The southern sentinel. (Winnfield, La.) 1883-1910, 1884-12-19
TOMMY WESToN'S COURAGE.

Mrs. Weston used to have droll way
of saying she liked 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"
"Yes; 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.
"Well, parents have a particular way
of watching children in whom they re
interested, and finding them out" was
L
Tommy's proposal when the shed got
ATTIRE"
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:
swell, l 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"
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 a 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 a great congregation
with his everlasting barking" as he
rather strongly expressed it.
"Well now, l 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 Westonr' cried Tom
my, in derisive tones, '.if q cove ten
years old can't stay alone about two
hours in broad daylight, should think
twas funny enoughr'
'.Oh, WELL" chimed in Frank, "you'r re
pretty small potatoes yet, and think,
myself, rather too little to be trusted in
o 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 isl said his
/ ka L.
preparing for church.
| At length all were ready for a start.
"Look out for my napkin ring
solid, you know" observed Nelson,
gravely, as he left his little brother al
The door.
"rn swallow it whole myself, if
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 though
he would set the dinner table, sure o.
n turnover in payment at no distant
day, from the indulgent Jane whom b,
often helped in little ways.
But Tommy's heart almost stoot
still for q moment, when, on entering
the dining-room, he saw full-grow1
man standing in the middle Of tn,
kitchen floor. He had improved tn,
open window. His hair was. un
combed, and prickly, grayish beart
made his rough face look rougher still
In his hand was . red handkerchie
bundle.
Just for moment Tommy's hear
stood still, then, with characteristic
keenness, his sharp little brain begal
to work.
'Well, my little DEAR" said the man
with great grin. mamma gone outp'
Yes; she's OUT" said Tommy stout
| ".
The man advanced into the dinisg