The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1879-10-09

mirth Of the Snickerton Hollow young
folks, and we decided to leave quite
early after raising quite snug little
sum for the church.
wondered, when entered the sleigh
for our homeward ride, if the path Of
literature was as rough as that sociable.
The wind had changed, or we had,
for the night seemed intensely cold,
and I was obliged to relinquish my
robe to Miss Arathusa Touzle and her
young man, as they got Under it entirely
i'm consequence of which I received a
terrible cold.
Aunt Dorcas insists that it was dane
ing, because / ache all over, and has
covered me with drafts and poultices.
I do not know what I should have
done if Jack Bronson had not given me
one of Bill Toodles' latest novels. Aunt
saw the book and asked what it was. I
replied, "You remember the Deadwood
stage robbery last September"
"Yes," she replied, catching a glimpse
Of the three suspended victims that
embellished the cover, "and have they
hung then?"
$50 it seems" said I, looking intently
at the gaudy cheat.
wish you would read aloud" said
Aunt Dorcas after Jack had gone; so,
after explaining as well as could that
the author, to spare the feelings of the
friends Of the robbers, had changed the
names, as we'll as introduced some
characters in order to show mere per-
feet contrast between virtue and vice,
said that the only real stamp, in which the
i original might be traced ,was by the
title, I" The Fatal Brick"
As aunt had long since known that
i this self-same precious brick of pure
gold had been the means of catching
one of the desperadoes in our little
town, she only urged me to proceed
without further explanation; nor would
she ALLOW me to return to sleep in the
garret.
How she did hurry up the delicious
toast and coffee for breakfast! But
had not read many pages when we were
interrupted by the entrance of Deacon
Finny and his little boy Peter.
1t is almost impossible to escribe
little Peter Finny; and, then, it has
been wisely said: Judge not that ye
be not judged;" it was quite as hard for
Aunt Torcas and I to forego reading
"The Fatal Brick"
Here, it seems, was another brick, and
possibly the very one that the builders
rejected. Deacon Finny is not the man
to launch before he prepares the way,
SO he commenced stammering about the
| increasing prevalence of crime.
"T suppose you have heard, Miss
Holt, that Mr.. Toodles has received the
nomination for Senator2" he asked.
"Well, it is SO, and, though he's on my
ticket, I shall be compelled to scratch
him out"
Aunty had not heard it, she said, but
added: I always have heard Mr.
Toodles spoken of as q very worthy citi,
zen."
"Oh, he's good enough generally,
stammered the deacon, @but you see ht
writes novels"
1 trembled SO that 1 shook the
draft off from my feet; for / expected
the old hypocrite would begin about the
fatal brick.
i "Pve brought Peter, Miss Holt, fol
your pupil. You see you are the only
woman who can manage fractious boys
said the deacon, looking directly at me
My fears of exposure in light itera
ture fed at the approach of that scio1
of, mischief. Hadn't I seen his pranki
in the primary school for the last three
months? where the teacher, though
skilled in government, could find nj
manner of encouragement or punish
ment that could induce the little scape
goat to behave. Only 6 years old, ant
SO stepped in sin as to shame the veries
tramp Of the town!
Aunty was conversing with Mr.
Finny in regard to Peters instructions
when loud scream from the little inn
called her attention. Your burned oil
cat bit me, she did!'' he cried. "I'll xii
her, SC there!"
Aunt Dorcas bound up the bleeding
finger, for it was evident Maltie had de
Tended herself. And, after cautioninl
Peter to be very good little boy, tn
deacon departed.
"Nnw finish the story" said she, "be
fore another intrusion occurs"
"But you are not going to instruc
that boy?" I asked, my blood boiling a
the idea of our disturbed quiet.
"Yes, Griffith replied aunt, / fee
it more duty as he is SO far beyon,
his years"
"I should think as much," exclaime
I, turning to the story in order to fol
get this new evil.
Both Aunt Dorcas and myself were 8
interested in the narrative that we di
not notice Peters whereabouts, unit
we heard loud crash and scream.
Here was s1ghtl Peter had stoIe1
unperceived, into the parlor, and climbe
to the bracket, bringing all auntie
choice trinkets with. him to the floor.
"I was trying to get that little Gus
that's holdin' the lamp" cried Pete
pointing to marble Cupid that uphel
splendid Tampa present from one {
auntie's dear friends. Maltie also cam
up to take an inventory of the ruin; "
saw the cruel wound in her beautifl
/, ears, caused by the precoc1ous Peter
keen little knife
at tell you," said I to Aunt Dorca
, "that boy will come to no good br
an old scarf was found and Peters bus
hands secured, while he poured fort
slang, how learned tits impossible to sa
as it never yet disgraced light iteratur
where in the world could that chill
, learn SO much evil?" cried aunty, 81
seems possessed" )" then she tried to pc
suade him into being good boy.
@Say, nowl" commenced Peter, h
: : face ivid with passion, "you needn
? think you can coax me, you toothle'
= old maid"
. This in-chosen speech shocked aunt
and she said, Really, Griffith, if tn,
> boy is ever saved it will be a miracle
!, mercy"
! 4 @By Jupiterl old hoss," shrieked IL
. little reprobate, looking defantly
. aunt. II know what my pa says will |
. a miracle"
v "What, sonny?" said aunt, midi,
: for in truth she desired to compromiii
with the infant-terrible. "He says