Page:While the Billy Boils, 1913.djvu/101

 in stating, in reference to that 'Touching Incident' noticed in a recent issue, that a benevolent society lady had started a subscription among her friends with the object of purchasing an alarm clock for the little boy found asleep at Grinder Bros.' workshop door.

Later on, it was mentioned, in connection with the touching incident, that the alarm-clock had been bought and delivered to the boy's mother, who appeared to be quite overcome with gratitude. It was learned, also, from another source, that the last assertion was greatly exaggerated.

The touching incident was worn out in another paragraph, which left no doubt that the benevolent society lady was none other than a charming and accomplished daughter of the House of Grinder.

It was late in the last day of the Easter holidays, during which Arvie Aspinall had lain in bed with a bad cold. He was still what he called 'croopy.' It was about nine o'clock, and the business of Jones's Alley was in full swing.

'That's better, mother, I'm far better,' said Arvie, 'the sugar and vinegar cuts the phlegm, and the both'rin' cough gits out.' It got out to such an extent for the next few minutes that he could not speak. When he recovered his breath, he said:

'Better or worse, I'll have ter go to work to-morrow. Gimme the clock, mother.'

'I tell you you shall not go! It will be your death.'

'It's no use talking, mother; we can't starve―and―sposin' somebody got my place! Gimme the clock mother.'

F