Quickly the author felt for a copper.

He turned his pockets inside out.

He was without purse or ring or any gift.

Then the kind man took the beggar's hand in both of his and said: "Do not be angry with me, brother, I have nothing with me!" The gaunt face lighted up; the man lifted his bloodshot eyes; his blue lips parted in a smile.

"But you called me brother--that was a great gift." Returning an hour later he found the smile he had kindled still lingered on the beggar's face.