The Red Cloud chief., 1884-05-09

BACK 1ence, HrSt q aOOage tnen 4 peck
or SO of potatoes, and finally the basket
in which she had that morning sent to
Mrs. Cooper the vegetables thus uncer-
enormously returned. An explanation
of this surprising shower followed in
Mrs. COoperS voice:
''HTll thank You after this to keep
yourself and %heverything belonging to
you to yourself Hif my boy haint tit
society for your boy, we don't o OF
us want nothink to do with you"
OF course to such a speech as this no
civil reply vas possible, SO Mrs. Sun
derland quietly withdrew from the
scene of action, leaving her neighbor in
possession of the field. The predicted
quarrel had come, greatly to Mrs. Sun
derlandS modification; for to have it
known to the whole town that she was
at variance with her neXt-noOr neigh
Dor as, thanks to Mrs. Cooper's I'M
scrupulous tongue. it speedily was
was felt by the widow TO be a real dis
grace.
All that she could do to smooth mat
tiers she did. with no effect, however,
except that MR.. Cooper subsidized grad
ually from a ferOcious into a sul!en
mood. but lost no opportunity of eXhib-
iting her dislike and ill-will in the num-
berless little ways which a near neigh
Dor a always make available.
The quarrel between the boys was of
much shorter duration. In the course
OF a few days Charles red head was
again seen bobbing over the division
fence. and frank being responsive, the
former intimacy was soon re-es,ab-
liShed. When September came and
the schools rc-opened the two lads be-
came school-mates and classmates.
Charlie was 4 bright boy, and his par
ents had kept him ST adily at school,.
ant were very proud of his attainmentS;
! but though he WAS two years Older than
Frank. the latter was more than his
Equal in understanding. There was
no bras about Frank, however, and
there would probably have been no
icr ousy on Charities side had it not
u en- becn excited 10y home influence.
alrs. Cooper was bitterly jealous and
enviouS. and her sneers and innuendoes
did much towards making her son as
unreasonable and suspicious as her
self.
A few months after the school opened,
an exam nation was held for the pur-
Pose of promoting such of the scholars
as were fitted for the advance to higher
departments in the school. Frank sun
derland was the Only boy in his class
who was successful in pass M the ex-
animation. though Charlie Cooper had
no: been far tehind him. and his heart.
and his mothers As well, had been set
upon his Obtaining the promotion.
That he faii ii 10 do 50 was, in itself.
4 bitter disappointment. but that : rank
should succeed where Charlie failed was
a trial much harder to endure. Mrs.
Cooper'> undisciplin d tongue wagged
fire ly, and her opinion that the school
WIS conduct d uDon the rankest prime
pl 5 Of fayorit SIN was widely dissent
mated. She would e., have been fool
ish enough to withdraw Charlie from
the school had not his father interposed
his rarely eNerttd authority and put \
positive veto upon any such absurd pro-
coed ng.
As usual, Charles wrath o evap-
GRATED. n rs inc was now no occa-
sion Tor a tual rivalry between them,
the two lads got along very harmonic
OuSly. and Frank was abb to do many
a kind turn for Charlie, which the lat
ter. as a general thing, fully appreci-
ated.
Though very well aware of the rumor
of Mrs. COoper's feelings toward her
and frank. Mrs. Sunderland WAS sens
BILE enough - feel rather amused than
irritatcd, even when Mrs. Cooper's con-
duct, on their chance NEE ings, verged
upon actual insolcnce. The widow y
cheerfulness and politeneSs continued
To be quite invincibie until the events
of 4 certain morning proved In her that
forbcarancc had at last ceased to he 4
virtue.
1t was n cold day in January; Frank
had gone 10 the well o draw a BUCKET
of water. but found the we'll bucket
half-full of ice. So that il would not
sink when lowered into the waite. His
mother came TO his assistance, but sue
ceeded no better than he had done.
Charlie Cooper was at the well in Their
own lot. scarcely a stones thrown dis
tan'. and lac called II Come fl your
bucket here. Frank; our well is all
right"
Without stopping TO ask permission.
Frank scrambled over the fence, and
soon the two lads were laughing and
joking together as Charlie lowered the
bucket. Just then Mrs. Cooper came out
of the house and advanced towards
them; she brought another bucket to
ill. one that was already half-fuil of
water, which she was shaking around
in the bucket, preparatory 10 throwing it
out.
What are o doing in my lot. sir,
NAV ! aSk?" she said. as she noticed
The intruder. Frank colOred, and took
up his still EN- ty bucket.
Never mind. Charlie" said he: I'VE
a get the ice on of our own bucket;
l II 20 back, now"
Charlie was provoked at his mother.
and his temper being as Ill-governcd as
her own. he turned towards her angrily,
crying whats the use of he ny so
hateful? You ought TO nc ashamed of
yourself ut which words his mothers
anger rose &c tie exploding point.
III thank Won To mind YOUR own
business, charlie Cooper she said;
and then turning fcrocio Islv upon in
offensive Frank, las for you. you young
hari>tocrat. ] want you to get hO.f nv