The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1885-03-06
AN UNSATISFACTORY VISIT,
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[originaL1
have decided not to again visit the house
Of Talmacious Peel worth. AS rule, I am
fond of children and enjoy telling them
stories Of questionable truth, but of de-
decided moral adornment. like to lift an
fnquiring little fellow to a position on my
knee, study the Kaleidoscope dance Of his
eye, as costumed thoughts chase each other
round and round, but when he becomes too
intense want to put him down and change
the subject. / went over to Talmacious
Peelwertlis the other day to renew the
ownership of book which l had loaned to
his literary wife several years previously,
and which she had promised to return within
a week. 1almacious was not at home, hav-
ing gone to a justice of the peace to swear
out warrant for the arrest of a man whose
longing taste for fresh pork had trampled
his honesty under foot. Mrs Peelworth and
the children, especially the children, were
at home.
''Cone in,n said the lady. "You must
excuse the appearance of everything this
morning. William" addressing boy with
smear Of jam across his face, ''quit fooling
with that dog. James, watch Sylvia and
don't let her fall out the door,"
William, a friendly little fellow. climbed
up and sat On my. knee, William, ex-
claimed his mother, ''don't put your dirty
fingers in the gentleman's mouth"
could not help but show encouragement
Of this attempt Whether youngsters fin.
gers be dirty or clean, / do not care to have
him investigate my front teeth and seek an
exploration of that territory lying farther
back, for, do not believe that an accom-
plishment Of his extreme desire, in this direc-
ton, would naturally extend his store of
useful knowledge
''Gim me this" plucking at shirt stud.
am much inclined toward Iiberality,
but not realizing Williams immediate need
Of the stud, felt that it was my duty to
decline an entertainment of his proposition,
and to frown down renewal of his ne
gotiations.
'Whut you come here furW
'FWilliam," called the mother, don't put
your hand in the gentleman's pocket. Put
him down"
'tLet him remain" said I, at the same
time attempting to put him down; but he
braced his feet on the rounds of the chair
and climbed back to his perch Of annoyance.
James entered the room with a pole.
sHTake that out OF here" said the mother.
ssDon't swing it around that way. Now
Just look at you"
He had cracked my head with his devilish
implement
my goodness, never saw such children.
Did it hurt you, sirP'
Hurtl Just as we'll ask man who had
been torn to pieces by dog if he were Bit
ten. sob, it amounts to nothing" rubbing
q lump which had begun to rise. Madam,
IL my book be convenient, will take it
now"
"James, what did you do with the gentle
mans bookq saw you with it the other
day.
'Didn't do muffin wifi it. Bill flung it in
the we'll"
'sDon't care if did," exclaimed William,
wiping his jam on my shirt bosom; 'tyou
tole me ter"
''I declare" exclaimed the poor woman,
wiping her flushed face with checked
apron, 81 never did see such children. It
does seem like they'll take the place. James.
I'm a great mind to whip you for that"
He had wiped his mouth on the tail of my
linen coat, leaving stain as though had
been struck by a ripe tomato William
climbed down. felt relieved.
warmth Of this room, as had to make up
fire for ironing purposes. We are having
the other part of the house plastered and we
have to use this room for everything. I am
really sorry about your book. Let's see.
It was Eagle Eyed Jake, or the Trail Of the
Scorpion wasn't itG'
mo, it was Felix Holt l think"
''6ure enough, it was I didn't read it.
Started to, but didn't like it. William, take
that switch out of the fire. Now remem-
Der. I borrowed Eagle-Eyed jake from
Mrs. Pelberton. I don't have much time
to- Did I ever see the like of thatr'
HWilliam had jabbed the back of my neck
with the burning end of a switch. 1t was
impossible to longer disguise my feelings,
for the end of the switch, burned to coal,
had broken of and gone down my back. I
have recollection of seeking the woods and
hanging my shirt on a swinging limb.
Twisting around and looking down, could
zee a trail as though centipede had used
me for a highway. No, shall never again
visit the house of Talmacious PeeIworth.
OPIE P. READ.
LITTLE Rock, Ark,