Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 November 1893 — It Worked Well. [ARTICLE]

It Worked Well.

A red-nosed man, with shabby clothes, stopped before the row of seats under the big weeping willow near the bridge in the public garden the other afternoon, says the Boston Journal. The seats were mostly occupied by women and children. Bending down opposite a brightlooking little girl, the red-nosed man said smilingly: “I wish I had a nickel for you, little one. You would like a ride on the swan boats, wouldn’t you, dear?” “Yes, sir,” replied the child, looking up timidly. “I knew you did, my child, and if, I only had a nickel you should have it” “La! hear that old bum talk,” exclaimed a woman sitting near. “If he an’t got a nickel why don’t he shut up and move on,” remarked another woman. The red-nosed man pretended not to hear these remarks, and presently addressed the little girl again: “You remind me so much of one of my own little ones at home. If I only had a nickel you should have It my pet ” “Oh, you fciake me weary!” exclaimed another woman in disgust “Here’s the nickel for the child. Now do shut up and get out. ” The red-nosed man reached out his hand and took the money with an injured expression on his hard features. “Madam,” he said reproachfully, “the Lord loves a cheerful giver. So do I. It would hardly be right to bestow an uncheerful gift on this innocent lamb; so with your permission I will use this nickel to moisten my throat a little. But always give cheerfully, mu’m. It hurts the feelings of a sensitive man to receive an uncheerful gift. I had almost rather go dry. ” Then the red-nosed man passed under the bridge, leaving behind him a chorus of “Did you evers?” and “No, I nevers!”