The National tribune., 1886-11-25
Fergusou's Boy. Freddie

4. 4. SfturlS ga ltd-BHS
dined with Furcuson the other day. Fer
guson has boy named Freddie. Freddie is a
boy about ninc years of age, aud is considered
very bright" lie is; he is positively bril-
liant. But ii he were my boy / think / could
polish him still more. At all events ] should
try
Freddie came into the parlor soon after my
arrival his face shining from recent vigor-
ous application Of soap and water, and his yell
low hair llastercd down 10 his head so that
every bump was plainly visible.
- You don't remember Mr.. johnson, do you?"
said his father, taking the young cub on his
knee.
"Yep.n was the reply
"Nhat's that I? I" said Ferguson reprovingly.
"Yep," repeated the boy, with a surprised
look
Haven't told you to always say yes sir?"
YeSsir"
"Thats better. So yon remember Ny. John
son, ch3 It's nearly three years since Freddie
saw YOU last added Ferguson, turning TO me.
It's astonishing what a memory the boy has.
What do you remember about Mr.. johnson,
FreddieY" hc iBquired
i remember" replied Freddie ingenuously,
"that his hair was white at tho roots and black
at the ends and mar said she guessed he hada't
dyed it this week"
This remark produced a feeling Of constraint,
80 10 speak, and Freddie was banishcd from the
parlor. did not see him again until went
into dinner.
Ferguson asked a blessing As soon as lac
had finished Freddie burst ont with:
Par, what's the reason yOu never do that
'cept when VIC have comp'ny?"
FerEnson made some facetiOas remark, but
saw light IN his eye which told me that there
was troab.e ahead for Freddie, and l reoiced
in se1st.
MAR said Freddie presently, don't you
wish Aunt Maria was bere2"
"Nhv, FTeddie?" said his mother, with a
fond smile
"'CaGse you said the other day that you
wished she an' Mr. johnson coald meet, cause
he'd v such a good catch FOR her, an it was
about hor last chance, an"
Frederick f" shouted Ferguson.
"Nhy, Freddie Ferguson" exclaimed the
mother.
The subject was quickly changed. Ifelt that
ii would lse wise 10 send Freddie away from the
table, but Ferguson dared fate, aud permitted
him 10 remain.
"Gimme another piece Of cale!" said Fred
die, presently.
"You have had three already said his
mother, gently.
:" ] know have, and ] want another
But-H
g ! want another piece of cakew
"Nhat can you possibly want Of more cake ?"
NautCT eat L. Of course. Nhatd yer s'pOse
wanted ter DO with it--pat HlTeels on il an
use IL FOR n Hagon?"
1t struck nc that this would be q good time
70 remove Freddie and inhict carporal punish
ment upon him, but Mrs Ferguson thought diff
ferentiy Sac regarded Freddie's remarks as
laughablc.
g Its astonishing what fund Of bumor that
boy has rot she said, rs she gave him the big
gost piecc Of cake on the plate. He's always
making quaint remarks like that. Par aud
think he'll become great humolist."
D. e. johnson" said Freddie, rs we arose
from the table, can focl of your dTmun pin ?'
What q singular request" said Mrs. Fer.
gusou. Gut please lot hiin do it II you don't
mind, Mr. johnson. Hes got some funny idea
an his head and We shall sec what it is"
We did. After rubbing the diamond several
times with his forciingcr incidentally cOlorinC
my immaculate shirt-front with cGrrant Jelly J
he said woHderiRgly
Way, IL aint sticky at all"
No. Freddie, OF course not, said Ferguson
smilingiy. why should it be sticky? Diu.
m0nds arc not sticky"
"No, pose not" said Freddie, "but heard
mar say that she thought it wasn't di'mun al
all, but only paste, an j knew that paste
But az this point Freddie was hustled out o
the room by his father and in a few moments
my heart WIS gla0dencd by the sound Of dis
MAJ yclls IN tue distance.
saw 10 more Of Freddie that evening.
do not intend 10 dine at FergusOn's again a
present.