It was very like a seal , only much larger , and had four fins instead of two . Its eyes were lovely , so dark and soft and liquid ; but its mouth was not pretty , and I declined one of the damp kisses which it was ready to dispense at word of command . The great polar bear lived next door , and spent his time splashing in and out of a pool of water , or sitting on a block of ice , panting , as if the mild spring day was blazing midsummer . He looked very unhappy , and I thought it a pity that they did n't invent a big refrigerator for him . These are not half of the wonderful creatures I saw , but I have not room to tell more ; only I advise all who can to pay a visit to the Zoological Gardens when they go to London , for it is one of the most interesting sights in that fine old city . OUR LITTLE NEWSBOY . Hurrying to catch a certain car at a certain corner late one stormy night , I was suddenly arrested by the sight of a queer-looking bundle lying in a door-way . ` Bless my heart , it 's a child ! O John ! I 'm afraid he 's frozen ! ' I exclaimed to my brother , as we both bent over the bundle . Such a little fellow as he was , in the big , ragged coat ; such a tired , baby face , under the fuzzy cap ; such a purple , little hand , still holding fast a few papers ; such a pathetic sight altogether was the boy , lying on the stone step , with the snow drifting over him , that it was impossible to go by . ` He is asleep ; but he 'll freeze , if left so long . Here ! wake up , my boy , and go home , as fast as you can , ' cried John , with a gentle shake , and a very gentle voice ; for the memory of a dear little lad , safely tucked up at home , made him fatherly kind to the small vagabond . The moment he was touched , the boy tumbled up , and , before he was half awake , began his usual cry , with an eye to business . ` Paper , sir ? `` Herald ! '' `` Transkip ! '' Last ' -- a great gape swallowed up the ` last edition , ' and he stood blinking at us like a very chilly young owl .
` I 'll buy 'em all if you 'll go home , my little chap ; it 's high time you were abed , ' said XXXXX , whisking the damp papers into one pocket , and his purse out of another , as he spoke .
Gardens John London day door-way fellow gape left night owl