St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1884-06-26
Joe StrOng'S First Smoke.
IN TWO PARTs-PART 1.


In only few days more Joe Strong
would reach his fifteenth birthday,
and, like many other boys of that age,
felt that he was fast approaching man
mood.
A tail, handsome boy was Joe for his
Years, and but for few foolish ideas
that hc entertained, would have been II
very sensible one, also. Now one of the
silly notions which Joe cherished, but
one which he had taken special pains
To conceal from his parents, was Il great
admiration for the practice of smoking.
The fine Favored, sweet scented cigars
had il strong attraction for him, and
any youth of his own age, who was so
privileged as to be able to indulge in
The seemingly delightful habit of smok
ing, WAS regarded by him with envy.
But Joe well knew what strong
enemies his parents were to the use of
tobacco, and not for any consideration
would he have had them know his own
thoughts on the subject. Again aud
again had they talked to him of its
perniciOuS Influence on the system,
and strongly hoped that their boy
would never become addicted to its
| use.
But, notwithstanding their advice,
Joe's admiration for smoking steadily
Increased, and he fully resolved that
rs soon as he was his own master he
would acquire what he considered such
Il becoming and manly habit.
Joe's mother and sister Kate had
planned on giving him delightful sur
prise on his birthday. 1t was nothing
less than birthday party. The prep
arations had been carried on wholly
unknown to Joe. The father, mother,
and sister had performed their secret
work with the kcenest delight, think
ing all the while of the great pleasure
that lay i'll store for Joe when the
cventful time arrived.
Every conceivable plan which would
add pleasure to the occasion was
thought of and carried out. a variety
fentertaining games and other sources
of amusement were supplied by the fa-
ther. while the mother and sister pre-
pared Il splendid supper i'll the most
careful and painstakiug manner.
Among the beautiful cakes which
they made was one, larger and more
handsome than the rest, which was
designed especially for Joe, and had Oh
the top, in fancy frosting, the words
.'Joe's Birthday" Mrs. Strong eX-
pended IL great deal of labor on this
cake, for Joe, being her youngest child
was her special pride and favorite, and
no work was considered too great thai
WAS done for his happiness.
She could not help thinking how he
boys eyes would glow with merri
ment, and how joyfully his laugl
would ring out, when he returned
home and found the house filled with hi
young schoolmates, and the long tabl'
loaded with everything delicious, an'
all for its being the occasion of hi
birthday.
They had planned on sending Jo
away the day of the party, and having
him return shortly after the arrival q
the guests. He had an aunt living j
il city not far distant, and it wa
always great treat to him when h
could have the pleasure of visiting hel
And it was great relief to his parent
and sister when he expressed a desiT
to spend his birthday with her, fC
they had been at quite loss to knO'
Just where to send him, without e1
. citing suspicion, while the final pref
arations for the party were bein
made.
The birthday at last came, and JC
took an early train for his aunt
promising his parents that he woul
surely return at the close of the day.
After his departure the final work f
the party was hastily carried on. III
entire house was placed in the mo
perfect order, the rooms were decorate
with evergreen, and sweet-scent'
bouquets were placed around in gre
profusion. Arranging the table f
- supper was the next work, and mo
beautiful appearance it made wh
completed. 1t was decked with t1owel
and each end of the table was adorn
(. with handsome pyramids OF fruit a
confectionery.
In the center of one side of the tai
was large easy chair, which was e
waited at the head and decorated Will
white lace curtain. 1t WAS prett
trimmed with flowers, over the top
y. name Joe" made of evergreens, "
placed This was the seat OF hOI
ieh provided for Joe.
i'n' At last the finishing stroke was 60
pleted, and the mother and sis
'"N awaited the arrival of the guests,
with far more eagerness the arrival
. Joe, that they might witness the JOY
surprise he would have.
.. 1t was but a few moments ride fr
oe. the city in which Joe lived to that
which his aunt resided, so but sh