book was a source of great amusement to them.
Many of the pictures they recognized, having heard the stories at the
mission-room, and it seemed as though Willie would never tire of looking at
them, especially one which showed Jesus blessing little children.

The boys looked forward with great interest to the coming treat,
and often wondered what kind of a thing it would be, for they had never
been to anything of the sort in their lives. Miss Elton kept her promise,
and came several times to see Willie, always giving Mrs. Blair something to
buy food with, so that it would not be necessary for him to go out in the
cold and wet to sell his matches.

It was a red-letter day for Bob when, once, Miss Elton happened to come
along just where he was at work. He saw her coming some time before she
recognized him, but when she stopped to speak to him he was so excited that
he scarcely knew what he was doing.

"Why, Bob," she exclaimed, "this is the first time I have seen you at
business. How beautifully clean you have made your crossing!"

Bob coloured with pleasure. It was not often that people praised him,
and he hardly knew what to make of it.

"How is my little friend Willie to-day?" she asked.

"Please'm, 'e's gittin' better now 'e don't 'ave to come an' stay out 'ere
with me," was the answer.

Bob could always find his tongue when any one asked him about Willie.

"I'm so glad," said Miss Elton. "I want him to come to the treat."

"Yes," said Bob, "'e ants to come."

"Do you always sweep this crossing?" she inquired.

"Yes'm," was the answer. "It's best jist to stay in one place.
Folks git to know yer, yer see. I have my reg'lar ones as gives me a penny
most days. They wouldn't do that if I shifted about."

"I see," said Miss Elton. "Well I shall always look out for this crossing
now," and with a bright smile and a coin as a parting gift she went on her
way. But her heart ached for the little sweeper as she thought of the
small old-looking face above the ragged clothes, thinking too of the
numbers more who were like him in the great city, and how little she could
do for them.

The two weeks quickly passed away, and the long-looked-for day of the treat
arrived. Miss Elton found time in the morning to come round to Mrs.
Blair's to see if Willie was able to come.

"Bless, you, ma'am," said that good lady, "you couldn't keep him back if
you tried. He's that set on going. I'll be there to bring him hom