Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1874-12-03

didn't want her. 1t was bad enough to
wear his fathers boots he couldn't have
his mother bring him." as if he were a
baby.
And so, while the second class was
deep in the mysteries of areading lesson,
the door opened very softly and crest
fallen little figure entered.
Poor Jimmie! He walked up to the
desk, his large boots seeming an intoler-
able weight, and stood there crying bit
terly.
One or two of the boys Uttered, but
the teacher looked at them sharply, and
they became suddenly sober She asked
him no questions Jimmie wondered who
could have told her all about it,, but sent
him to his seat as if nothing had hap
pened, giving him a long example in ad-
dltion to perform, which taxed his ener-
gies to the utmost.
The example was so very interesting,
and he was so anxious to finish it, that he
had no time to think about his boots IN
til recess tine. Then, alas! he could
think of nothing else. The boys trod on
his toes as they passed out, almost
throwing him down; those who had only
Uttered in school now giggled audibly,
and were joined by a score of others,
who, though not really ill-natured, could
never resist an opportunity to tease.
" Ohio! look at the boots, will your"
cried one.
" Them's his fathers canoes. He goes
fishing in Them" exclaimed another.
This ailusion to his fathers business
(he was fish merchant'O was too much
for Jimmie. He struck out right and
left with his small fists, dealing such
hearty blows that his tormentors gave
him wide berth
How much is leather a yard?" in
quired youth from the farther corner
of the play ground
That's tanned fish-skin, that is"
shouted small boy, laughing.
Jimmie started to run toward them,
but the treacherous boots threw him
down. He was not hurt, but he was
angry, and his heart was very sore. He
sobbed aloud, and was filled with morti-
fication at the thought of beng such a
baby.
CPL help you up, Jimmie"
He raised his eyes, and there stood
viii Baker close beside him.
Lets come and sit on the steps,"
Jimmie couldn't resist so gentle an IN
vitation. He followed his little compan-
ion, and they were soon seated at the
top Of long flight of steps which CON-
manded fine view of the play ground.
81 wouldn't care for 'em," said Will.
Jimmie didn't answer.
The boots amt so very much too big
for you," continued Will, consolingly.
Jimmie slipped his foot from one of
them, and held it up to Wills sympathiz-
ing eyes.
"'Tis pretty big" remarked Will.
Jimmie couldn't speak.
q don't believe 'twould be very much
too big for me. Let's change-iust for
this morning"
Jimmie shook his head, his childish
heart half-divining Wills motive.
do let me" pleaded Will "Theyre
nice boots. Inever had on pair of real
mems boots in my life. They won't be
much too big, and mine will just fit you,
l know"
Illogical Will. Jimmie, however, was
in no mood to criticise. Before many
minutes his little friend had persuaded
him that he would really be comforting
favor on him by allowing him to wear
the terrible boots.
And when they were fairly on, how he
stalked hither and thither, with queer,
uncertain steps, tumbling down and
tumbling up again, all in a breath, step
ping on his own toes, and shrieking with
laughter at his unsuccessful attempts to
run.
ooh! What fun! Hold me, some
body" and over he went into the arms of
a large boy who happened to be crossing
the yard at the minute.
His merriment was contagious. A
group of rollicking boys gathered round
him, laughing loudly at his merry pranks,
looking with longing eyes at the NAM
moth boots, which only short time ago
had been regarded with such contempt. |
Lend 'em to me: won't you, Jimmie?"
said one of them
90 no, I'm your man! Let me take |
EN-, Jimmie" begged another
But Jimmie. finding himself suddenly
elevated to the position of dispenser
Of favors, assumed an air of calm COM
placency and was deaf to all entreaties.
And so Will staggered into school,
feeling very proud and happy. His gen
erous action had met with an immediate
reward. 1t was SO pleasant to look at
Jimmie's tranquil face (Will never
could bear to see fellow cry; besides,
be had had such fun with the boots.
The two boys walked home together
viii wore his own neat little CATERS, and
Jimmie scuffied along with his Canoes"
as some of the boys persisted in calling
hem, but he didn't mind them now.
Suddenly he turned TO his Communion