Tom the Little Man

door behind him, for the evening was the worst day of his life. He was made to work late again even though it was Christmas Eve. But now, at last, the hammer had fallen on him! As soon as h

ly above them at the letter and a deep melancholy settled over his spirit. Tom had been

etter when he heard a faint kn

her voice was as soft

iendly good evening to her. “I am sure you came to inquire why I di

r with her back to the wall. She placed her hands on her thighs and glanced at the little man. “

Tom’s suntanned face as he

together, making recitations as if she was praying. Then she st

ised as he nodded al

ould you be interested in hearing

answered. He straightened hi

ather. It’s wrapped up in a handkerchief in the right-hand corner

rloom? I have never told anyone about it.

me just now. Do as He had sai

t about the diamond in the drawer, he thought. As if he was under a spell, he rose to his feet and moved to the corner, and then returned to the table with the heirloom.

Tom yawned and shifted

o introduce you to a friend. If you have a little

scilla.” But just as the words were too exciting for Tom to bear, Pri