The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-06-14
THE LOCKET.

Uncle Henry, wont you show US what's
inside of that locket-wont you SHOW us,
please -
pressed the spring and the trinket flew
open. dare say the children expected to
see pretty face, or lock of hair; but if
they did, they were disappointed, for there
was only round piece of white paper,
upon which was written, Thou shalt not
steal.''
Nettie's blue eyes and Charles black
ones opened wide in establishment.
"Why, uncle, how funny. What does
that mean 90
"It's a long story replied, "shall
tell you9'
"Oh, do, Uncle Henry, we'd like it so
much'
"Well, Charlie, was just about as old
time ago, you see.
6 1t was three o'clock on sunny after
noon in Autumn, when our village school
was dismissed, and the scholars scattered
ers stopping to play ball and marbles. l
alone looked and felt unhappy, as set out
by myself to walk the two miles between
the school-house and my fathers dwelling.
On the following Saturday there was to be
boys picnic at Beller's Wood, and each
one was expected to bring a basket of
something nice; but my parents had re-
fused to let me join the party. They did
not like the character of some of the boys
who were going, and didn't wish me to
associate with them. This was why was
SO soberly walking home.
81 had gone but short distance when
| heard some one call
GO Hello, Harryr and the next moment
Sam Tribbs, a boy some years my senior,
joined me.
"'Well, Harry said he, sabout the pic
mic. Amt you going? You'd BETTER
What's the use talking about it, Sam
You know | can't 60 without taking some
thing, and there's nothing to be got at
home, and l haven't penny
"a. It's too mean,' said Sam, sympathiz-
ingly; l didn't think your parents were
that sort. 1 warrant my father would
never begrudge me bushel basket full of
goodies"
''' It's not the eatables nor the money
said I. Father don't care for them. I've
told you he didn't want me to CO.
"But why not? What reason does he
give:'
81 redeemed, but said nothing.
"sCome, out with it, Harry he urged,
with a sharp look at my hot face.
"'Well, I'll just tell you, Sam: father
don't know you and some of tho boys as
we'll as do, and he thinks you are not the
right sort of company for me. There,
dare say I've made you mad
"Sam bit his lips, but he said
sob, no, you haven't; but it's too bad
you should miss all the fun just because
your father has some absurd notions about
our set being little wild. l tell you
what, Harry, can't you manage 1t without
his knowinga'
"' Without his knowingv cried l. 60
without permission
"'Oh, nonsense, Sam said; don't put
on such long face. don suppose your
father really objects to your going; he only
thinks it's wasting money
"'I don't believe that, said l, hotly.
"'I do, them replied Sam. But look
here, want you to 60, and Pm sure your
! father won't begrudge you a basket of
those fine pears in the corner Of the garden;
they'd be just the thing
"' But, Sam, father has only two trees
of that sort, and never let's me touch
them
"'Oh, well and good, said Sam, shrug
ging his shoulders. thought you want
ed to 60, or wouldn't have spoken of it.
didn't suppose Mr.. Franklin would miss
few; he doesn't count them, does he ? -
OF course l didn't think you'd tell. But
good-Sy,' and Sam turned away.
"All the way homo Sans words were
ringing in my ears At first l was inclin-
ed to be angry with him; but the more
thought about it the more began to think
,, my father mean and hard hearted. So by
the time l reached home my mind was
made up to go to the picnic, whether my