Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1875-05-26
THE LITTLE OLD MAN.
BY MARY HARWELL.

BY MARY HARWELL.
The Little Old Man is somewhat over
two feet high; hasa plump face, red lips
usually puckered to whistle-and very
blue eyes; his yellow hair is inclined to
curl; he wears pretty cloth suits, and
answers to the name of Willie. In
short, he might readily be mistaken for
a little boy in his fifth year; his mother,
[ believe, does consider him little boy,
but his infantile appearance deceives
nobody else. So this staid, mature fell
low, when moving along the pavements
of his native town, is greeted by, his
friends and answers to the appellation
of the Little Old Man.
The Little Old Man is wise in worldly
matters; he watches his father and all
the big men, and is careful to rule his
conduct by their example. Indeed, he
sometimes appears to pass them In mat
ters requiring foresight and skillful
handling.
The Little Old Man was sitting on his
fathers gate-post summing himself one
day, when he espied Mr.. Osgood across
the street. Raising his voice the Little
Old Man called, "Mr. Osgood p vigor-
ously, until that gentleman was con-
strained to come over and ask what was
the matter. "a
ssWait a minute" said the Little Old
Man, Give got somefn' I've been a
keepin' for you y
as"Indeed p remarked Mr.. Osgood;
''very kind of you, my Little Man. %
'sIt's way downsin my pocket, pulled
the venerable youngster, diving deeper
and deeper into his trousers. "There!"
He drew forth peanut and present
ed it to his friend. As gracio1lsly as ever
king conferred knighthood on humble
subject did the Little Old Man confer
this one little peanut.
Touched by such evident friendship
and self-sacrifce, Mr.. Osgood forced
the peanut back upon him, but the Lit
tie Old Man in his turn forced the pea
nut upon Mr.. Osgood, SO that the latter
was obliged to accept it, and to button
it up in his vest pocket together with
the disinterested generosity it seemed
to express.
ssThank you, my son, thank you,
thank you!'' said Mr.. Osgood, turning
away with smile, made happier for the
moment by rejecting that there were
uUuIO OuGS, AC0oO, LII odAo nOAAN WIZ
had no axes to grind.
ST say, wait minute, Mr.. Osgood,
cried the Little Old Man, 'see here!
next time you go to a festible won't you
buy me tin trumpet"
The Little Old Man knew what ten
der periods he might take advantage of,
to exact the service and homage due
his age. He once bawled the whole
length of the avenue after young and
stylish DR.. Green, who was watkins
with pretty cousin of the Little Old
Man. The Doctor-fervent In serving
any member of the family made haste
to run to his assistance.
''Tie my shoe, ye strings broke,
commanded the Little Old Man, offering
a foot to the ardent sutton who was
seeking hand
In his rambles, this venerable juve-
nile one day entered bookstore and
was struck by the fact that his feet were
arrayed in manner becoming his age
and station.
81 want pair O. boots" said the Lit
tie Old Man, sitting down and pulling off
his muddy shoes. 81 fink I'll take VEN
up 'ere!'
So making his choice, and calling the
merchant to his assistance, he thrust his
feet into the new boots and walked
Off.
Astonished was he to learn in the
course of the evening, from grave con-
versation which his father held with
him, that he wronged the merchant by
his boot transaction, inasmuch as he had
seized boots as booty.
Merchants do not give away then
wares" explained the father. "They
want money for what they offer you.
The Little Old Man-ripe in his
sense Of justice after his breakfas
made haste to carry his Nest Egg tx
the dealer in leather and to shake iron
it every one of the nineteen coppers i
contained; thus satisfying justice
though he left himself penniless
Poverty did not sting, however, unit
with hands in empty pockets he drew
himself up before the confectioner'
window, realizing deeply the laws Of
trade which LIE so lately learned. But
the Little Old Man was not to be de-
priyed of sweets for his tooth if they
did cost an equivalent. His fortune was
invested IN boots, and boots must be