The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1879-05-23
Benny and Bunny.


figures which he had created with his
box of toys. In the midst of the scene,
a white wooden rabbit nestled close to
the cliffs of pasteboard hill.
"Now," said Benny, II wish Bunny
was more alive. He won't eat clover,
and he looks at the same place all the
time. ! want real live one that will
run round the garden, and dig house
in the ground"
Benny had forgotten about his wish,
and was playing in the garden alone,
when, to his Joy and surprise, "real
live" rabbit crept under the gate, and
came along the edge of the garden path
daintily nibbling the clover.
1t did not seem afraid, and Benny
soon had it locked in shed where
wood was kept. Then he gathered
quantities of clover and tender green
grasses for it, carefully locking the door
every time he lett Bunny alone for a
moment, and returning with new and
wonderful assortment OF dainties.
Around Bunny's neck was ribbon
with a name nicely worked upon it with
silk, which Benny was just able to read
Clara.
Benny knew well who Clara was, and
that the rabbit he was conceaing be-
longed to one of his friends.
At first he thought he would carry it
straight to its owner, as he ought to
have done, then that he would keep it
until the tea-bell rang, then until the
next day, and finally that he would keep
it forever and ever.
He said no word to any one about his
treasure-Benny imagined it was his
but, when night came, he placed great
pile Of turnip tops, grass and clover
upon the shed floor, SO that Bunny,
waking hungry during the night, might
not suffer for food, made it a bed with
one of his mothers shawls, locked the
door, and stole away to his own cham
Der.
Benny saw in his dreams that night a
whole army of rabbits.
The night was soon over, however,
and Benny, waking, saw the sun greet
ing him at his bedroom window. The
air was so fresh, and still, the clustering
leaves of the woodbine so rich and
green, the quiet of the morning hour so
pervasive, that Benny's heart was filed
with q pure rest such as only child
can know, rest in after years looked
forward to, or back upon. but never is.
AS he gazed from the window news
boy came along the street with morning
papers fresh from the city.
Benny saw him reading a poster at
tached to the wall at the nearest corner,
and instantly began to wonder what was
printed on that poster. Perhaps there
was going to be balloon ascension. Or
show might be coming to town with a
great long procession!
AS soon as he had finished his break
fast, he hurried away to read as much of
the notice as he could. The first words
he saw made him feel queer enough.
And no wonder! They were these:
LOST OR STOLEN,
BEAUTIFUL WHITE RABBIT.
Il think I'll take Bunny to Clara
house, and put it through the gate, and
then run away home EASTERN horse,
and then nobody will know it isn't me
stole the rabbit" said Benny.
Then he thought he would let Bunny
out, and it would find it's way to Clara
alone. But it might get lost, or run
over, or somebody might steal IT,
So all day long his conscience smote
him, and, when night came, he dreamed
about the rabbit again. which assumed
mammoth shapes. and stalked about
like the ghost of Banquo at the feast.
Benny could endure this no longer,
and, when morning came, he took Bum
ny direct to little Clara. His conscience
was so relieved that, instead of regret
ting the parting with Bunny, he burst
into a loud, long laugh.-George f.
Barnes, IN Touth's Companion.