Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія

           Hildamusthavefood.

           Thatevening,sheandherchildhadsupperatacheaprestaurantinapoorquarterofthetown,andpassedthenightonthebenchesofalittleuptownpark.

           Unusedtothewaysofthetown,ignorantastothecustomsandpossibilitiesofeating-houses,shespentthewholeofherquarteruponsupperforherselfandHilda,andhadnothingleftwherewithtobuyalodging.

           Thenightwasdreadful;Hildasobbedherselftosleeponhermother’sshoulder,wakingthereafterfromhourtohour,toprotest,thoughwrappedinhermother’sshawl,thatshewascold,andtoenquirewhytheydidnotgotobed.Drunkenmensnoredandsprawlednearathand.Towardsmorning,aloafer,reekingofalcohol,satdownbesideher,andindulgedinanincoherentsoliloquy,punctuatedwithoathsandobscenities.Itwasnottillfaralongtowardsdaylightthatshefellasleep.

           Sheawoketofinditbroadday.Hilda—mercifully—slept.Hermother’slimbswerestiffandlamewithcoldanddamp;herheadthrobbed.Shemovedtoanotherbenchwhichstoodintheraysofthesun,andforalongtwohourssatthereinthethinwarmth,tillthemoistureofthenightthatclungtoherclotheswasevaporated.

           Apolicemancameintoview.ShewokeHilda,andcarryingherinherarms,tookherselfaway.

           “Mammy,”beganHildaassoonasshewaswellawake;“Mammy,I’mhungry.Iwantmeinbreakfest.”

           “Sure,sure,soonnow,leedletochter.”

           Sheherselfwashungry,butshehadbutlittlethoughtofthat.