“These are thin clothes for winter,” said the old man, grasping Robert’s shoulder almost roughly. “What is your father doing, that you have nothing better than these things?” “My father went to fight for his country,” answered the lad, bravely. “It isn’t his fault.” “It isn’t his fault,” repeated the younger boy, creeping behind his brother as he spoke, dismayed by his own voice. “No shoes!” muttered the old man. “A soldier’s boys know how to go barefooted,” said Robert. “It don’t hurt us—much.” “Come with me! come with me! I saw some things round here that may be worth something!” The old man strode away as he spoke, followed by the two boys, who ran to keep up with him. He stopped at a less showy stall than that he had left, and spoke to the rather grave female who presided there. “Take a good look at these children, and fit them out with warm, decent clothing. You can supply something fanciful in the way of a hat or cap for the little fellow with the curls. Let the boots be thick and strong. Leave nothing out that will make them comfortable for the winter. Make them up in two bundles; they’ll find strength to carry them, I dare say.” “Oh, yes, yes!” almost shouted the boys in unison. “We know how to carry carpet-bags and bundles, don’t we?” continued Robert, addressing Joseph, who was shrinking away from the sound of his own voice. “You do,” whispered the little fellow; “you do.” “Come along with me,” said the old man, who had cast off half the weight of his sorrow since these children had approached him. “There is something to eat around here.” “Oh, my!” exclaimed Joseph, with a sigh of infinite delight; “oranges, maybe, or peanuts.” “Sir,” said Robert, lifting his clear eyes, bright with thankfulness, to the old man’s face, that was so intently regarding him, “would you just as leave let me stay behind, and take grandmother and sister Anna? They’d like it so much.” “No, no! come along! I’ll give you something for them. We can’t have women about us.” He spoke peremptorily, and the children obeyed him, almost afraid. All sorts of delicious things broke upon the lads when they entered that portion of the fair which was used as a restaurant; and these half-famished young creatures grew wild with animal delight when cakes, pies, and oranges were placed in their hands. The old man sat down, and, leaning his elbows on a table, watched these happy children as they eat the food he had given them. In years and years he had not tasted pure joy like that. Any one, to have watched him then, would never have believed him the hard old fellow that he was. His eyes sparkled, and he chuckled softly when little Joseph hid away an orange in his pocket, thinking how nice it would be for grandma; and, after a little, he fell to himself, and began to eat with relish. The very sight of those children enjoying themselves so much had given him an appetite. The bundles were all ready when this strange group returned for them.