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 , John . ' ` Of course he ca n't ; we 'll put him in a car , ' began John ; when the boy wheezed out , -- ` No ; I 've got ter wait for Sam . He 'll be along as soon 's the theatre 's done . He said he would ; and so I 'm waitin ' . ' ` Who is Sam ? ' I asked . ` He 's the feller I lives with . I ai n't got any folks , and he takes care o ' me . ' ` Nice care , indeed ; leaving a baby like you to wait for him here such a night as this , ' I said crossly . ` Oh , he 's good to me Sam is , though he does knock me round sometimes , when I ai n't spry . The big feller shoves me back , you see ; and I gets cold , and ca n't sing out loud ; so I do n't sell my papers , and has to work 'em off late . ' ` Hear the child talk !
One would think he was sixteen , instead of six , ' I XXXXX , half laughing .
's blowing fell gets kindle mind said sell takes work