That's a lot of money for a
+little chap like you to have."
+
+"I found it," said Willie, "and now we're goin' to 'ave some breakfast,
+ain't we, Bob?"
+
+The children ate their meal ravenously, the man watching them meanwhile.
+
+"What are you going to do now?" he asked when they had finished.
+
+"Find a crossin', fust thing," answered Bib.
+
+"Well, good luck to you," said the man.
+
+But Bob did not find it very easy work. It had been a dry season, and the
+crossings were not muddy, so that there was very little to do. One or two
+people, attracted by Willie's sweet face, gave him a copper, and just
+before dinner a gentleman asked Bob to hold his horse, for which he gave
+him threepence; and so they dragged on during the day, but it was very hot,
+and poor little Willie soon got tired.
+
+"Never mind, Willie," said Bob, "we'll go and sit in the park again
+presently. Let's stay a little longer."
+
+So Willie sat down on a doorstep and waited while Bob tried to earn a
+little more. But at last he gave up in despair, and, taking Willie's hand,
+they turned off into the park. Bob brought some bread-and-cheese from his
+pocket, and with a drink of water from the fountain, they made their
+evening meal.
+
+"I wonder if father'll try to find us," said Willie. "You won't ever let
+me go back, will yer, Bob?"
+
+"Not if I knows it," said Bob. "Yer'll 'ave to be my kid now, Willie; some
+day yer shall 'ave a broom o' yer own. I'll 'ave to teach yer the
+bizness."
+
+Willie clapped his hands delightedly.
+
+"That'll be jolly! Then I shall be able to earn some money."
+
+That night, and many succeeding ones, were spent by the children in the
+open air. Sometimes under archways or on doorsteps, and sometimes in the
+friendly shelter of the old barrels. While the summer lasted, and the
+nights were dry and warm, Bob did not mind, he thought it would not hurt
+Willie, but when the cold weather began it made him very anxious.
+
+"Why don't yer try my place where I sleep?" said another crossing-sweeper
+to him one day, when he told him his trouble. "The little 'un 'ud keep
+warm there." And he painted in glowing colours the glories of the cheap
+lodging-house where he had slept the night before.
+
+"'Ow much?" asked Bob.
+
+"Tuppence a 'ead," was the reply.
+
+So Bob determined if he could possibly earn money that Willie should have a
+roof over his head that night. By the time the day's work was ended he
+found he had just sixpence in his pocket. He thought he would spend two of
+the pennies for their supper and send Willie into the lodging-house alone.
+Then he would have two pennies left for their breakfast.
+
+But little Willie would not hear of any such arrangement. "No, Bob,"
+he said piteously, "don't make me go away from yer. Let me stay with yer
+to-night; I don't mind bein' cold."
+
+But to this Bob would not consent. If Willie would not go in alone, why,
+he must go with him. Perhaps he would get a job early to-morrow, and that
+would pay for their breakfast. But it was a wretched night the children
+spent; the place was with men, some of whom crowding round the fire were
+trying to cook their suppers, while others were quarrelling in different
+parts of the room. The children lay locked in each other's arms too
+frightened to move, as the loud, angry voices fell upon their ears, and it
+was late at night before the noise ceased and they were able to sleep.
+
+They were wakened early in the morning, for some of the men were up and off
+almost before daybreak; and Bob thought he had better be on the move too,
+for money must be earned somehow before Willie could have his breakfast.
+
+They were just about to start when they heard the voice of the landlady
+calling to them. She had noticed how pinched and starved they looked when
+they came in the night before and felt sorry for them.
+
+"Come in here, little 'uns," she said, putting her head out of the room
+door. "Bless me, you look famished. Got any breakfast?"
+
+"No," said Bob; "we was going to see if we could earn some money,
+so's we could buy some."
+
+"Where's yer mother?" she asked shortly.
+
+"She's been dead a long while," answered Bob.
+
+"Yes," chimed in Willie. "Mother's dead, and we've runned away from
+father. He beat us."
+
+"Poor little chap!" said the woman, looking at the younger boy. And then
+she made him sit by the fire, while she poured out two cups of steaming hot
+coffee. It was very weak, hardly more than coloured water, but to the
+little waifs it was the most delicious thing they had tasted for months,
+and as they drank their coffee and ate their bread and butter, the woman's
+heart warmed towards them. She smiled several times at Willie's chatter,
+as he told of the life on the streets.
+
+"Soon's we can get enuf money," he said, "Bob'll buy me a broom,
+then I'll 'elp."
+
+"Wouldn't you like to help now?" she asked.
+
+"Yes," he replied, "but brooms cost a lot o' money."
+
+"So they do," said the woman. "Besides, you're not big enough yet, but you
+could sell some matches, couldn't you? See, I'll lend you this sixpence to
+get some with," and then she told Bob the best place to buy them, and how
+his little brother was to sell them.
+
+Willie's eyes gleamed with delight, but all he could say was, "Oh, Bob!"
+
+The little fellow proved a splendid salesman. However ragged his clothes
+might be, his face was always clean, for the boys never missed their
+morning wash in Trafalgar Square, and he found several customers, who were
+attracted by his bright face and cheery voice as he called out "Box o'
+lights, sir! box o' lights!" and his happiness reached its height when he
+was able to put into Bob's hand quite a heap of pennies, the result of his
+morning's efforts.
+
+When the evening came they made their way back to the lodging-house,
+buying, on their way, half a loaf and some cheese to take in for their
+supper. Bob had a good day himself so that he had managed to save
+threepence towards paying back the sixpence their kind friend had lent them
+in the morning, and it was with a face flushed with pride that he offered
+it to her.
+
+"No, laddie," she said; "wait until you can afford it better."
+
+"Please take it," he urged. "We've done well to-day, Willie and me."
+
+So Mrs. Blair took the money, but she insisted on their lying down in a
+corner of her room, instead of going into the common kitchen.
+
+"And you must come every night," she said. "I've been thinking to-day that
+if I had a little boy of my own I should like one with a face like
+Willie's. Bless him!" And the kind woman kissed the child tenderly.
+
+"That was nice," said the child. "Nobody ever did that afore."
+
+So the two children were always sure of a shelter for the night.
+Sometimes they were gone in the morning before Mrs. Blair was about,
+but if not, she always put fresh water into her tea or coffee-pot and gave
+them a hot drink. She was a very poor woman herself and it was as much as
+she could do for the little ones. But she did it gladly.
+
+
+ CHAPTER III
+
+ THE MISSION SCHOOL
+
+The children were not always so successful as on the day when Willie first
+began to sell his matches. Sometimes, indeed, they took scarcely anything,
+and poor little Willie would get tired and faint through having to go all
+day with nothing eat.
+
+One day Bob saw a gentleman jump off his horse and look for some one to
+hold it while he went into a shops. He darted up to him and asked to be
+allowed to do it.
+
+"You don't look very big, my lad," said the gentleman; "but you may try.
+Don't let him run away."
+
+Bob found it hard work, for the gentleman was a long time, and the pony was
+restive, but he was a plucky little chap and would not give in. The
+gentleman had been keeping his eye on him through the shop-window, and when
+he came out he said--"Well done, my boy! You'll make a fine man some day,"
+and he thrust a shilling into the boy's hand.
+
+Bob was overjoyed with his good fortune as he showed it to Willie. "See
+'ere, Willie," he said. "We'll 'ave a tuck-in to-night." And on the way
+to Mrs. Blair's they stood some time before a pastrycook's, trying to make
+up their minds which of the good things they should buy. First they
+thought they would like one thing and then another, but at last decided
+upon some meat pies, which, nicely arranged in the window, looked very
+tempting to the hungry boys.
+
+Mrs. Blair was delighted to hear of their success. Handing her the change,
+Bob said---
+
+"Please'm, will yer mind this money for me?" He had long before paid her
+the remaining three-pence that he owed.
+
+"'Course I will," she said. "Are you saving up?"
+
+"Yes'm; you see it's gettin' cold now, and Willie's clothes is awful thin.
+I want to git 'im some more."
+
+"So they are," she answered. "Yours too, I think."
+
+"Oh, them don't matter," he replied. "But Willie's on'y a little chap;
+I must take care on 'im."
+
+Mrs. Blair was often touched when she noticed this boy's devotion to his
+little brother. He never seemed to care what hardships he went through
+himself, but Willie must be shielded at all costs.
+
+It took a long time to save up the required sum, but at length Bob managed
+it, and one night the boy came in with an old coat and a pair of shoes
+tucked under his arm. Of course the coat was not a very good fit, and the
+shoes were too large: but Bob had picked up the two at an old clothes-shop
+for two shillings, and they were the best he could do. At any rate, they
+were whole, and they would keep Willie warm.
+
+It was a miserably foggy evening in November. The roads were frightfully
+dirty, and Bob worked with all his might to keep the crossing clean;
+but the people all seemed in too much of a hurry to take any notice of the
+little sweeper, and Willie fared no better with his matches. Fairly worn
+out and tired, the little fellow began to cry.
+
+"Let's go 'ome, Bob," he sobbed. "I'm so cold."
+
+"All right," returned the other. "Seems no use to stop 'ere.
+Folks ain't got nothin' for us to-night."
+
+Bob shouldered his broom, and they turned off down a side street.
+They had not gone far when Willie suddenly stopped.
+
+"'Ark, Bob! Wot's that?" he whispered.
+
+"Sounds like as if some one was a-singin'," was he answer.
+"P'raps we shall come to 'em in a minute. Come on!"
+
+Buoyed up by this suggestion Willie quickened his footsteps, and presently
+they came to a small hall, which was brilliantly lighted. [The children
+stopped, and Bob peeped in at the door.] The place seemed to be almost
+full of children, some of whom were quite as ragged as himself.
+They were all singing lustily, and the two boys could hear the words---
+
+ "Suffer little children to come unto Me."
+
+"Don't it sound prime, Willie?" said Bob. Shall we go in?"
+
+"Yes, do; it'll be warm in there."
+
+So Bob pushed open the door, and trying to make as little noise as
+possible, so as not to attract attention, the two boys shuffled in.
+In his anxiety, however, he managed to drop his broom, which fell with a
+thud on the floor, the noise of which caused all the children to stop their
+singing and turn round to look at him. This was too much for the poor
+little fellow, and he tried to get out again as quickly as he came in.
+Just as he was turning to go, however, a lady with the most beautiful face
+he had even, came up, and, laying her hand upon his shoulder, said,
+"Don't go away, dear. Come and sit down!" and she led them to a form near
+the stove. At the same time, a man who was standing upon a low platform at
+the other end of the room called out in a quick voice--"Attention,
+children!" and immediately the singing went on again. After the hymn was
+finished the children seated them-selves, and the gentleman spoke to them
+about the One who had said "Suffer little children." He pictured to them
+the scene of Jesus going on His journey surrounded by His disciples.
+He told them how the mothers came, bringing their little children along the
+hot dusty road to meet Him, and how delighted they were when Jesus took the
+little ones up in His arms and blessed them. And then he held up before
+them a picture, and, pointing to the central figure, he said---
+
+"Look, dear children, this Man with the kind face is Jesus.
+See how lovingly He looks at the little children. Wouldn't some of you
+have liked to have been there?"
+
+A low murmured "Yes!" came from the children as they listened breathlessly.
+
+"Well, dear children," he went on, "Jesus loves you as much as He loved
+those children. He is sorry for you when you are hungry and cold.
+He wants you to be good too, for it makes Him very sad when you steal,
+or say bad words, or quarrel and fight. He is getting a beautiful place
+ready for you to live in; but you must let Him help you to be good, and
+some day He will send His angel to fetch you to go and live in that
+beautiful place."
+
+After he had finished speaking, Miss Elton, the lady who had spoken to Bob
+at the door, came up to the platform, and in a sweet, clear voice,
+so that the children could understand every word, she sang to them the
+well-known hymn---
+
+"I think when I read that sweet story of old."
+
+There was a pin-drop silence in the room when she left off and then they
+all sang a hymn together, after which the gentleman prayed a short,
+simple prayer, and the meeting was over.
+
+With much noise the little ragged children departed to their homes,
+but Bob sat on like one in a dream.
+
+Presently Miss Elton came up to him, and said---
+
+"Well my little man, aren't you going home?"
+
+"Please'm," he said eagerly, "do you think as 'ow 'e'll let me take Willie
+to _'im?_"
+
+"What do you mean, dear?" she asked.
+
+"Why 'im as we was told about to-night."
+
+"Do you mean Jesus?" she asked.
+
+Bob nodded.
+
+"Yes, dear," was the answer. "He wants Willie and you too.
+Have you ever heard about Jesus before?"
+
+"No," was the answer.
+
+So she tried to explain in a very simple way, which both the children could
+understand, the sweet story of Jesus. "He is watching you, and Willie
+too," she said, "and He wants to help you to be good boys, so that you may
+grow up to be good He loves you very, very much. Will you let Him?"
+
+"I wish 'e would," said Bob. "Don't you, Willie? On'y, I don't see as 'ow
+I can tell 'im."
+
+"Well," was the answer, "if you kneel down, and shut your eyes, and speak
+to Him ever so softly, He will hear you. Listen!" And kneeling down
+beside the children she prayed--"Dear Jesus, these two little boys want You
+to help them to be good. They want to be made fit to live in Your
+beautiful home. Please help them. Amen."
+
+The children looked at her for a moment or two, awed by her manner.
+Then Bob asked--
+
+"Did 'e 'ear yer?"
+
+"Yes, dear, He did," was the reply; "and if you talk to Him, He will hear
+you too. But now it is getting late and you must take this little chap
+home. Will you come again another night, and hear some more about Jesus?"
+
+"We'd like to, wouldn't we, Willie?"
+
+Willie nodded. He could hardly take his eyes off the beautiful face of the
+lady, and for once he felt too shy to say much, but when he was outside the
+door his tongue became unloosed.
+
+"Wasn't she a pretty lady, Bob? Shall we go and see her again?"
+
+"'Course we will," was the decided answer. "But, Willie, wouldn't yer like
+to go an' see that kind man wot the gent told us about?"
+
+"Yes," said Willie; "but where is 'e, Bob?"
+
+"I dunno," said Bob; "but the lady said as 'ow 'e would 'ear us if we spoke
+to 'im. P'raps Mrs. Blair will tell us."
+
+When the children arrived, at the house they found Mrs. Blair becoming very
+anxious about them, for it was not often they were so late now that the
+evenings were dark and cold.
+
+"Why, laddies!" she exclaimed, "I thought you were lost.
+Wherever 'ave you been?"
+
+"Mrs. Blair," said Willie eagerly, "can you tell us the way to Jesus?"
+
+"Bless the child!" she said, looking at Bob. "What on earth does he mean?"
+
+"'Ain't you ever 'eerd about 'im?" asked Bob, looking very disappointed.
+"We've bin to a place where a lot o' children were singing about 'Suffer
+little children,' and then a man talked about one as was called Jesus, and
+'e said 'e wanted all little boys like Willie an' me to be good so's we
+could go and live with 'im some day; and Willie and me wants to find the
+way, and now you can't 'elp us!" sadly and wistfully.
+
+"No, child," she said huskily, "I'm afraid I can't. Be quick and get your
+suppers, for it's awful late, an' that little 'un ought to be in bed."
+
+"Bob," whispered Willie, "yer'll speak to Jesus afore we go to bed,
+won't yer? The lady said 'e would 'ear."
+
+So the two little waifs knelt in their corner with their eyes tightly shut,
+and Bob prayed in a low voice---
+
+"Please, Sir, me an' Willie wants to find Yer. Make us good boys,
+an' show us the way."
+
+"Say 'men, Bob," said Willie, "like the lady did."
+
+And Bob said "'men."
+
+
+ CHAPTER IV
+
+ A VISITOR FOR WILLIE
+
+What made Mrs. Blair sit up late that night, watching the fire, instead of
+going to bed quickly as she usually did? Willie's question had taken her
+back in thought to the time when she was a little girl. She remembered the
+lovely village where she was born; she fancied herself a girl again,
+running about the sweet-scented lanes and the green fields. She could see
+the honeysuckle all out in bloom, as it climbed over the cottage door and
+peeped in at the windows; but, most of all, she thought of her mother and
+the prayer she taught her to say every night as she knelt at her knee.
+But her mother was dead, and she had not been near the village for many
+years. In that time she had forgotten all the lessons her mother had tried
+to teach her, and now when little Willie wanted her to show him the way to
+Jesus she was not able to do so. It was many years since she had taken the
+name of Jesus upon her lips. She had been a hard-working woman all her
+life, and she had no time to think about Him. But now she wished she
+had. She would have been glad if she could have told little Willie what he
+wanted to know.
+
+From this time the boys never forgot to speak to Jesus, as Willie called
+it, every morning and evening. They went to the mission services regularly
+every week, and Miss Elton and her brother began to take a great interest
+in the children. The boys listened eagerly to every word that was said,
+and carried it faithfully home to Mrs. Blair, for she, poor woman,
+seemed quite as anxious to find Jesus as the children had been.
+
+Willie's "pretty lady" had quite won the children's hearts, so that Willie
+had lost all his shyness with her; and as for the lady herself, she
+delighted to bear him chatter. Bob told her all about their life in
+Primrose Place, and on the streets since, and what a good friend Mrs. Blair
+had been to them.
+
+"Why, you see," she said, "Jesus has been taking care of you all the time;
+only you did not know it."
+
+"'As 'e?" said Bob wonderingly.
+
+"Of course He has," was the reply. "Don't you see how He has let you take
+care of Willie? All the kind, loving thoughts that you have about are put
+into your mind by Jesus. It was He made Mrs. Blair so kind to you.
+She wouldn't have looked after you so well if He had not put the thoughts
+into her head."
+
+So, little by little, the minds of the children began to open, and they
+understood something of the way in which Jesus loved them.
+
+In spite of the new clothes that Bob's careful saving up had procured for
+him, little Willie seemed to feel the cold very keenly, and Bob often felt
+very anxious about him. He caught cold, and that left him with a bad
+cough. Several times Bob had to leave him at home while he went to his
+crossing alone. But these were miserable days for the elder boy.
+He always declared that people took no notice of him when Willie was not
+there, and it was very little he could earn. Had it not been for Mrs.
+Blair, the children would often have had to spend the night out of doors.
+
+One very wet evening in December Bob turned into the mission-room alone.
+Willie had been too ill to go out with him in the morning, and he wanted to
+go straight home; he thought Willie would be so lonely.
+
+But Willie would not hear of it. "No, Bob," he said; "go an' see my pretty
+lady, so's yer can tell me wot she says when yer come 'ome."
+
+Miss. Elton saw him come in at the door, and quickly missed her little
+favourite.
+
+"Why, Bob," she said, "where's Willie?"
+
+"Please'm," he answered, "'e ain't well. 'E couldn't come out with me
+to-day."
+
+"Poor little chap!" said the lady kindly. "I hope he isn't very bad.
+I must come and see him. Do you think he would like me to?"
+
+"I should jist think 'e would," answered Bob.
+
+"Very well, then, you must tell me the way, and I will come to-morrow."
+
+Bob did so as clearly as he could, then went to his seat. But it was very
+little that he heard of the address that evening, for his head was so full
+of the visit that was to be paid that he couldn't take in anything else.
+
+Directly the meeting was over he flew off as fast as his legs could carry
+him.
+
+"Willie, Willie!" he burst out, as soon as he got into the room.
+"Guess wot I've got to tell yer!
+
+"Can't," said Willie. "Do tell me, Bob."
+
+"Some one's comin' to see yer to-morrer."
+
+"To see me!" repeated Willie. "Who, Bob?"
+
+"Who should it be," said Bob, "but yer lady!"
+
+"Truth, Bob? Do yer mean it?" for it seemed almost too good to be true.
+"My pretty lady!"
+
+"Yes," said Bob. "Ain't it prime? I know'd yer'd be glad."
+
+Mrs. Blair was almost as excited as the children themselves, at the idea of
+the visitor, and she declared she would have to be up an hour earlier, in
+order to be ready for the lady.
+
+The next morning Willie very much wanted his brother to stay at home with
+him to see the lady, but Bob knew he must not do that.
+
+"It won't do to lose a day now, Willie," he said. "I must go an' earn some
+money, else wot'll we do?" And with a brave face he shouldered his broom
+and marched off.
+
+True to her promise, Miss Elton found her way that morning to Mrs. Blair's.
+She had some difficulty in following Bob's directions, for they were not
+very clear. But she arrived there at lasts and found Willie eagerly
+watching for her at the window.
+
+"Why, Willie, my little man," she said, "you didn't come to see me last
+night."
+
+"No," said Willie, with glistening eyes. "I 'ain't been well; but---but,"
+hesitatingly, "I'm glad you've come to see me."
+
+[Miss Elton sat down, and drew the boy to her side.] She thought what a
+frail little fellow he looked, with his flushed cheeks and shining eyes.
+She talked to him for some time about himself and his brother, and then she
+said---"Now, Willie, I want you to make haste and get well.
+Do you know why?"
+
+Willie shook his head.
+
+"Well," she said, "Christmas will be here in two weeks' time.
+Do you know what Christmas is?"
+
+"No," said Willie, "I 'ain't ever see'd one."
+
+Miss Elton smiled.
+
+"You know who Jesus is?" she asked.
+
+"Yes" said Willie. "We talks to 'im every mornin' an' night,
+Bob an' me; an' we're tryin' to be good."
+
+"That's right," said Miss Elton. "Well, Jesus used to live down here on
+the earth once, and we called the day He came Christmas Day. So Christmas
+Day was His birthday. You know how He loves little children, and wants
+them to be happy, and we want to make them happy too. So what do you think
+we are going to do?"
+
+"Dunno," said Willie.
+
+"We are going to give the children a treat at the mission-room.
+We want you all to come and have tea there, and some nice games afterwards;
+but I'm not going to tell you everything, because I want to surprise you.
+That is why I want you to get well."
+
+"Can Bob come too?" he asked.
+
+"Of course; we must have Bob," she answered. "We couldn't get on without
+him."
+
+For Some moments Willie stood looking at her as though he wanted to say
+something. Miss Elton waited for him to speak. At last she said gently:
+"Well, dear, what is it?
+
+"I wish----" he hesitated. "I wish you'd _sing_."
+
+"Would you like me to?" she asked, smiling. "What shall I sing?"
+
+"'Bout 'Suffer little children.'"
+
+During the singing Mrs. Blair came into the room. Miss Elton spoke to her
+very kindly for minutes, and asked some questions about Willie, thanking
+her for what she had done for the children.
+
+"Lor', ma'am," she said, "who could help it; such children as they are?
+It's wonderful the way that boy looks after the little chap; and as for the
+little one, why, with his angel-face and pretty ways he'd get round the
+hardest woman."
+
+"It's very good of you, Mrs. Blair, and God will give you your reward,
+you may be sure. Will you take this," slipping some money into her hand,
+"and get Willie some food? He wants nourishment, poor little fellow!
+I must come and see him again. I want him to be well enough to come to the
+treat we are giving to the children at the mission-room. Perhaps you would
+come up in the evening, and see them at play?"
+
+"Thank you kindly, ma'am," she replied. "I'd be glad to come."
+
+Before Miss Elton left she made Willie very happy giving him a book of
+coloured pictures, telling him it was to keep him from being lonely while
+Bob was at work.
+
+
+ CHAPTER V
+
+ THE CHRISTMAS TREAT
+
+After Miss Elton's visit Willie found plenty to amuse himself with that
+day, and he was very anxious for Bob to come home that he might tell him
+the news. Mrs. Blair went out and bought some meat and other things with
+the money the lady had given her, and the little fellow feasted like a
+king. Some of the good things he insisted on saving for Bob, and it was in
+a state of high glee that he watched his brother eating his supper that
+night. The picture book was a source of great amusement to them.
+Many of the pictures they recognized, having heard the stories at the
+mission-room, and it seemed as though Willie would never tire of looking at
+them, especially one which showed Jesus blessing little children.
+
+The boys looked forward with great interest to the coming treat,
+and often wondered what kind of a thing it would be, for they had never
+been to anything of the sort in their lives. Miss Elton kept her promise,
+and came several times to see Willie, always giving Mrs. Blair something to
+buy food with, so that it would not be necessary for him to go out in the
+cold and wet to sell his matches.
+
+It was a red-letter day for Bob when, once, Miss Elton happened to come
+along just where he was at work. He saw her coming some time before she
+recognized him, but when she stopped to speak to him he was so excited that
+he scarcely knew what he was doing.
+
+"Why, Bob," she exclaimed, "this is the first time I have seen you at
+business. How beautifully clean you have made your crossing!"
+
+Bob coloured with pleasure. It was not often that people praised him,
+and he hardly knew what to make of it.
+
+"How is my little friend Willie to-day?" she asked.
+
+"Please'm, 'e's gittin' better now 'e don't 'ave to come an' stay out 'ere
+with me," was the answer.
+
+Bob could always find his tongue when any one asked him about Willie.
+
+"I'm so glad," said Miss Elton. "I want him to come to the treat."
+
+"Yes," said Bob, "'e ants to come."
+
+"Do you always sweep this crossing?" she inquired.
+
+"Yes'm," was the answer. "It's best jist to stay in one place.
+Folks git to know yer, yer see. I have my reg'lar ones as gives me a penny
+most days. They wouldn't do that if I shifted about."
+
+"I see," said Miss Elton. "Well I shall always look out for this crossing
+now," and with a bright smile and a coin as a parting gift she went on her
+way. But her heart ached for the little sweeper as she thought of the
+small old-looking face above the ragged clothes, thinking too of the
+numbers more who were like him in the great city, and how little she could
+do for them.
+
+The two weeks quickly passed away, and the long-looked-for day of the treat
+arrived. Miss Elton found time in the morning to come round to Mrs.
+Blair's to see if Willie was able to come.
+
+"Bless, you, ma'am," said that good lady, "you couldn't keep him back if
+you tried. He's that set on going. I'll be there to bring him home
+safely."
+
+"Well," said Miss Elton, "he looks much better than when I first saw him.
+You are better, are you not, Willie?" turning to the child.
+
+"Yes, please'm," answered Willie, with sparkling eyes. "I'm comin' to the
+treat. Bob's comin' 'ome early to take me."
+
+There was great excitement at Mrs. Blair's that afternoon. Bob arrived
+home in good time, and Mrs. Blair provided the boys with soap and water
+with which they rubbed their faces until they shone. Then she produced a
+needle and thread, and much to Bob's delight did what she could towards
+drawing his rags together. It was an almost hopeless task, and they really
+did not look much better when they were done; but Bob was as proud of the
+stitches which prevented the wind blowing through the holes on to his
+little bare legs as a young prince would have been of a new suit of
+clothes, and it was with beaming, happy faces that the two children set off
+hand-in-hand to take their share of the good things provided for them.
+
+But when they entered the hall they almost thought they had come to the
+wrong place, for the room was completely changed. Two long tables went
+down the length of the room, covered with clean white cloths, and loaded
+with heaped-up plates of bread-and-butter and cake. Steaming urns of tea
+stood at each end, surrounded by cups and saucers. The walls had been
+prettily decorated with holly and evergreens, and the red berries glistened
+in the gaslight. The platform at the end of the room had been taken away,
+and in its place stood an enormous tree covered with toys and parcels.
+Several of the children were standing round it in groups, for the most part
+in silence, as though overawed with the unusual sight. Some of the bolder
+ones ventured nearer and proceeded to examine the articles hanging upon the
+tree.
+
+Willie's eyes, however, were fixed upon one object in the middle of the
+room. A little girl, beautifully dressed in white, with a broad, blue
+sash, looking exactly like a fairy, was holding Miss Elton by the hand.
+Willie had caught sight of her directly he entered the room, and stood
+looking as though fascinated.
+
+"Look, Bob," he whispered; "is she a angel?"
+
+"Dunno," said Bob. "Should think she looks like one."
+
+Just then Miss Elton turned her head and saw the two boys. Keeping hold of
+the little girl's hand, she came towards them.
+
+["See, Gladys," she said; "this is my little boy Willie."]
+
+"G'adys' 'ickle boy too," said the child, slipping her hand confidingly
+into the boy's.
+
+Willie coloured to the roots of his hair; but was too overcome by the
+little lady's possession of him to speak.
+
+Miss Elton 'smiled "that's right, Gladys. Now you take him and show him
+all the pretty things," and she left the children together while she went
+back to her helpers.
+
+"Come 'long, boy," said Gladys. "See all ze pitty sings on ze tree," and,
+tugging at his hand, she pulled him down the long room, and very soon the
+little waif, and the daintily-dressed maiden were the best of friends, and
+chatting away as though they had known each other all their short lives.
+
+"Now, children," said Mr. Elton, ringing a bell as he spoke to gain
+attention, "all who are hungry and want some tea must come and sit down at
+the tables."
+
+For the next five minutes all was confusion as the children noisily took
+their places, Gladys and Willie bringing up the rear.
+
+"Miss Elton, look!" exclaimed a young lady who had come to help attend the
+children. "Did you ever see such an extraordinary likeness?"
+
+"Likeness between whom?" asked Miss Elton.
+
+"Why, your little niece and her ragged knight," said the young lady.
+"Can't you see, now they are close together? Their eyes are quite alike,
+and they have the same curly hair."
+
+"It is so indeed," said Miss Elton; "but it has never struck me before."
+
+"What a sweet face that boy has!" said her companion. "I should love to
+dress him in velvet and lace."
+
+There was no time for more to be said, for the children were hungry, and
+although Miss Elton had brought several friends to help her and her brother
+with their ragged visitors, they were kept exceedingly busy.
+Many of the little waifs had never had such a feast in their lives,
+and it was astonishing to see the way in which they drank the tea and
+devoured the cake.
+
+After the children had eaten as much as they could, they were allowed to
+get down from the table, and while the tea was being cleared away they
+romped about in the room. Miss Elton taught them to play "Oranges and
+Lemons," "Nuts and May," and other games which are familiar to most
+children, but quite strange to little London arabs such as were gathered
+together in that room.
+
+When they had tired themselves out with play they all sat down, and while
+they ate oranges Mr. Elton talked to them for a little while about the One
+whose birthday they were celebrating, and Miss Elton sang to them.
+
+The greatest event of the evening was left until the last.
+By this time some of the parents had come in, among whom was Mrs. Blair,
+and they seemed to enjoy the fun quite as much as the children.
+
+They looked on with great interest while a gentleman brought round a hat in
+which were a number of pieces of paper, each marked with a figure.
+
+"Now, children," said Mr. Elton, "you must all take a paper out of the hat
+and see what the number is that is marked on it, and when I call out the
+number you must stand up and you will get something off the tree.
+Now, then; attention! Number fourteen!"
+
+Instantly two boys stood up. "No, no," said Mr. Elton, "you haven't both
+number fourteen!"
+
+"Please, sir, this chap's wrong," said a voice; "'e ain't got no fourteen."
+
+It was soon discovered that the boy had mistaken number forty-one for
+fourteen, and many other similar mistakes occurred, owing to the ignorance
+of the children. But there were many willing helpers, and at last the
+business was settled. Each child received a toy and a warm article of
+clothing. For a few minutes the uproar was deafening, with the blowing of
+whistles, shaking of tambourines, beating of drums, etc., as each child
+proceeded to try his own particular toy.
+
+Willie had been fortunate enough to obtain a box of soldiers and a pair of
+warm knitted cuffs, which were tried on and much admired by Gladys, while
+Bob was the happy possessor of a tin whistle and a thick woollen comforter.
+
+"Wear it home," said Miss Elton, smiling at him; "you will find out how
+warm it is."
+
+It was late when the children separated, tired and happy. It was an
+evening never to be forgotten by them, and years after, when they had grown
+up to be men and women, some of them hardened by sin, this Christmas treat
+at the mission school stood out in their memories as the one piece of
+happiness in their miserable lives.
+
+
+ CHAPTER VI
+
+ LITTLE BERTRAM
+
+"Arthur," said Miss Elton to her brother, as they sat by the fire that
+evening talking over the events of the day, "has it ever occurred to you
+that there is a striking likeness between that little Willie Brown and our
+Gladys?"
+
+"No, dear," was the answer, "I cannot say that it has. I have often
+thought him very superior to the other children, and he is not in the least
+like his brother Bob."
+
+"Well, Nora Graham called my attention to the fact this afternoon, and it
+has haunted me ever since. Do you think, Arthur, it _could_ be by any
+chance? Little Bertram would have been just about his age now," wistfully.
+
+"My dear Winnie," returned her brother, "I should not allow myself to raise
+any such hopes on that point if I were you. You have been disappointed so
+often."
+
+"Still," she persisted, "there is just a chance, and we dare not leave a
+single stone unturned to find poor Marion's boy."
+
+"No," he replied, "but we have so little to go upon. It is four years now
+since Marion died, and the only clue we could have at all is that tiny mark
+upon the shoulder."
+
+"Well," she said, "if I go and see the child and find out what I can from
+him, will you go to Primrose Place and see if you can trace anything of his
+parents?"
+
+"Certainly I will," was the answer. "You know, dear, I am as anxious to
+find the child as you are. It maddens one to think of the little chap
+being brought up in one of those filthy alleys. I don't wonder it killed
+his mother."
+
+"No, indeed," said Miss Elton, her eyes filled with tears. "Poor Marion!"
+
+Some years before our story opens Miss Elton's only sister had married an
+artist living in a pretty village in Surrey, and there about a year
+afterwards their little boy Bertram was born. His parents idolized him,
+and he was the pet and plaything of every one who had anything to do with
+him. When he was just about one year old, his mother, Mrs. Vincent,
+had in her service a housemaid who had a violent temper. It happened that
+one day Mrs. Vincent had occasion to reprove her for some fault, and the
+girl was heard to declare that she would "pay her out for it." Soon after
+Mr. and Mrs. Vincent went to spend a day with some friends living at a
+distance, leaving little Bertram in charge of his nurse, thinking her a
+woman they could trust. Great was their dismay, however, when they
+returned to find both Bertram and Ellen, the housemaid, missing.
+The nurse seemed to be almost beside herself with terror, and they could
+get very little information from her. She said that Ellen had offered to
+mind the baby while she went to dress. She missed them when she came down,
+but thinking that they were somewhere about the grounds, she took no notice
+but went on with some work in the nursery. When tea was ready she went out
+to look for them, but they were nowhere to be seen. Feeling thoroughly
+frightened, she called the cook, and together they searched the house and
+grounds, but no trace of Ellen or the baby could be found. Poor Mrs.
+Vincent was almost out of her mind with grief when she realized that her
+darling baby was lost. The father haunted the police stations and
+hospitals longing for news of the boy. But it was all in vain, little
+Bertram had completely disappeared. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent never saw their
+child again; a month or two afterwards the father was thrown from a trap
+and killed, and when Gladys was born soon after, the poor mother could not
+recover the shock and she followed her husband. On her death-bed she made
+her brother and sister promise that they would look after Gladys,
+and also do all in their power to find Bertram.
+
+Faithfully these two kept their word. Aunt Winnie had been a good mother
+to little Gladys, and in the hope that they might some day come across the
+little boy, they had started their mission among the waifs of London. So
+far, however, it had been all in vain. Sometimes they fancied they had a
+clue, but it always led to nothing, and they had almost begun to think the
+task hopeless, when Miss Elton's attention was directed to Willie Brown.
+
+Directly breakfast was over the next morning Mr. Elton and his sister set
+out on their errand of inquiry. In spite of her brother's counsel not to
+think too much about it, Miss Elton could not help feeling strangely
+hopeful, for something seemed to tell her that at last God had heard her
+prayers, and little Bertram would be restored to those who loved him.
+On arriving at Mrs. Blair's house she encountered Bob just marching off
+with his broom. "Why Bob," she exclaimed delightedly, "you will be late
+for business this morning. How is this?"
+
+"Yes'm," he began awkwardly, blushing to the roots of his hair.
+It was the first time such a thing had occurred since he started his
+crossing, and he felt himself in disgrace.
+
+"Well, ma'am, begging your pardon," broke in Mrs. Blair, "and who could
+blame him if he is? It isn't every day those two dear children go to a
+Christmas party; not a wink of sleep did they get this blessed night long.
+Little Willie there was so full of that pretty little lady that took so
+much notice of him---'the little angel,' he calls her."
+
+"I am very glad you _were_ late this morning, Bob," said Miss Elton,
+"for I want to talk to you both. So, Willie," turning to the little
+fellow, "you like my girlie, do you? Would you like to see her again?"
+
+"Yes, please'm," said Willie, his eyes sparkling.
+
+"Well, then," was the answer, "Bob must bring you to my house, and you must
+play with her there. But, now," she went on, "I want you to tell me all
+you can about yourselves. Do you remember your mother, Bob?"
+
+"Yes'm," replied Bob; "she used to drink awful."
+
+"Has she been dead long?"
+
+"Yes; she died when Willie wor a kid. I know, 'cos 'e was jist a-tryin' to
+walk by 'isself. 'E 'ad no one then to look arter 'im but me," he added.
+
+"Well," replied Miss Elton, "you have looked after him very well.
+I am sure Willie has been very happy when he has been with you.
+He is a dear little fellow," drawing the child closer to her and gazing
+into his face. Yes, he certainty was the image of Gladys; she could see it
+plainly now. How strange that she had never noticed it before!
+
+She sat talking to them some time longer, and then, slipping a shilling
+into Bob's hand, she asked him to stay and play with Willie to-day.
+
+Once outside the door she turned eagerly.
+
+"Mrs. Blair," she said, to that lady's astonishment, "do you think Willie
+is really Bob's brother?"
+
+"Bless me, miss," was the answer, "I haven't never thought about it.
+He always calls him his brother."
+
+"They are not much alike," said Miss Elton.
+
+"No," replied Mrs. Blair; "but I don't know that that shows anything?
+
+"Have you ever seen Willie undressed?" went on her questioner.
+
+"Lor' bless you, yes!" she replied. "Why, only yesterday I gave him a good
+wash before he went to the tea-party." And she looked, at Miss Elton
+wonderingly.
+
+"Did you notice anything about him--any particular marks about his body,
+I mean?"
+
+"No," was the answer. "Stay, though, I think I did see a little red mark
+on his shoulder. But it was nothing much."
+
+"Oh, thank you," said Miss Elton joyously, though her eyes were brimming
+over with tears. "No, I mustn't say anything yet; but, Mrs. Blair, will
+you bring the children up to my house this afternoon? This is my address,"
+handing her a card. "You can get an omnibus near here that will take you
+all the way to West Kensington."
+
+Having Mrs. Blair's promise that she would be there in good time,
+Miss Elton hastened home. Her brother had not yet returned,
+but she could settle to nothing till he came. She wandered about from the
+library to the drawing-room, then up to the nursery, where she caught
+Gladys up in her arms and danced with her about the room, while the little
+one screamed with delight.
+
+At last the door-bell rang, and she rushed down to meet her brother in the
+hall.
+
+"Well, dear," she cried, "what news?"
+
+"My dear Winnie," replied her brother, "you are a perfect tornado.
+Let me get inside;"
+
+"Be quick, then," was the answer, and she pulled him into the drawing-room.
+
+Seating himself in a chair, he proceeded to give her an account of his
+morning's work. When he arrived at Primrose Place he could not find any
+trace of the man Brown. An old woman who lived in the same house said that
+he had left the place soon after the boys went away. She said she
+remembered the children quite well, but she did not think they were
+brothers, because she knew a young woman came there about five years ago,
+bringing a baby with her, which she left. Mrs. Brown always gave out that
+it was her own, but she didn't ever remember her having a baby, and she
+didn't think it was her own. Brown himself was doing two years in gaol at
+the time Mrs. Brown died soon after he came out. She said that the
+children led a dreadful life with the man, and she was glad when they went
+away. "So you see, Winnie," he concluded, "that is all I could find out,
+and it is not enough to go upon."
+
+"Ah, well," she replied, shaking her head, "Willie is coming here this
+afternoon, and then you will see. I am certain 'we have found Bertram."
+
+And so sure was she, that her next business was to order the carriage and
+set off to the shop to buy a suit for Willie. Everything that the boy
+could possibly, want in the shape of underclothes was bought, and then the
+little velvet suit that Nora Graham had suggested, with the lace collar,
+was added.
+
+Precisely at three o'clock Mrs. Blair appeared with the children.
+Little Gladys was delighted to see Willie, and would sit next to him at the
+table while they had some tea. Mr. Elton came in and looked at them,
+and he, too, was struck with the likeness between the children.
+
+After tea Miss Elton took Willie to the nursery saying she had some clothes
+for him and she wanted to see them on.
+
+"Here, nurse," she said to the servant who was waiting; "this is the little
+boy I told you about."
+
+"Bless his dear heart!" said the woman, catching him in her arms.
+"I should have known Master Bertie anywhere."
+
+Miss Elton was very glad now that Bertram's old nurse had stayed on to look
+after Gladys, for now that _she_ recognized the child she felt all her
+doubts laid to rest for ever, and she stood looking on while nurse took off
+the ragged clothes exposed to view the tiny mark on the little bare
+shoulder.
+
+"There, ma'am," she exclaimed, "that is proof enough. Oh, if only my dear
+mistress had lived to see this day!"
+
+"We will believe she does see it," returned Miss Elton, "and I am sure she
+is glad with us."
+
+The dressing was quickly finished, and with his shining face and
+nicely-combed hair he looked, as Miss Elton said, "like a little prince."
+
+Taking his hand, she led him down to the dining-room and exhibited him to
+the others. Mrs. Blair gazed at him open-mouthed. Gladys ran to him, and,
+throwing her arms round his neck, kissed him delightedly, saying, "G'adys
+'ove 'oo, 'ickle boy!"
+
+Bob alone made no sign. He did not know what to make of this new Willie.
+Miss Elton called him to her. "Bob," she said, "many years ago my little
+nephew was stolen away from his home. I have searched for him everywhere,
+but could not find him; but to-day I have found out that you have been
+taking care of him for me all this time. Are you glad that Willie is my
+little boy?"
+
+"Will 'e be always dressed like that?" asked Bob.
+
+"Yes," was the answer.
+
+"Won't 'e be 'ungry and cold any more?"
+
+"No, my boy."
+
+"Then I'm glad--but oh, Willie," and he broke down sobbing.
+
+"Why, what is the matter?" asked Miss Elton.
+
+"Oh!" sobbed the boy, "I shan't never see 'im no more!"
+
+"Why, Bob," said Miss Elton, "what are you saying? Of course you will see
+Willie. Do you think I would separate you after you have been so good to
+him? Listen to me. Would you like to come and live here with Willie? Then
+you could go to school, and still look after him as you always have done."
+
+And so it was settled. Gladys was delighted with her new brother,
+and she ruled him like a little queen, while he became her willing slave
+and gave in to her in everything. They went down into the country to live,
+where Bertram soon grew rosy and strong, while Mrs. Blair was given a
+pretty little lodge to live in at the gate, which she said reminded,
+her of her old home when she was a girl.
+
+Bob was sent to a good school, where he himself so eager and quick to learn
+that Mr. Elton sent him on to college; and when he became a clergyman he
+chose a parish in the East End of London, where he devoted his life to
+working among boys who were as poor as he himself once was.
+
+
+
+ -- A -- . SELECTION . OF Illustrated Books FOR Girls & Boys.
+ ___.___
+
+ PUBLISHED BY S. W. PARTRIDGE & CO. 8 & 9, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C.
+
+ 1s. 6d. each.
+THE BRITISH BOYS' LIBRARY.
+A New Series of Books for Boys.
+
+Crown 8vo., I60 pages, cloth. Illustrated.
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF JI. By G. FARROW.
+MISSIONARY HEROES: Stories of Heroism on the Missionary Field.
+ By C. D. MICHAEL.
+ANDREW BENNETT'S HARVEST; or, The Shadow of God's Providence.
+ By LYDIA PHILLIPS.
+"BROWN AI"; or, A Stolen Holiday. By E. M. STOOKE.
+THE PIGEONS' CAVE; or, A Story of Great Orme's Head in I806.
+ By J. S. FLETCHER.
+SUCCESS: Chats about Boys who have won it. By C. D. MICHAEL.
+RUNAWAY ROLLO. By E. M. STOOKE.
+ROBIN THE REBEL. By H. LOUISA BEDFORD.
+WELL DONE! Stories of Brave Endeavour. Edited by C. D. MICHAEL.
+THE WONDER SEEKERS. By HENRY J. BARKER, M.A.
+LITTLE SOLDIERS. By KATE L. MACKLEY.
+WILL; or, "That Boy from the Union." By LYDIA PHILLIPS,
+NOBLE DEEDS: Stories of Peril and Heroism. Edited by CHARLES D. MICHAEL.
+BEN: A Story of Life's Byways. By LYDIA PHILLIPS.
+ _AND FOUR OTHERS_.
+
+
+ 1s. 6d. each.
+THE BRITISH GIRLS' LIBRARY.
+A New Series of Books for Girls.
+
+Crown 8vo., I6o pages, cloth. Illustrated.
+
+THE MYSTERY BABY; or, Patsy at Fellside. By ALICE M. PAGE.
+ZILLAH, THE LITTLE DANCING GIRL. By Mrs. HUGH ST. LEGER.
+PATSIE'S BRICKS. By L. S. MEAD.
+SALOME'S BURDEN; or, The Shadow on the Homes. By ELEANORA H. STOOKE.
+HEROINES: True Tales of Brave Women. By C. D. MICHAEL.
+GRANNY'S GIRLS. By M. B. Manwell, Author of "Little Miss," etc.
+MOUSEY; or Cousin Robert's Treasure. By ELEANORA H. STOOKE,
+ Author of "A Little Town Mouse," etc.
+MARIGOLD'S FANCIES. By L. E. TIDDEMAN, Author of "Grannie's Treasures,"
+ etc.
+THE LADY OF GREYHAM; or, Low in a Low Place. By EMMA E. HORNIBROOK.
+THE GIPSY QUEEN. By EMMA LESLIE.
+KATHLEEN; or, A Maiden's Influence. By JULIA HACK.
+QUEEN OF THE ISLES. By JESSIE M. E. SAXBY.
+THE RAJAH'S DAUGHTER; or, The Half-Moon Girl. By BESSIE MARCHANT.
+IN SELF-DEFENCE. By JULIA HACK.
+ _AND FOUR OTHERS_.
+
+
+ 1s. 6d. each.
+ILLUSTRATED REWARD BOOKS.
+
+Crown 8vo., cloth extra. Fully Illustrated.
+
+PHILIP'S INHERITANCE; or, Into a Far Country. By F. SPENSER.
+DONALD'S VICTORY. By LYDIA PHILLIPS, Author of "In Friendship's Name,"
+ "Frank Burleigh," etc.
+SISTER ROYAL. By Mrs. HAYCRAFT, Author of "The Children of Cherryholme,"
+ etc.
+GRACE ASHLEIGH. By MARY D. R. BOYD.
+WITHOUT A THOUGHT. By JENNIE CHAPPELL.
+EDITH OSWALD; or, Living for Others. By JANE M. KIPPEN.
+THE EAGLE CLIFF. By R. M. BALLANTYNE.
+THE KING'S DAUGHTER. By "Pansy."
+ESTER RIED. By "Pansy."
+THE FOSTER BROTHERS; or, Foreshadowed. By Mrs. MORTON.
+THE HOUSEHOLD ANGEL. By MADELINE LESLIE.
+MISS ELIZABETH'S NIECE. By M. S. HAYCRAFT.
+THE MAN OF THE HOUSE. By "Pansy."
+THREE PEOPLE. By "Pansy."
+CHRISSY'S ENDEAVOUR. By "Pansy."
+
+ ===============
+
+EVERYONE'S LIBRARY.
+A re-issue of standard works in a cheap form.
+1s. each.
+
+TOM BROWN'S SCHOOLDAYS. By an Old Boy.
+THE WIDE, WIDE WORLD. By SUSAN WARNER.
+LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF ROBINSON CRUSOE. By DANIEL DEFOE.
+UNCLE TOM'S CABIN. By H. B. STOWE.
+THE OLD LIEUTENANT AND HIS SON. By NORMAN MACLEOD.
+THE CORAL ISLAND. By R. M. BALLANTYNE.
+ ----------------
+
+SHILLING REWARD BOOKS.
+Fully Illustrated. Crown 8vo., cloth extra.
+
+HEROES ALL. A Book of Brave Deeds. By C. D. MICHAEL.
+THE OLD RED SCUOOL HOUSE. By FRANCES H. WOOD.
+CHRISTABEL'S INFLUENCE. By J. GOLDSMITH COOPER.
+TRUE STORIES OF BRAVE DEEDS. By MABEL BOWLER.
+THE MYSTERY OF MARNIE. By JENNIE CHAPPELL.
+GIPSY KIT; or, The Man with the Tattooed Face. By ROBERT LEIGHTON.
+EVERYBODY'S FRIEND. By EVELYN EVERETT-GREEN.
+THE BELL BUOY. By F. M. HOLMES.
+SAPH'S FOSTER BAIRN. By Rev. A. COLBECK.
+VIC: A Book of Animal Stories. By ALFRED C. FRYER, Ph.D., F.S.A.
+CARAVAN CRUISES: Five Children in a Caravan---Not to mention Old Dobbin.
+ By PHIL LUDLOW.
+THE WILD SWANS; or, The Adventure of Rowland Cleeve. By MARY C. ROWSELL.
+GEORGE & CO.; or, the Choristers of St. Anseim's. By SPENCER J. GIBB.
+DICK'S DESERTION: A Boy's Adventures in Canadian Forests.
+ By MARJORIE L. C. PICKTHALL.
+FERN DACRE: A Minster Yard Story. By ETHEL RUTH BODDY.
+LITTLE CHRIS, THE CASTAWAY. By F. SPENSER.
+TOM AND THE ENEMY. By CLIVE R. FENN.
+THE CHILDREN OF THE PRIORY. By J. L. HOENIBROOK.
+THROUGH SORROW AND JOY; or, The Story of an English Bible in Reformation
+ Times. By M. A. R.
+PETS AND THEIR WILD COUSINS: New and True Stories of Animals.
+ By Rev. J. ISABELL, F.E.S.
+OTHER PETS AND THEIR WILD COUSINS. By Rev. J. ISABELL, F.E.S.
+RUTH'S ROSES; or, What some Girls Did. By LAURA A. BARTER-SNOW,
+ Author of "Harold," etc.
+A BROTHER'S NEED. By L. S. MELD.
+IN PATHS OF PERIL: A Boy's Adventures in Nova Scotia. By J. MACDONALD
+OXLEY, Author of "Norman's Nugget," etc.
+SUNSHINE AND SNOW. By HAROLD BINDLOSS.
+"CROWN JEWELS." By HEATHER GREY.
+DONALBLAINE OF DARIEN. By J. MACDONALD ORLEY.
+ALL PLAY AND NO WORK. By HAROLD AVERY.
+ALWAYS HAPPY; or, the Story of Helen Keller. By JENNIE CHAPPELL.
+AILEEN; or, The Love of Christ Constraineth us. By LAURA A. BARTER-SNOW.
+BLOSSOM AND BLIGHT. By Miss M. A. PAULL.
+BERNARD OR BEN? By JENNIE CHAPPELL.
+BIRDIE AND HER DOG, and other Stories of Canine Sagacity.
+ By Miss PHILLIPS.
+BESSIE DREW; or, The Odd Little Girl. By AMY MANIFOLD.
+COLA MONTI; or, The Story of a Genius. By Mrs. CRAIK, Author of
+ "John Halifax, Gentleman."
+THE CHILDREN OF CHERRYHOLME. By M. S. HAYCRAPT.
+THE FATAL NUGGET. By E. HARCOURT BURRAGE.
+HAROLD; or, Two Died for Me. By LAURA A. BARTER-SNOW.
+INDIAN LIFE IN THE GREAT NORTH-WEST. By EGERTON R. YOUNG, Author of
+ "By Canoe and Dog-Train."
+JACK THE CONQUEROR; or, Difficulties Over-come. By Mrs. C. E. BOWEN.
+LITTLE BUNCH'S CHARGE; or, True to Trust. By NELLIE CORNWALL.
+LOST IN THE BACKWOODS. By EDITH C. KENYON.
+LITTLE WOODMAN AND HIS DOG CAESAR (The). By Mrs. SHERWOOD.
+NELLA; or, Not my Own. By JESSIE GOLDSMITH COOPER.
+OUR DEN. By E. M. WATERWORTH.
+OUR DUTY TO ANIMALS. By Mrs. C. BRAY, Author of "Physiology for Schools,"
+ etc. Intended to teach the young kindness to Animals.
+PAUL THE COURAGEOUS. By MABEL QUILLER-COUCH, Author of
+ "Some Western Folk," etc.
+PILG RIM'S PROGRESS (The). By JOHN BUNYAN. 416 pages. 8 coloured and
+ 47 other Illustrations.
+ROY'S SISTER; or, His Way and Hers. By M. B. MANWELL, Author of
+ "Mother's Boy," etc.
+SWEET NANCY. By L. T. MEADE.
+
+
+ 9d. each.
+NINEPENNY SERIES of ILLUSTRATED BOOKS.
+
+96 pages, small crown 8vo., cloth. Illustrated.
+
+KIBBIE & CO. By JENNIE CHAPPELL.
+BRAVE BERTIE. By EDITH C. KENYON.
+THE LITTLE SLAVE GIRL. By EILEEN DOUGLAS.
+MARJORY; or, What would Jesus Do? By LAURA A. BARTER-SNOW.
+MARJORIE'S ENEMY: A Story of the Civil War of 1644. By Mrs. ADAMS.
+LADY BETTY'S TWINS. By B. M. WATERWORTE.
+A VENTURESOME VOYAGE. By F. SCARLETT POTTER.
+OUT OF THE STRAIGHT; or, The Boy who Failed and the Boy who Succeeded.
+ By NOEL HOPE.
+BOB AND BOB'S BABY. By MARY B. LESTER.
+THE LITTLE CAPTAIN: A Temperance Tale. By LINDE PALMER.
+ROBIN'S GOLDEN DEED. By RUBY LYNN.
+THE RUNAWAY TWINS; or, The Terrible Guardian. By IRENE CLIFTON.
+DOROTHY'S TRUST. By ADELA FRANCES MOUNT.
+GRANNIE'S TREASURES; and flow they Helped Her. By L. B. TIDDEMAN.
+HIS MAJESTY'S BEGGARS. By MARY B. ROPES.
+FAITHFUL FRIENDS. By C. A. MERCER.
+"ONLY ROY." By F. M. WATERWORTH and JENNIE CHAPPELL.
+AUNT ARMSTRONG'S MONEY. By JENNIE CHAPPELL, Author of "Carol's Gift," etc.
+JOHN BLESSINGTON'S ENEMY: A Story of Life in South Africa. By E. HARCOURT
+BURRAGE, Author of "The Fatal Nugget," etc.
+WON FROM THE SEA. By E. C. PHILLIPS (Mrs. H. B. Looker), Author of
+ "Birdie and Her Dog."
+BIRDIES' BENEFITS; or, A Little Child Shall Lead Them.
+ By ETHEL RUTH BODDY.
+CAROL'S GIFT; or, "What Time I am Afraid I will Trust In Thee."
+ By JENNIE CRAPPELL.
+CRIPPLE GEORGE; or, God has a Plan for every Man. By JOHN W. KNEESHAW.
+CARED FOR; or, The Orphan Wanderers. By Mrs. C. B. BOWAN.
+ROB AND I. By CARRIE MERCER.
+PHIL'S FROLIC. By F. SCARLETT POTTER.
+HOW A FARTHING MADE A FORTUNE; or, Honesty is the Best Policy.
+ By Mrs. C. E. BOWEN.
+BABES IN THE BASKET; or Daph and Her Charge.
+HOW PAUL'S PENNY BECAME A POUND. By Mrs. BOWEN, Author of
+ "Dick and his Donkey."
+HOW PETER'S POUND BECAME A PENNY. By the same Author.
+PAUL, a Little Mediator. By MAUDE M. BUTLER.
+A FLIGHT WITH THE SWALLOWS. By EMMA MARSHALL.
+BEL'S BABY. By MARY E. ROPES.
+THE FIVE COUSINS. By EMMA LESLIE.
+FOR LUCY'S SAKE. By ANNIE S. SWAN.
+GIDDIE GARLAND; or, The Three Mirrors. By JENNIE CHAPPELL.
+GRANDMOTHER'S CHILD. By ANNIE S. SWAN.
+JOHN ORIEL'S START IN LIFE. By MARY HOWITT.
+LOVE'S GOLDEN KEY. By MARY B. LESTER.
+THE MAN OF THE FAMILY. By JENNIE CHAPPELL.
+
+ 6d. each.
+The Red Dave Series.
+New and Enlarged Edition. 64 pages. Handsomely bound in cloth boards.
+
+"ROAST POTATOES!" By Rev. S. N. SEDGWICK, M.A.
+HIS CAPTAIN. By CONSTANCIA SERGEANT.
+"IN A MINUTE!" By KEITH MARLOW.
+UNCLE JO'S OLD COAT. By E. H. STOOKE.
+THE COST OF A PROMISE. By M. I. HURRELL.
+FARTHING DIPS. By J. S. WOODHOUSE.
+ROY CARPENTER'S LESSON. By KEITH MARLOW.
+GERALD'S GUARDIAN. By CHARLES HERBERT.
+WHERE A QUEEN ONCE DWELT. By H. M. BIRD.
+WILFUL JACK. By M. I. HURRELL.
+WILLIE THE WAIF. By MINIE HERBERT.
+A SUNDAY TRIP, and What Came of It. By E. J. ROMANES.
+LITTLE TIM AND HIS PICTURE. By BEATRICE WAY.
+MIDGE. By L. E. TIDDEMAN, Author of "Marigold's Fancies," etc.
+THE CONJURER'S WAND. By HENRIETTA S. STREATFEILD, Author of
+ "Joyful Service," etc.
+BENJAMIN'S NEW BOY.
+ENEMIES: A Tale for Little Lads and Lasses.
+CHERRY TREE PLACE.
+A TALE OF FOUR FOXES. By EVA C. ROGERS.
+A LITTLE TOWN MOUSE. By ELEANORA H. STOOKE, Author of "Polly's Father,"
+ etc.
+THE LITTLE GOVERNESS. By IRENE CLIFTON.
+LEFT IN CHARGE, and other Stories.
+A THREEFOLD PROMISE.
+TWO LITTLE GIRLS AND WHAT THEY DID.
+ _AND SIXTEEN OTHERS UNIFORM IN STYLE AND PRICE_.
+
+ 4d. each.
+NEW FOURPENNY SERIES
+Of Cloth-bound Books for the Young. With Coloured Frontispieces.
+64 pages. Well Illustrated. Handsome Cloth Covers.
+
+RONALD'S REASON.
+FROM SHADOW TO SUNSHINE.
+A BRIGHT IDEA.
+THE LITTLE WOODMAN.
+JACKO THE MONKEY, and other Stories.
+LITTLE DAN, THE ORANGE BOY.
+SYBIL AND HER LIVE SNOWBALL.
+THE CHURCH MOUSE.
+DANDY JIM.
+A TROUBLESOME TRIO.
+PERRY'S PILGRIMAGE.
+NITA; or, Among the Brigands.
+ -----------------
+ 1d. each.
+PATERNOSTER SERIES OF POPULAR STORIES.
+_An entirely New Series of Books, Medium 8vo. in size, 32 pages,
+fully illustrated. Cover daintily printed in two colours.
+1d. each. Titles as follows:_--
+
+A CANDLE LIGHTED BY THE LORD. By Mrs. Ross.
+GRANDMOTHER'S CHILD. By ANNIE S. SWAN.
+THE BABES IN THE BASKET; or Daph and her Charge.
+JENNY'S GERANIUM; or the Prize Flower of a London Court.
+THE LITTLE PRINCESS OF TOWER HILL. By L. T. MEADE.
+THE GOLD THREAD. By NORMAN MACLEOD, D.D.
+THROUGH SORROW AND JOY. By M. A. H.
+THE LITTLE WOODMAN AND HIS DOG CAESAR. By Mrs. SHERWOOD.
+CRIPPLE GEORGE. By J. W. KNEESHAW.
+ROB AND I. By C. A. MERCER.
+DICK AND HIS DONKEY. By Mrs. BOWEN.
+THE LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL.
+
+UNRIVALLED PICTURE BOOKS FOR THE YOUNG.
+
+Beautifully printed on Super-Calendered paper, with handsome Coloured
+Cover.
+
+FOLLOWING JESUS: a Bible Picture Book for the Young. Size I3 1/2 by I0
+inches. Contains I2 large and beautifully coloured Old and New Testament
+Scenes, with appropriate letterpress, by D.J.D., Author of "Bible Pictures
+and Stories," "Dapple and Dobbin's Picture Book," etc. Handsome coloured
+cover, paper boards with cloth back. (A charming gift book for young
+children.) _2s. 6d._
+
+BROUGHT TO JESUS: a Bible Picture Book for Little Readers. Containing
+Twelve large New Testament Scenes, printed in colours, with appropriate
+letterpress by Mrs. G. B. MORTON, Author of "Story of Jesus." Size I3 1/2.
+by I0 in. Handsome coloured boards with cloth back. _2s. 6d._
+
+LIGHT FOR LITTLE FOOTSTEPS; or, Bible Stories Illustrated. By the Author
+of "Sunshine for Showery Days," etc. With beautiful coloured Cover and
+Frontispiece. Full of Pictures. _2s. 6d._
+
+HAPPY AND GAY: Pictures and Stories for Every Day. By D. J. D.,
+With 8 coloured and III other Illustrations. Size 9 by 7 inches.
+Handsome coloured cover, paper boards, and cloth back. _Is. 6d._
+
+ANECDOTES OF ANIMALS AND BIRDS. By UNCLE JOHN. With 57 full-page and
+other Illustrations by Harrison Weir, etc. Fcap.4to. 128 pages.
+Handsomely bound in paper boards, with Animal design in I0 colours,
+varnished. _Is. 6d._
+
+
+SHILLING PICTURE BOOKS.
+
+Size I0 1/2 by 8 inches. Bound in Handsome coloured paper boards.
+Full-page coloured and numerous other Illustrations.
+
+A TRIP TO STORYLAND. By R. V.
+HOLIDAY HOURS IN ANIMAL LAND. By UNCLE HARRY.
+ANIMAL ANTICS. By the Author of "In Animal Land."
+HAPPY DAYS. By R. V.
+OLD TESTAMENT HEROES. By MILDRED DUFF.
+FEED MY LAMBS: Fifty-two Bible Stories and Pictures.
+JESUS, THE GOOD SHEPHERD. A Book of Bible Pictures in Colour.
+TELL ME A TALE! A Picture Story Book for Little Folks. By J. D.
+LITTLE SNOW-SHOES' PICTURE BOOK. By R.V.
+IN ANIMAL LAND WITH LOUIS WAIN.
+GENTLE JESUS: A Book of Bible Pictures in Colour.
+THE LIFE OF JESUS. By MILDRED DUFF. II2 pages. Size. I0 by 7 1/2 inches.
+MERRY AND FREE: Pictures and Stories for Our Little Ones. By R. V.
+TWO LITTLE BEARS AT SCHOOL. By J. D.,
+PUSSIES AND PUPPIES. By LOUIS WAIN.
+BIBLE PICTURES AND STORIES. Old Testament By D. J. D.
+BIBLE PICTURES AND STORIES. New Testament By JAMES WESTON and D. J. D.
+
+
+SIXPENNY PICTURE BOOKS.
+
+Crown 4to. Fully Illustrated. Handsomely bound in paper boards,
+with design printed in 8 colours.
+
+OFF TO TOYLAND! By UNCLE JACK.
+GOING A-SAILING! By J. D.
+FOLLOW THE FLAG. By J. D.
+DOLLIE DIMPLE. By J. D.
+OLD MOTHER BUNNIE! By J. D.
+OFF WE GO! By R.V.
+AFTER THE BALL. Pictures and Stories for One and All.
+LITTLE SNOWDROP'S BIBLE PICTURE BOOK.
+SWEET STORIES RETOLD: A Bible Picture Book for Young Folks.
+
+ ================
+
+NEW THREEPENNY PICTURE BOOKS,
+
+Royal I6mo. Coloured Frontispiece and numerous other Illustrations. Bound
+in paper boards with cover beautifully printed in colours and varnished.
+
+JACK AND JILL'S PICTURE BOOK.
+LADY-BIRDS PICTURES AND STORIES.
+PLAYTIME JOYS FOR GIRLS AND BOYS.
+DOLLY'S PICTURE BOOK.
+TOBY AND KIT'S ANIMAL BOOK.
+OUR LITTLE PETS' ALPHABET.
+"PETS" AND "PICKLES."
+BY THE SEA.
+BIBLE STORIES. OLD TESTAMENT..
+BIBLE STORIES. NEW TESTAMENT.
+
+The BEST MAGAZINE For Boys and Girls.
+ ---==========---
+ -\/\[]/\/-
+ ==========
+The Children's Friend
+ONE PENNY MONTHLY.
+
+Full of Illustrations.
+ _____
+
+CONTAINS---
+EXCELLENT SERIAL AND SHORT STORIES, INDOOR RECREATIONS, PUZZLES, PRIZE
+COMPETITIONS, ETC., ETC.
+ _________
+
+THE YEARLY VOLUME,
+
+_Coloured paper boards, with cloth back and charming coloured Frontispiece.
+1s, 6d.; cloth, 2s.; gilt edges, 2s. 6d._
+
+The Infants' Magazine.
+ ___________
+
+ONE PENNY MONTHLY.
+ ___________
+
+FULL OF CHARMING PICTURES AND PLEASANT RHYMES TO DELIGHT THE LITTLE ONES.
+ ~~~~~~~~~~~
+_Printed in Bold Type. A sure Favourite in the Nursery_.
+ ~~~~~~~~~~~
+THE YEARLY VOLUME,
+
+Coloured paper boards, with cloth back and beautiful Coloured Frontispiece,
+Is. 6d.; cloth, 2s.; gilt edges, 2s. 6d.
+
+"_One of the very best Gift-books for little Toddlers who have not yet
+ventured far beyond the realms of One Syllable._"--Record.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Willie the Waif, by Minie Herbert
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIE THE WAIF ***
+
+***** This file should be named 19936.txt or 19936.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+ http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/9/3/19936/
+
+Produced by Andrew Hodson
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
+paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works. See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+ the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+ you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is
+ owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+ has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+ Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments
+ must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+ prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+ returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+ sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+ address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+ the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+ you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+ does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+ License. You must require such a user to return or
+ destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+ and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+ Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+ money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+ electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+ of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+ distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+ Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+ Chief Executive and Director
+ gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+ http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/19936.zip b/19936.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e43d999
--- /dev/null
+++ b/19936.zip
Binary files differ
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d00220f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #19936 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/19936)
diff --git a/images/1.GIF b/images/1.GIF
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d2beadb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/images/1.GIF
Binary files differ
diff --git a/images/2.GIF b/images/2.GIF
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..59b8664
--- /dev/null
+++ b/images/2.GIF
Binary files differ
diff --git a/images/3.GIF b/images/3.GIF
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9454a49
--- /dev/null
+++ b/images/3.GIF
Binary files differ
diff --git a/images/I.GIF b/images/I.GIF
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..25b9165
--- /dev/null
+++ b/images/I.GIF
Binary files differ
diff --git a/images/III.GIF b/images/III.GIF
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9de313c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/images/III.GIF
Binary files differ
diff --git a/images/IV.GIF b/images/IV.GIF
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f93f2d6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/images/IV.GIF
Binary files differ
diff --git a/images/NOTES.txt b/images/NOTES.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..714d140
--- /dev/null
+++ b/images/NOTES.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+Square brackets [ ] are around the text referring to a picture.
+They are numbered after their chapters (but no II)
+Pictures 1, 2 & 3 from list of books.
+No errors found;
+But the crack in the pavement has moved from under 1 boy's
+foot on the frontispiece to the other's in chapter I!
+Should _'im_ have a capital I when referring to Jesus? \ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/images/V.GIF b/images/V.GIF
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cc3b2c0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/images/V.GIF
Binary files differ
diff --git a/images/frontis.GIF b/images/frontis.GIF
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..64bc422
--- /dev/null
+++ b/images/frontis.GIF
Binary files differ