Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1884-05-08

mucu clOfIer QufaIl1u- IN Ine course
OF few davs Charles red head was
again seen bObbinS over the division
fence. and Frank being responsive. the
former intimacy was soon re-estab-
lished- When September came snd
the schools re-opened the two lads be-
came school-mates and classmates.
Charlie was 4 bright boy, and his par
ents had kept him STEADILY At school,.
and were very proud of his attainmeufs;
but though he was two wears older than
Frank the latter WAS more than his
{ equal in schOol-sfanding. There was
no brag about Frank, however, and
there would probably have been no
jealousy on Charles side had il not
been been excited by some influence
Mrs. 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.
IN examination 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 WIS the only BOY in his class
who was successful in passing the ex-
animation, though Chzriie Cooper had
not been far behind him. and his heart
and his mothers rs well. had been set
upon his obtaining the promotion
That he failed 10 do 20 was. IN itself,
bitter disappointment. but that Frank
should succeed where Charlie failed was
. trial much harder to endure Mrs
Cooper's undisciplined tongue wagged
l
was conducted upon the rsnkest princi-
pies OF favOritism was widely dissent
mated She would even have been fool
ish enough TO withdraw Charlie from
the school had not his father interposed
his rarely excrted authority and put a
positive veto upon any such absurd pro-
ceeding.
As usual. Charles wrath soon evap-
grated. and As there was now no Occa-
sion for actual rivalry between them.
the two lads got along very harmuui-
OuSly. and Frank was able to do MANY
kind turn for Charlie. which the lat
ter, as a general thing. fully apDreci-
afed.
Though very wei awAre Of the ramOr
of Mrs. COoper's feelings toward her
and Frank. Mrs. Sunderland was sensi-
bic enough to feel rafher amused than
irritated, even when Mrs. COOper's con-
duct, on their chance meetings. verged
upon actual insolence- The widow S
cheerfulneSs and politeness continued
to be quite invincible until the events
of a certain morning proved 70 her that
fOrbearance had at last ceased to be q
virtue.
II was cold day in January; Frank
had gone 10 the well 10 draw a bucket
of water. but found the well-bucket
half-ful of ice. so that il would Hol
sink when lowered into the water. 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 stones thrown dis
tant. and he called out Come fill 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 cane Out
of the house and advanced towards
them. she brought another bucket 70
MI. one that was already half-full o.
water, which she was shaking around
IN the bucket, preparatory to throwing II
out
What are goH doing in nv lot. sir,
may l ask" she said As she noticed
the intruder. Frank colOred. and took
up his still empty bucket
Never mind. Charlie" (" said be: s.wa
can get the ice cut OF our own bucket;
i II 90 back. now"
Charlie was provoked at his mother.
and his temper being as ll-governed as
her own he turned towards her angrilv,
crying: whats the use of heing 50
hatefuls you ought 70 be ashamed OF
yourself" At which words his mother's 5
anger rose 10 the exploding point.
I'll thank YOU TO mind your own
business. Charlie Cooper She said:
snd then turning fenociOusly uDon in-
offensive Frank, .-as for YOU. You Young
haristocr-t. want YOU TO get hon my
premises. and STAY hOlf EN- We don't
want no favoritcs round here Thea.
throwing the contents of her bucket,
not absolutely at Frank. but with an
utter disregard Of what she was doing.
she dashed the water in such a way that
the lad was completely drenched.
Mrs Sunderland advanced 10 the
fence TO hep Frank. shivering and crv-
ing, 70 get over il. Her gentle temper.
proof agaissst insults OF attacks directed
upon herself. was at last aroused.
Frank was a very delicate child, and
the effects Of such a shower-bath upon
such morning might be serious With
flashing eyes and face flushed with in
dignatiOn. she turned upon her enemy.
who did have the grace to look little
ashamed of herself.
''fOu are 4 wicked, cruel woman.
Mrs Cooper. and hencefOrsh I viii
have nothing TO do with YOU" Then
she hurried Frank 10 the house. and
mingled her tears with his as she helped
him 10 attire himself in dry garments
The lad had cold and 4 sore throat
as the result of his drenching. and his
anxious mother. duriRg the period Of
his indiSpOsiiiOn. entertained towards
I Mrs Cooper a resentment hearty
enough TO have satisfied esen-Dr. John
son. Frank got well that time, how
ever, and was soon at school sgain
bright and merry as usual.
but he mad several attacks of sore
throat before the winter was over. and
they left him 50 weak and puny that his
mother never before welcomed spring
weather 50 gladly as she did that ye.r.
Frank seemed to get quite well and
strong Is the warm weather came, and
Therefore perhaps less prudent. for in
{ May he again caught cold and came
home sick rom school
He was severely III from the first: in
a few days diphfheric symptoms de-
velOPed themselves. and twenfv-four
hours later the bright young soul was
l freed from It's lrail tenement. ard Mrs.
Sunderland was chiIdless widow.
/ viii not dwell upon her desOlation;
I the whole community sOrrOwed with
. -. l.