Rock Island daily Argus., 1888-11-14

heig ghoorhoo&to preach our home was graced |
a,iu Ssfs4-cd by his presence and often
essshdered how he could enjoy being with us |
IN preference to his more wealthy parishjon- |
ers. l think l know now, in these after |
years that have taught me so many things |
Who could give him such a welcome as |
father and motherl Who could saw. as |
father did, the words which bespoke so deem
an interest in his labors or show such rever- |
ence for himf Who could resist mothers
winning simplicity and bright smiles? l can
see her now in her quick yet quiet way,
experimenting his personal comfort-for she
learned, as if by magic, what her visitors
liked and disliked
To return TO my subject, had only tc hint
that visit from my friends was desirable
80 have all the family aid and abet my plans.
One day Tom, who wCs a year and half
my senior, came in with the interesting in
telligence of ''rousing picnic" soon to take
place.
Mother suggested that this now would be a
good time TO invite my friends, as a picnic
was about the grandest affair we ever had in
our generally quiet neighborhood
agreed with her; SO the invitation was
sent and accepted
Before the girls arrived, however, our
horses fell lame, and the picnic grounds
being about three miles away, we were some
what perplexed about our mode of locomo-
ton.
In the midst Of our perplexities Tom dis
covered that there was negro on an ad Join
ing farm who owned pony and mule that
could be driven in harness
Father accordingly sent Tom the day be-
fore the picnic TO bring them over that we
might test their capabilities, and, as they did
not work well together, we provided two
buggies.
Certainly our equipages had no pretensions
to style, but father consolingly said there
was nothing like having safe, gentle crea-
lures, as he believed these to be.
Although my friends had been with us but
few days, Tom imagined he was much in
love with Helen, and, therefore, he hitched
the pony TO the best buggy, and left the mule
and the other buggy for Sallie and me-
Everything looked propitious-even charm
ing. Salhe, who enjoyed riding, anticipated
as much pleasure from the drive as from
anything connected with the picnic
We were nearly ready when a neighbors
carriage passed. and Tom proposed that we
should move next, and he would follow,
since he could keep watch over US better If
We were in front Of him.
About half mile from home was a post
office and one or two stores. It was a favor
lite rendezvous for the young men of the neigh.
borhood, ard not forgetting this fact told
Salhe to look her prettiest as we went past.
gave the reins a shake and the mule, af-
ter looking queerly about, started off, but at
a rather slow gait
After few PAGES we were startled, so that
we nearly fell from the buggy, by the most
unearfaly sound that ever greeted human
ears.
kah-ah. it came again, ard we found it
proceeded from our mule We were much
relieved, and had good laugh at the thought
of our alarm.
Sallie said, "All mules do that when they
first start Off. l have heard old black Uncle
Jerry say So"
well, we viii have to endure it, but it
isn't nice bit
Just then, another "Kah-ahr'
~ wish he wouldnt!7
''Can't we silence himfn
''Kah-ahi'
GOOD gracious Carrot this is disgraceful y
II can't help it, am sure!n
"Kah-ah,'
"Whip him Tom suggested, looking puz-
zled while Helen seemed amused
"kah-Ghn
Sallie's feelings and mine were altogether
indescribable
STom said, Something must be the matter
with the long cared thing
"Kah-ah' came in response
Helen exclaimed, smothering with a laugh,
"Why, he can talk!'
"Hah-ah,n
'Whip him, Tom said, ''every time he
hollers. bet that will make him stop his
foolishness."
''Kah-ah.'-a lick with the whip-a little
faster gait. looked back at Tom in despair
Sallie was getting fearful, and Helen still
trying to smother her amused emotions
''Never mind, Caro- said Tom, "hell stop
in 6 minute, am sure; for we will be at the
postofIice and he will be diverted by the
horses tied to the racks"
"Kah-ah! kah-ahI"
''Did / everl" cried Helen; che is always
ready to talk back to Ton, n,"-convulsed with
mirth.
Sallie remarked aside, VI can't appreciate
Heen's enjoyment of our discomfort"
''Nor | but you know Helen would laugh
at a funeral"
"Kah-ahI',
"Well, this will be the death of me, ant
then Helen can have another laugh"
"Kah-ahr
''Tom; oh, Tom! let's 20 back, said l.
"Kah-ahr
"Ohl We cannot stand it any longer,
cried both of u.s.
"Kah-ahin
Sallie said; Look at those people in tn,
carriage laughing. | am mortified Il
DEATH
TON, we are going to return
"Oh, mol" said Helen, trying to assume
sympathetic expression. II am sure hi
lungs will give out soon, and he'll be forced
to stop"
"Kah-ahp
"Oh, Helen, rep.. d SaTie, rather sarcas
tically, hell answer you, too"
we drew near the village. Our mule hac
made no sound for a minute or two.
Tom is right" said s;allie, cheerfully, wip
ing her eyes and TRYING to look bright; "h,
is going to behave now.n
But, oh, horrorsl as we reached the mali
part OF the village, "Kah-ahr' came ou
louder than ever before
Some men on the porch nudced each other
and one little boy called out "Kentucky
Piano" Then, more "Kah-ahsln in rapit
succession, and the men from the stores aut
backrooms rushed out, and. when they saw
who it was withdrew suddenly as if ashame,
of themselves, or of us.
Now, we had passed the place that Ton
prophesied would be quietus to our untir
ing singing bird,n and | proposed goin,
back again.
"0h, noF' Sallie said; 81 can never O
through the town again"
Helen suggested that we should exchang
buggies. She was sure we did not whip hir
enough; but with Tom to Jerk him." an
her to whip him, they would get along fs
mousy.
We gladly-ohl so gladly-accepted he
offer The buggies we drawn up siie by sid
a. we were talking, and ! verify thought tb