CHAP. XVII.—TOM MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE.

fi. NE day Tom was walking along the

road, when he saw a little girl sitting on
a stone, crying bitterly. She had no hat on,
and her hair did not look as though it
had ever been brushed, and her feet were
bare. |

“Why do you cry ?” said Tom, running to
her. “Boys never cry. What are you cry-
ing for?”

The little girl looked up, but did not speak.

“Have you hurt yourself?” asked Tom.
“Where are your shoes and_ stockings?
Hadn’t you better put them on and go
home ?” |

“I’m hungry!” sobbed the little girl, “I
|”?

want something to eat
“Vou shouldn’t cry,” said Tom. “That's