Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1872-04-25

for "solus he put spirit and daring
enough into his capers to have worked
off any amount of anger, receiving great
applause. and in the end, the prize for
that exercise.
The last prize was awarded, and Hal
received it with the usual three cheers,
but he did not feel altogether satisfied
in his mird, although he would not own
to himself why he did net
They were all tired enough with their
days sport, to take the shortest cut for
home, so they jumped bitches, bolted
fences and stones walls, till they came
to the straight road near the town.
In jumping from one of the fences,
however, where the snow was not deep,
Halls foot struck round stone, turn
ing his ankle, and causing him no lit
tie pain. He bore it for quite dis
lance as bravely as he could, but as
they came into the town Dan saw he
looked pale, and limped a good deal,
and so persuaded him to let him help
him awhile. After several of the boys
hal scattered in various directions for
their homes, they reached one of the
main streets, where all were to go in
one direction except Hal.
Goodnight boys We've had a
jolly day of it, all but this provoking
foot of mine. Thank you Dan. That'll
do. shall get along the rest of the
way"
Il can just as well go round with
you,' said Dan
"No. won't let you. It's late and
you're hungry; besides your folks'll
wonder what's keeping YOU answered
Hal, not having liked very well to re-
ceive Dams help.
81 haven't any folks to worry about
me-Im going any way" Dan added,
as Hal tried to step off strongly alone,
and cried out with pain.
"There, now, don't say word about
it., and Dams strong arm half carried
to his door, Hal, who was so fain and
weary he was glad to submit When
they reached home. Hal was equally
determined that Dan should stay to sup
per and rest himself.
After he had eaten his own supper
and they were talking together, Hal
asked, "What made you say you had
no folks to worry about you z"
"Because twas true. It's generally
mothers or sisters that do the worry if
you're out late, you know"
go, yes Of coure. Father hires
girl to cook, mop floors, ETC., and |
hardly know which she does the most
of--the Fitohen floor is always wet
when l go home, and she's afraid I'll
step on 1t with muddy boots. O, Hal,
I'd give all l had in the world for a
mother and sister like yours !"
:" 1t must be very bard for you since
your mother died. Didn't you ever have
a sister r.
"No. But twas SO different once
mother always had the parlor bright
and warm like this, but now it's all dust
and lonesome, and Inever can find any
thing l want got up early this morn
ing" Dan continued, warming up in the
recital of his griefs, and quite unsus-
picious of the fact that Hal had been
the chief worker in his forenoon's dis
appointment, "and made the fire and
did all | could to hurry breakfast along;
but it seemed as if Sally never was so
late i'll getting things cooked. Even
father got impatient. Then when |
had hunted up my things and thought
was ready for a start, she said must
not go till l had brought in wood
enough to last all day, if / wasn't com
ing till night, for it was baking day. /
brought in all that was cut, and then
had to stop and split some to make
enough, and that of course made me
late. | don't care now, though. [ had
pretty good time after all z"
Hal had been listening quietly, and
his own morning preparations bega to
loom up before his memory with alarm
ing distlnctness. He had but little to
do, in promoting the house comfort,
and when he was asked to do ANYTHING
he took care to make as much fuss as
the case would allow. Hadn't he set
not only both his sisters, but even his
mother to waiting on him this morning
so that he might start in season, and
then blamed Dan for being "always be-
hind -
" say Dan, that is too much for
fellow !, he burst ont at last, "You
make me feel as mean as a cotton dough-
nut. / was the very one that voted not
to wait Tor you this morning, and start
ed them of on time, half purposely be
cause l was provoked at you for BEING
so often late, thought 'twould be
good lesson to you, and grandly pro-
claimed that never was behind time
And the reason I'm not is no credit to
me either, for | set every member of
the family running to wait on me, and
make myself generally disagreeable.-
Pshaw | wish you d pound me, I
should feel great deal more respect
able :"
The boys had hearty laugh, as well
as sober talk, and the day proved
good one for both of them, for Halls