One would think he was sixteen , instead of six , ' I said , half laughing . ` I 'm most ten . Hi ! ai n't that a oner ? ' cried the boy , as a gust of sleet slapped him in the face , when he peeped to see if Sam was coming . ` Hullo ! the lights is out ! Why , the play 's done , and the folks gone , and Sam 's forgot me . ' It was very evident that Sam had forgotten his little protégé ; and a strong desire to shake Sam possessed me . ` No use waitin ' any longer ; and now my papers is sold , I ai n't afraid to go home , ' said the boy , stepping down like a little old man with the rheumatism , and preparing to trudge away through the storm . ` Stop a bit , my little Casabianca ; a car will be along in fifteen minutes ; and while waiting you can warm yourself over there , ' said John , with the purple hand in his . ` My name 's Jack Hill , not Cassy Banks , please , sir , ' said the little party , with dignity . ` Have you had your supper , Mr. Hill ? ' asked John , laughing . ' I had some peanuts , and two sucks of Joe 's orange ; but it war n't very fillin ' , ' he said , gravely . ' I should think not . Here ! one stew ; and be quick , please , ' cried John , as we sat down in a warm corner of the confectioner 's opposite . While little Jack shovelled in the hot oysters , with his eyes shutting up now and then in spite of himself , we looked at him and thought again of little Rosy-face at home safe in his warm nest , with mother-love watching over him . Nodding towards the ragged , grimy , forlorn , little creature , dropping asleep over his supper like a tired baby , I said , -- ` Can you imagine our Freddy out alone at this hour , trying to ` work off ' his papers , because afraid to go home till he has ? '
` I 'd rather not try , ' answered brother XXXXX , winking hard , as he stroked the little head beside him , which , by the bye , looked very like a ragged , yellow door-mat .
Freddy Hill Hullo Jack John Rosy-face mother-love oner protégé storm