The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1877-12-06
Young Again.
BY b. 2. sHILLABER.

Gran'ther Credo had just finished a
game Of romps with the children, and
sat down somewhat fatigued with the
sport, for his little playfellows had not
spared him any; nor did he want to be
favored, for when he was con a train" as
he was ready to boast, he was as much of
a boy as any OF them, and when he could
not play as hard and as rough as the rest
he would give up, beat. But, in spite Of
his boasting, he would get weary and on
this occasion he had found the play pret-
ty hard work; and, as he mopped his
bald head with his handkerchief, he smi-
lingly confessed that he had got a little
the worst of it. He might have said a
good deal the worst OF it, judging by the
way he was putting and blowing; but lie
was perfectly happy, and beamed on his
play-iellows with an expression brimful
of delight
Il attn not so young" said he, "as was
forty years ago, and every day that ! live
| seem to be growing older"
well. you are, aren't youH p said little
literal Mamie, leaning on his knee and
looking up in his face.
Yes, dear. There's no denying it.
Years press and we confess, as old Roger
says"
nO - Oiu lAOEeE QueIleu W lllle.
81 never heard of him before"
Perhaps not, my lhtle man, for he is
only known by name-a myth, some
would call him; but he is supposed to
say many things. wise and otherwise, and
you may hear of him again"
How should you like to be boy
again, Gran ther?' said Jimmy, coming
near and joining the group about his
grandlather's chair.
That's a great question, replied the
old man, seriously. "As / look back.
and see the errors and follies Of my past
life dotted along. ! feel like wishing that
could go back and do things that have
not done and undo things that | have
done but wishing is not dishing, as
Old Roger Gays, and things must remain
as they are"
"Well, what would you do If you ,ccrc a
boy again persisted Jimmy.
perhaps ! can answer that" said his
grandfather. About how old a boy,
say2'
"As old as me-" cried Alice.
81 didn't say a girl" said Jimmy.
When he wishes to be girl, then you
can speak"
But he can be one just as we'll as he
can be a boy" returned Alice, a little
tartly.
Say boy as old as | am, to begin
with, said Willie.
"Ah my little seven-year old, laughed
Grant ther, you wish to excuse some Of
your own follies by seeing me perform
some do your
go on. Gran'ther," cried Jimmy
What would you do if you were a boy
seven years oldH'
"Do?' he thought. Well, let US see
where we be- as Old Roger says. If /
were a seven-year-old boy, should be up
to all sorts Of fun and all sorts Of mis-
chief, dare say. ! should play railroad
cars and steam freengines, beat hoop,
snap marbles, fly kites, toss ball, break
windows, and leave my father to pay for
them"
'Ohl ran'ther," hinted Willie, look
ing up mischievously.
Yes, you rogue. And well would you
know whom 10 come to when in trouble
Go on" said Jimmy.
Ion and on, the goal is won, as Old
Roger says" continued the old man.
well, if | was seven-year old boy,
should climb fences, tear my clothes,
want everything whether / had any use
for it or not, fill my pockets with all |
could crowd into them, worry my mother
with care, be tired at night as a cart
horse. and very glad to be put in my lit
tie bed"
But would that be being a good boy?'
said Mamie, who was considering in her
head the moral side of the question
ITO be healthy and active and happy,
dear, is about all we can expect of boys
Of seven; but when they are obedient to
their parents and kind to every one, they
may come near what you mean by good.
The great rule is that little boys, like
little lambs and colts, act from their ma
ture; and seldom, until they are old
enough to understand, do they become
what you suggest by your question.
What sort of boy would you be if
you were a boy Of ten 2 Alice asked
Then | should be older and stronger.
but perhaps not much better" replied
her grandfather 81 should have the
fastest sled on the coast in winter, build
snow forts, snow. ball, slide, skate. In
spring kick foot bail, play marbles, hook
| ey, bow and arrow, disturb my neighbors
with noise, as regardless as a cat, 60 to
/ school because | must, enjoy vacation,
and have a high time generally"
you would not call that good said
/ Mary.
"Ahl my dear little girl, am afraid
that selfshness and willfulness have in
creased, rather than diminished, during
the three years; and that boys, as a gen
eral thing, grow no better with increas
ing years Indeed. the human boy car
be nothing but boy The young col
will kick and bite; but he will temper
down, by and by, to the quiet goinI