Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1886-05-31
stlnmths' Column.
"NOTHING ON THE BREAK
FAST TABLE"

Fred was still sleepy, for he had
stayed up until twelve o'clock the
night before, whereas he was usually
in bed by nine. To tell the truth,
he was also rather cross-as most
boys are apt to be when they are
sleepy-and as he took his seat he
said: "Pshaw? There's nothing on
the breakfast table,
Then he called lazily, "K-a-t-e
Kate p' But no Kate. replied, for
an excellent reason-she didn't hear
him; she was out 10 the poultry yard
feeding the chickens. So Fred leaned
forward with very discontinued ex-
preston on his face, and closed his
eyes but he soon opened them, and
began to sneeze. A pungent odor
had tickIed his nose.
''Ker-chew Ker-chew? K-e-r-
chew What in the world did that p
said he.
II did," replied sharp little voice,
and there on the table, before him,
stood a small creature dressed in
green, and wearing the brightest of
bright red caps.
"And who are you?' asked Fred
'I'm Pepper And the wee thing
went hopping and skipping about in
the nimblest manner, talking rapidly
all the time. "Nothing on the break.
fast table," hey? l believe that's
what you SAID; and call it decided
ly ungrateful IN you to say SO, wher
there are number of things here
brought from all parts of the woriC
to serve you and the other animals
that laugh"
"That laugh 2" repeated Fred.
"Yes-that laugh. Don't you
know-I'm sure you must be ole
enough to know-that of all the an
imal creation only the human race
think that's what it's called-car
laugh? And when one considers,
Pepper went on, "that | came away
from the East Indies to help season
your food, one would suppose tina
you would be somewhat obliged t.
me, and would not count me as moth
ing"
"That's true" joined in a secon'
little voice, and another small figure
wearing a pure white dress dotte
with shining crystals, and wreatl
of what seemed to be baby snow
flakes, sprang from the glass salt
cellar.
"And who are your" asked FREQ
"I'm Salt" came the answer i
clear tones. 81 have come frol
deep mines and deep waters to wa
upon you and your kind for man,
many years. What you would d
without me do not know, for yo
require my aid morning, noon, an
night. Am | then to be classed ;
nothing?" "No indeed, of cours
not; l beg your pardon, and Pc
per's also" said Fred hastily. "P
sure / never meant
But here another tiny form steppt
from the bread-plate and bowed grac
fully to him, the plumes it wore {
its head neatly touching the table
it did so. "And am 1 nothing ?"
asked, 81, to whom the whole wor
owes the greatest of debts; l, WI
have given health and strength
young and DID,
carbohydrate" began Ere
with some hesitation.
''Is it possible you don't knt
me?' exclaimed the pretty thing !
proachfully.
"You-are-lik Wheat p We
tured Fred.
Il am Wheat '" and the feathe
plumes waved lightly, as thou
stirred by summer breeze, ''a
you have me to thank for bread, viii
one of your wise ones has said is t
staff of life. F"
ooh! l beg your pardon, toe
said Fred. 81 would't be withC
bread for anything-not even cal
Why bread is one of the very Fl
things | remember. Bread and
"Butter - cried a jolly fat fell
in cream colored garments. Oh
ha! fancy all young folks beco
acquainted with me and my f
friend, bread, as soon as they
their teeth, and they never drop
acquaintance. And if you, Mas
Fred, didn't find me on the table wi
you came to your meals, you'd m;
complaint enough to indicate thu
am something. Now, wouldn't you
"You are something's very imp
tant something p declared Fred, "
emphasis. "Please consider 20
self included in my apology to y
chums-friends, | mean" "a
how about me?" called the sweet
voice of all from the top of the syr
jug, where sat brown faced elf
q suit like jointed armor, a fowe
one hand and greenish stick in
other. II belong to the sugar-ca
and l come from the West Indie
give you syrup for your bread
griddle cakes, and sugar for your
and coffee
81 suppose l needn't tell you
boy" exclaimed another sprite {,
pig taiD, sitting astride the har
of the tea pot-''th Tea, at Y
SerXice-cOme from China A,