Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-10-22
Ghildren's department.
HOW DICK WENT TO THE PICNIC.
nyITI -. =. ~ l,x, 2p


her, and get money to 60 to the picnic, Fri
day."
Thankful that he was in no worse mischief,
his mother went back to her washing and
sighed to think how poor they we're. Dick
kept busy at his work, making the box like
the cattle cars he had seen on the freight
trains, open at the side and on the top, with
only narrow bars nailed across. Part of an
old barrel.hoop served for handle, and it
was with no little satisfaction that he held it
up to view.
"There, Tabitha Maria, how do you like
your new quarters? Not much room to turn
round, is there? But you've plenty of good
air-needn't be afraid of smothering. 0, ho"
he continued, as head with pair of fright
ened eyes was thrust through the bars, "thisll
never do. You're not such a beauty that
your looks will help me any" Down went
the box, while another bit of shingle was
added to pussy's prism. "Leme SEE" he
unused, crowding back poor Tabitha's head,
"you're worth about quarter; then, if those
hens will lay little extra this week, I'm all
right"
Dick sailed forth in the July sunshine, but
found that cats were drug in the market ;
every one owned one, so he come home tired
and discouraged, and let pussy out.
Mrs. FRYE was washing the dinner dishes.
II say, mother, I'm going fishing"
"Well, don't tumble overheard" she said,
anxiously.
For more than an hour Dick sat on the end
of the wharf, patiently watching his line, but
the fishes seemed to be taking an afternoon
nap; un
most melted here in the sun. My! there comes
the parson!"
"Fishing, Richard" Mr.. King never
called him Dick
eyes, sir; but they don't bite"
"Ah! Simon Peter had that same trouble
once. Out all night and caught nothing"
The minister had the queerest way of talk
ing about men in the Bible, just as if he we're
acquainted with them.
at was little strange" he continued,
"that Christ should ask him to push out into
deep water; the last place to find fish, isn't
it?"
"Yes, sir; they keep in near the shore most
always"
"It wasn't favorable time, either. If ever
you 90 to the Sea of Galilee, advise you not
to 60 fishing in the forenoon. By the way,
suppose you will 60 to the picnic?"
eff can earn the money. That's what |
want these fish for-to SELL
"Peter found some money in 6sh's mouth
once"
Dick opened his eyes. 81 never heard Of
that"
didn't you? Read the seventeenth chap
ter of Matthew when you 60 home. And if
1 were in your place, I would ask Jesus to
help me in this matter"
"Ask how to make oney?" said Dick,
aghast
"Certainly, why not? You don't see the
way yourself, and He is the Sight. just the
time to go to the Lord, when we need Him,
and men cannot help us. Do you want a
ticket given you, Richard? You know the
superintendent has few for those who cannot
afford to buy"
"No, sir" replied Dick, with emphasis.
"Boys who help themselves always make
the smartest men," said Mr.. King. "But,
Richard, don't let yourself out to Satan s
service. I dare say he has plenty of odd jobs
to be done this week, waiting for just such
boys as you; but don't be fooled by him. If
you feel that the Lord cannot furnish you
with the right kind of work, think of Peter.
Goodbye, my boy"
"Hiw thought Dick, "wish was your boy. "
"Mother, I'm going blackberrying. Where
can I find pail! Quick, the boys are wait
ing"
Dick rushed into the room where his moth
er stood ironing, flew to the little cupboard,
and began rumaging among the dishes.
"Joe Shaw says they are thicker than hops.
Hurrah for the picnic !" and he was off again,
swinging the pail above his head.
When they reached the spot there were
only few stuuted bushes by the roadside.
The other boys began clambering over stone
wall, but Dick stopped short.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"Over here'i is the place. Come on"
"But amt this Squire Deans place."
"Of course, you greeney. What of that ?
We shan't get caught, for the folks are away
this afternoon"
"But it is stealing just the same if we don't
get found out"
"How long since you turned deacon? asked
Joe Shaw, at which the others began to laugh.
mice little boy, so he was! Goes to Sab.
bath school !' mocked the boys.
Dick was so busy thinking he scarcel y no.
ticed them.
"a Satan's job as sure as I'm alive" he
said to himself, wheeling about and running
swiftly down the hill, beyond the sound of
his tormentors. Heated and painting he threw
himself under a tree.
"There, old fellow, you didn't catch me this
time" and he shook his fist at the invisible
foe.
Thursday evening. came, and Dick had
earned thirty-6ve cents, selling eggs and run
ming on errands, but fifteen more were needed
before he could 60 to the picnic. 1t did seem
too bad.
That talk Monday afternoon down on the
wharf had given him some new ideas. He
wondered if Jesus really did think about him
except on Sunday. Somehow he had felt
differently since beginning to pray every day
instead of once a week.
"Do you s'pose I should have stolen those
berries, if 1 hadn't asked Him that morning
to keen me from doing wicked things?" he
queried. "I'd like to see Mr.. King again.
Guess I'll walk up that way, maybe I'll meet
him."
A distant whistle announced the coming of
train. Dick always made it point to be
at the depot at such times, for people often
wanted boy to carry bundles.
A lady stepped from the cars, laden with a
travelling bag, shawl, umbrella, and numerous
packages.
"Ah !" cried Dick, following her into the
ladies' room, "heres first class job" and he
chuckled with delight.
"Have carriage, ma'am?" he asked po