I write to reproach you for cruelty to an unfortunate boy. Poor Toby Tyler ran away with the circus, and had on a very old hat. Months have passed, and still you have not given him a new hat. I think Abner might cut off some of the brim of his, and let Aunt Olive mend Toby's with it. But as Abner is sick, I suppose when he recovers he will need all of his own hat to keep the sun off. I send a nickel to get Toby a new hat. What if the boys do call them "Nickel Katies"? It will be better than the thing Toby wears now.
A sympathizer with Toby,
Fannie G.
Jolly Toby Tyler does not care for a new hat, and so I will send your money, dear, if you please, to help along the Young People's Cot Fund.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Aunt Bessie subscribed for Young People; she always calls me Effie, but my name is Evelyn. I have a little dog; his name is Carlo. He is a comical little thing, and he wants to tear everything to pieces, and loves to play with me. I have a pet bird; her name is Cherry. The bottom of her cage came half off the other day while papa was in the yard and mamma in town, but she did not get away. I have a cat whose name is Neddie. He does not like Carlo. When Neddie spits at Carlo I scold him, but that does not do any good. Mamma wrote this for me, as I do not write plain enough.
Evelyn G.