The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1853-08-18
Written for Gleason's Pictorial.
"A
MARY'S SUGGESTION.
BY t. s. ARTHUR.

"JoHN THoMAsp Mr.. Belknap spoke
in firm, rather authorative voice. 1t was
evident that he anticipated some reluc.
tsnce on the boys part, and, therefore
assumed, in the outset, a very decided
manner.
John Thomas, lad between twelve
and hirteen years Of age, was seated on
the doorstep, reading. A slight move
ment of his body indicated that he heard
but he did not lift his eyes from the book
nor make any verbal response.
Join Thcmasl' This time the voice
of Mr.. Belknap was loud, sharp, and i'm
peratVe.
Sir, responded the boy, dropping the
volume in his lap, and looking up with 9
slightly flushed, but sullen face.
Didn't you hear me when first spokel
said Mr.. Belknap, angrily.
Yes, sir
Then, why didn't you answer me 2
Always respond when you are spoken TO
I'm tired OF this illmannered, disrespect
full way of yours
The boy stood up, looking, now, dog
ged. as we'll as sullen.
Go and get your hat and jacket
This was said in tone Of command, sc'
companied by side toss OF the head, by
way of enforcing the order.
w hat ior?' asked John Thomas, no
moving pace from where he stood.
Go and do what | tellyou. Get youl
hat and jacket
The boy moved slowly and with very
reluctant air from the room.
Nov. don't be all day. Mr.. BelknaE
called after him, I'm in a hurry. Move
briskly.'
How powerless the fathers words died
on the air. The motions Of John Thoma;
were not quickened in the slightest de
gree. Like a souless automaton passed
he out into the passage and up the stairs
while the impatient MIR. BelknaP could
with difficulty restrain an impulse TO FOL
low after, and hasten the sulky boys
movements with blows. He controlled
himself, however, and resumed the peru
sal OF his newspaper. Five, ten minutes
passed. and John Thomas had not yet ap
peared to do the errand upon which hi'
father designed to send him. Suddenly
Mr.. Belknap dropped his paper, and go
ing hastily to the bottom OF the stairs
called out:
You John John Thomas 7
'Sirl' came provokingly indiferen
voice from one of the chambers.
Didn't tell you TO hurry--sayP
Il cant find my jacket
You don't want TO find it. Where die
you lay it when you took il off last night!
II don't know. | forget
If you're not down here, with you
jacket on, in one minute. Ill warm you
shoulders well for you.'
Mr.. Belknap was quite in earnest II
this threat. fact plainly enough apParen
10 John Thomas in the tone OF his father
voice. Not just wishing to have matters
proceed to this extremity, the boy opened
closet. and. singularly enough thef'
hung bis jacket in full view. Al the exPi
ration Of the minute, he was standing be
fore his disturbed father, with bis JACKIE
on, and buttoned up to the chin.
Where's your hat 2 now asked Mr.
Belknap.
i don't know, SIR
We'll, find il, them
I've looked everywhere
Look again. There What is tina
on the hat rack, just under my coatf
The boy answered not. but walket
moodily to the rack, and took hishat there
from.
Ready at last. declare I'm out OF al
patience with your slow movements an'
suiky manner. What do you stand Their
for. knitting your brows and Poulln1I
your lips I Slraighten out your face SIT
wont have boy Of mine put on such
countenance.' :,
The lad. thus angrily and insu'tingl
rated, made feble effort TO throw ie'
rays Of sunshine into his face. But IN
effort died iruiiless. All was too dart
sullen, and rebelious within his bosom