KIND-HEARTED Mr. Ledwell had already started inquiries concerning the blind boy’s mother. In a large city where there are so many institutions for receiving these unfortunate cases, this takes much time. Then, at the time the sick woman was taken away, she was unconscious, and, if she were still living, perhaps she was still too ill to tell her name. Mr. Ledwell also consulted an oculist in regard to Billy’s eyes, and he expressed an opinion that Billy’s sight might be restored. First, however, there must be an operation, and, to prepare for that, Billy must have the best of care, in order to become as strong as possible. Life in an engine-house, kind as the men were to him, was not the place to bring this about. He ought to have a woman’s care,—one who would bathe and dress him, and give him the most nourishing food to eat.
Such a woman Mr. Ledwell found. She had been nurse to Sam’s father, and had received so many kindnesses from the family that she was only too happy to return some of the favors she had received from them. She was now a widow, and lived in a quiet street not very far from the engine-house.
At first Billy took the idea of the change very much to heart. He couldn’t bear the thought of leaving his kind friends and Jack. He was a very obedient little fellow, though, and when the state of affairs was explained to him, and he was promised frequent visits from his friends, Jack included, he tried to make the best of it.
“Only think, Billy, you will be able to see the blue sky and the faces of your friends,” said Mr. Ledwell, “and your good friend Jack who saved your life; and by and by we shall find your mother, and you can see her, which will be the best of all.”
Billy had used the eyes of others for so long that he did not realize how much he should gain; but he tried to be as cheerful as possible, because he wanted to please those who had been so good to him.
One morning Mr. Ledwell and Sam called to take him to his new home. As Reordan dressed his little friend for the last time, it was well that Billy could not see; for the tender-hearted fireman was so sorry to part with his little charge that he looked very sad. Although Billy could not see the grief in Reordan’s face, he felt it in the tones of his voice and in the gentle touch of his hand, and the tears were running down the blind boy’s face. This sight was too much for tender-hearted Reordan, whose own eyes began to look very moist.
Sam looked from one to the other, and his usually bright, happy face grew serious. He tried hard to keep back the tears, but they would come, in spite of the effort he made. At last, with the tears running over his cheeks, he burst out,—
“I don’t see what there is to cry about. I am praying to God to make Billy see, and I know He will do it.”