The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1884-11-14
COURAGEOUS TOMMY.

OF saying she shked all her boys" but
on more than one occasion she limited
plainly that in case of emergency she'd
about as soon have Tommy around as
any of the rest.
Frank and Nelson, the older sons, won
dered at this repeated assurance, as they
regarded Tommy as "nothing but a
little shaver, as likely as not to be
frightened by his own shadow any
time
Eyes; but he never is frightened by
his own shadow all the same," answers
mamma.
"Well, l never want the child really
scared, " said Frank, loftily, "but if any
thing ever should happen to startle him,
I'm afraid Tommy would run pretty
fast. :"
"What inspires you with such Won
derful faith in Tommy, map" inquired
Nelson one day.
"WeA, parents have particular way
of watching children in whom they're
interested, and finding them OUT was
the reply. "Then | haven't forgotten
Tommy's proposal when the shed got
a-fire."
The boys remembered what Tommy
said then, and its results also; and no
more was said.
When the shed, some six months be-
fore, was found to be on fire at one end,
while the older boys were excitedly de-
batting what they should do, Tommy
exclaimed resolutely:
"Well, [ say, boys, let's run to the
kitchen and fill pals of water as fast as
we can, till the men come from dinner;
we can keep it down better that way
than we can by standing still talking.h
And Tommy's advice was taken, and
the shed was saved.
One bright Sunday morning, the en-
tire household, with the exception of
Tommy, was resolved to go to church.
A minister was to preach who was
particularly interesting to young people,
and man who interests the children
is sure to interest the older folks, too.
But poor Tommy had bad cough. so
troublesome that the child felt unwilling
himself to disturb great congregation
with his everlasting barking as he
rather strongly expressed it.
''Well now, don't know" said his
mother, "about leaving Tommy in the
house alone. Jane is going to her
church; the men, of course, won't be
around until milking tonight, and SO
perhaps I'd better remain here, too
"Why, mamma Weston!' cried Tom
my, in derisive tones, eff a cove ten
years old can't stay alone about two
hours in broad daylight, 1 should think
twas funny enough!'
ooh, well, chimed in Frank, you re
pretty small potatoes yet, and I think,
myself, rather too little to be trusted in
a big house alone. There's the silver
spoons, to say nothing of my solid nap
kin ring and Nelson's that grandpa
and grandma gave us for our names;
it's true mother had to stay home last
Sunday because was sick in bed, but
I'd certainly stay to-day myself if only
the sermon wasn't for young folks. "
81 wouldn't be seen stayin' home
with nobody but you," Tommy began,
resentfully, but his father stopped him,
saying if he wished, he should stay by
himself, as he didn't think he was likely
to be disturbed.
Mrs. Watson was still little unde-
cided, remarking that she should feel
easier if there were neighbors nearer,
or if the railroad had not recently come
into use not far from their dwelling.
Thought Tommy was to be trusted
to most any extent" said Nelson, no
ticing his mothers uneasy look.
"Well, so [ believe he is" said his
mother, confidently, as she went about
preparing for church.
At length all were ready for q start.
Look out for my napkin ring
solid, you know" observed Nelson.
gravely, as he left his little brother at
the door.
I'll swallow it whole myself, if l
take notion" was the comforting re-
ply.
An hour passed swiftly, occupied by
Tommy in reading, looking at picture
books and gazing from the parlor Win
dow. According to his mothers in
structions he had locked the front door,
bolted the back one, and now thought
he would set the dinner table, sure of
a turnover in payment at no distant
day, from the indulgent Jane whom he
often helped in little ways.
But Tommy's heart almost stood
still for a moment, when, on entering
the dining-room, he saw full-grown
man standing in the middle of the
kitchen floor. He had improved the
open window. His hair was I'M
combed, and a prickly, grayish beard
made his rough face look rougher still.
In his hand was red handkerchief
bundle
just for a moment Tommy's heart
stood still, then, with characteristic
keenness, his sharp little brain began
to work
swell, my little dear" said the man,
with great grin, mamma gone out?''
Eyes; she's out;'' said Tommy stout
ly.
The man advanced into the dining
room.
Guess the folks is all gone, 'aint
they?" he asked.
"Well, yes they are" Tommy
spoke very carelessly
What pretty spoons we use, don't
WEEP continued the visitor ''and my!
'aint our napkin rings gay? l wonder
if they're solid now!1
'Oh yes said Tommy. "they're all
solid, all the ones we use and all we
keep put away, all solid, - and the child
looked innocently in the rough face.
swell now, my little man. this silver
needs cleaning, oh dreadfully! Sup
pose we put it ii our bundle and clean
it for you, so when we bring it back
you'll hardly know it, and into the
red handkerchief went all the spoons
and Frank and Nelson's nice napkin
rings; but Tommy looked quietly on.
Now the nice little boy spoke of
what was kept put away; but of course
a little fellow ike US, doesn't know
where we keep things, oh no, Of course
not, and the fellow blinked wickedly
at the innocent looking child.
Tommy thrust his hands into the
pockets of his ''brief pantaloon," as
Frank tanntingly called them. Then,
he looked amazingly knowing.
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