335

XXX ESCAPE 345

XXXI HUNTING FOR THE SWAN 353

XXXII FINDING A REAL MOTHER 359

XXXIII THE DREAM COME TRUE 368

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

"THE FIRST APPEARANCE OF REMI'S COMPANY" (_See Page 230_)
_Frontispiece_

PAGE

"I'LL GIVE YOU THIRTY FRANCS FOR HIM" 33

"FOR EACH CRY YOU WILL RECEIVE ANOTHER SLASH" 181

"LET US NOW PLAY FOR THOSE WE LOVE" 371

INTRODUCTION

"Nobody's Boy," published in France under the title "Sans Famille," has
become justly famous as one of the supreme juvenile stories of the
world. In the midst of its early popularity, it was crowned by the
Academy as one of the masterpieces of French literature. A few years
later, it was followed by "En Famille," which is published by us as a
companion story under the title "Nobody's Girl."

"Nobody's Boy" is a human document of child experiences that is
fascinating reading for young and old. Parents, teachers and others, who
are careful to have children read inspiring books, will welcome this
beautiful story of Hector Malot, as among the best for them to
recommend.

Such digressions in the original, as do not belong to the heart of the
story, have been eliminated, so that the lost boy's experiences continue
as the undisturbed interest, on through to the happy conclusion.

Loyal friendship and honest conduct are the vital ideals of this story,
and the heart interest is eloquent with noble character.

THE PUBLISHERS.

NOBODY'S BOY

CHAPTER I

MY VILLAGE HOME

I was a foundling. But until I was eight years of age I thought I had a
mother like other children, for when I cried a woman held me tightly in
her arms and rocked me gently until my tears stopped falling. I never
got into bed without her coming to kiss me, and when the December winds
blew the icy snow against the window panes, she would take my feet
between her hands and warm them, while she sang to me. Even now I can
remember the song she used to sing. If a storm came on while I was out
minding our cow, she would run down the lane to meet me, and cover my
head and shoulders with her cotton skirt so that I should not get wet.

When I had a quarrel with one of the village boys she made me tell her
al