River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1879-02-27
Bessie's Ride With Deacon Fox.

1871 ny
please, sir, give me ride
Deacon Fox stopped his horse and
pcered round the side Of his old buggy.
On the road stood little girl, he top Of
her head about even with the wheel of
the Deacon's carriage, and by her side
was big basket much TOO heavy for her
little arm.
WHATS all this, what's all this!" cried
the Deacon, sharply. "What are you
stO,pino me on the road forl chi"
az thought perhaps you would give me
~ide.n said the little girl, booking rather
frightened. 1--WE are both going the
same way, and my basket is awful heavy
lust lift it and see
"The deacon stared.
MAY I get in?" she continued, scram-
bling up, basket and all, and taking the
empty seat beside him.
Ana never word did the deacon say,
but he gave old Dobbin, who had been
placi liy switching the ilies off with his
tail, such a sharp toach . TIE whip, that
away they went rafting along the road,
and almost bouncing out OF the carriage.
Then the deacon turned and looked at
his little companion, beginning with the
pink sun-b0nnct and cJniid;ng b!1e eyes
beneath, and ending with the little dusty
boots that were resting on the lid vt the
basket
Hum = said the deacon "are YOU one
of the school childrcnf
yes" said blue eyes, looking up, Il
am Bessie Ply. Don't 20 remember
missed in the multiplication tao.o rhen
YOU examined me. Bat | knew it; 1t was
only because you hurried me So"
well, well, we'll said the deacon to
himself, "things have come to pretty
pass and he shook his head sadly. 81
wonder what this generation will be up
to next
You see the deacon had no little girls
or BOYS of hls own, and the school ch1I-
drcn generally crossed the road when
they saw him comllg for they all felt an
awesome dread OF Mr. Fox. 1t was he
who examined them at the end of school.
It was he who punished the naughty
girls, and ii was he who always asked
hem terrible questions when he came to
all upon their mammas.
"a it was a strange sight to see the old
deacon, with his keen eyes twinkllng be
meath his bushy eyebrows and his Stern
hard face, driving in his old buggy, with
one OF the school-chi!dren and market
basket by her side.
They drove along some distance in 81
lence, and then the deacon felt his sleeve
pulled bv gentle and rather timid fingers,
He looked down aud two large blue eyes
met his.
"Are YOU cross" said Bessie, ZOOS
asked for rideI'
Tut, tut. child, " said the deacon.
"Then If you amt, why don't you talk
to meF continued Bessie, land ask me
who discovered American You always
ask MS that
"rheu il is to be hoped you know by
this time said the deacon. "Do you go
to Sunday school, child.
"Oh, yes cried Bessie, folding her
hands and crossing her thumbs as though
she were about TO repeat lesson.
.sWhat do you learn thLre2 lsked the
deacon.
Il Learn to do unto others as l would
they should do untome, " replied Bessie,
clib.y, "and to love my neighbor as my
self"
$50 YOU learn all that" said the dea-
con. well, that's something; and who
is your neighbor' Does he 20 blackber-
Tying with youF'
.Ob. YES. said Bessie, laughing, but
then he is my real next door neigLbor,
YOU know. 1t don't mean am to love
him. for of course should do that, bat
II means I am To love everybody. Even
you"
We'll" said the deacon, looking down
at her, show are you going TO manage
about that."
WHY, must love you Of course" re-
piled Bessie. DO you mind very muchE'
we must do as the Sunday-shcool
saws replied the deacon, and then ht
laughed though what there was to laugh
at Bessie couldn't fer her life of her think
On they went, old Dobbiu, Bessie and
the deacon, now up hill and now down
TIN they came to tiny cottage standing
under the shadow of big house.
Heres where / live" said Bessie
hrisklv, .and there's where you live Ism
II convenient and she kissed her hanC
~ the deacon and skipped down. IL,
banded her the basket and Bessie opening
the rale and calling out, good ny,
walked up the little path that led to tn
cottage door.
on the step sat boy, q little bigge
than Bessie, whistiing to himself "lurI
around. he said 10 her as she drew neal
Il want To look at your wings
seWingsl' repeated Bessie, her eye
wide with amazemeut
Mes, wings. Haven you been rldln!
with the deacon expected no less.
II have hal a very pleasant ride san
Bessie Wi,h dignity, and she passed b
her brother anu entered the house.
.WeN. Bessie" said her mother, whC
.ea-kettle in hand, was busy making th
tea. II am glad 70 see You back. l hav
been thinking of You all tie afternoon
walking SO Tar with that heavy basket
sit down, child, and rest
Rnt. before Bessie could answer, AuT
Jep,ins rushed ia with cap strings fly
inc She had been sitting IN the windo
and saw the buggy drive up.
.,Sakes alive sister, she cried, Bessie
bpen driving with the deacon. and
handed her the basket with his ON
hands,
with the descon'' repeated Mrs Bl
We'll. Bessie. what an honor! / hoI
Won thanked him prettily. What ev
made him think bf inviting 7ou.
"He didn't" said Bessie, untyinr h
bonnet ami sitting down; II invited him
Mrs. Bly, let the tea-ketile almost Gro
Aunt Jemima held up her hands and san
spsechless into chair, sDd Jack stan'
mo in the doorway gave vent TO q whist
AZ shrill as a small locomotive.
Bessie stared from one to the oth'
whats the matter3' ste said.
"WellJ {" cried Aunt Jemima, rs soon
che had breath enough to speak. q
-aY,,re net the forwardest child l ey
sswl ASKING the deacon, as pert as u
nlease. to give yQu ride, as If you didE
NOW he was the richest man II town, al