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 John , whisking the damp papers into one pocket , and his purse out of another , as he spoke . ` All of 'em ? -- why there 's six ! ' croaked the boy , for he was as hoarse as a raven . ` Never mind , I can kindle the fire with 'em . Put that in your pocket ; and trot home , my man , as fast as possible . ' ` Where do you live ? ' I asked , picking up the fifty cents that fell from the little fingers , too benumbed to hold it . ` Mills Court , out of Hanover . Cold , ai n't it ? ' said the boy , blowing on his purple hands , and hopping feebly from one leg to the other , to take the stiffness out .
` He ca n't go all that way in this storm -- such a mite , and so used up with cold and sleep , XXXXX . '
Court Hanover John cents fire gape home left raven sir