New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-10-20
JUDGE BROWA,S WArER MELON STORY.
Form the Arsansaw Traveller.

Ny father Was the hnest wat. melon grower
In tho country. heon culture was Ills densht. par
Desau to yet rpe my father called Black Bill and and
said boys to understand one thing II Que
that tnd III tue patton and Thea measure feet ad tue
owner o. tue ree' tls Qua WIN r s s tS.
hickory Z" pointing TO lOnx an cruellooking swch
he had placed above the door. Well,
II OF you wants to Catch tins switch pitch IN "
Bill lOOk his head aud mUttered that he didn't want IL
oul Father bs killed by steer lold Buck few
weeks before had thrown Bill and xnOcked
of the bark be cut 10 pieces VITA 5uch s"lcu
and assured my stern parent mat so far as
might rest in peace Bill was tue only negro
ha, and although he was compelled 10 20 10 cnurch
every sunday, riding the seat behind the buggy anu
altuougu he sat IN the buggy during services aud
without effort could hear every wor OF the sermon yet
boy his careful training was inclined TO be
a thief.
The next day after proclamation was issued went
out aud looked at the melon patch There Ia tho
sun stripeI aud mptng. lay beautiful melon. All II
there were anything that could MAKE Southern BOY
forget watermelon. / trennled, Tor
knew / could prevent myself from stealing II; and
then that awful switch came up befOrr me. An idea
struck went to the house. stole into the CABIN snd
got Bs shoes WHAT enormous foot the rascal nad!
Tue large that they would not say on my
feet, but overcsme this great irawDsck by stuinng
with grass slipped around and entered me
patch from locust thckoL. rain had fallen the day
before aud made decided tracks Ia the level grOlnu
stole back 10 tue hicket aud. although IL
was not ripe ate mora than nall o. t. Then returned S
yard saw my father carefully carrying snal SUCK.
enter tue gate Hs face wore an aaHsas'1y stern eh
dout think that mucn measuring is needed on this
your shoes ="
. In de cabin, sab.
- Bring them hCre."t.
He brought the shoes The old gentleman applied the
aud said: Fresh dirt on tuem see "
Bits face became study Doan know how II come
dar marster, Amt wore 'em sense last sunday
Yes that's all re ht john, turning TO ne, fetch me
that switch" My heart Ote me, but brought the
switch Then Bill began to dance. l never did see q
fellow get himself into many different shapes ana II
seemed that was better suited To the SWITCH
had TO snort. couldn't help lt. kept out OF BllIs
as nuch possible for lie seemed to loox reprOach
fully at me- but he did not me OF delivering MN
up TO enemy, and uad begun 60 persuade mvsrit
that Bill had stolen the melon, when two days Ia RI
came TO grief Bill ana were again in tue yard when
my father entered the gate, carrying small SICK
" john said he as he approached, where are YOUR
shoes Z"
In the house, sir.
Bring them here"
cot nv shoes Cesar there was fresh soil on
then. "Come on, come on' said the ola gentlemal. /
handed MIN Que aud dropped the other one Bill
saId ne after measuring the shoe, 81 bring me that
switch" Bill bounded with deli-nt and DrOuyht the
. Pap" cried, please don't whip me; amt done
danced caperef ana met the switch at every turn
In my sgony l caught sight ~ Bill standing at the
corner OF the house snOrtIng Ike gaudered horse
Bill Kept out OF my way that evening met him ana
asked ,v
Bill. how did you wear my shoes u
Hos did yer war mine !"
Put grass IN 'eIn. ~. ,. - -,
sWa tuck err par er short stilts an put yer shoes
IN ce en- IA o. em Reckon wese erbOUt even now On.
I tell yer whut's fack, JOhn II ront 90 Ter 1901
wild me- case Use one O. de limited by de saints