The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-09-09
IPrinl.d o. sp.e.al Arraneer.n.-oepuaa.sa. less
BY MARION MANvHLE.

Il was bleak, clustering, early morning in
November The winds were busy with the
fallen leaves, gamboling among them like q lot
of frolicsome puppies. worrying something be-
cause they were cutting their teeth, rather than
intent to do mischief.
Il saw 9 SKY full of moons last nighr-in my
Dreams said Rolly to his mother, as he drew on
his mittens before the kitchen FIRE and gave
himself preparatory toast before going out for
the city. Whats it sign Off
"A sign you're late and better hurry said
Mrs Kinks.
20 mothsrl how practical you But that's
as good sign as any; here goes. goodbye" and
Rolly set the excitable candle to Pickering and
sputtering at the Whit of frosty air which rushed
IN as he went out.
The ueiehbors all called Rollv odd. and come
even said he was a 'little queer Certainly he
was quaint, genial fellow full of pleasantly
and good bumor. and with a certain stock of
imagination which cropped out now and then in
dreams and what not appearing droll enough in
q man who was only a small farmer thirty five
years old and unmarried. He had been formally
ehristened Roland. but had always been called
by the baby diminutive which did not trouble
him in the least
Rolly was poet One Of the speechless sort
its a pity we don't have more of them-whose
soul was full of beauty, whose eye always caught
and appreciated every one of natures varying
moods. He was poet who lacked expression;
an artist who could not transfer to canvas; a
philanthropist who had only his good heart and
strong hand TO assist the world WITH preacher
whose sermons never materialized and took the
form of speech.
AZ be toppled ont of the house-Rolly always
had the appearance OF topping, being possessed
of very large head, a very small body and a
pair of very long legs. which always seemed to
have tendency 10 throw of the trunk-and
topped into his little produce wagon, he ap-
pesred to be about as whimsical and good
natured body as one ever beheld. Nor was
this impression made any the less strong when
he turned and shouted back, with his fulllunged
hearty voice:
They were all new moons. mother
Mrs. Kinks threw out the dishwater emphati-
cally, and shook her head after the rafting
wagon. half in perplexity and half in Disguised
amusement
"a sky full OF new moons. Now that boy1l
be thinkin' bout them new moons all day, an
Ike as not somebody'll over-resch him. Be Just
like him" continued She q little mixed in her
metaphor, ''be just like him! / ortes went too.
But / can't bs in two places { tn same timer
and Mrs. Kinks heaved despairing sigh.
Mrs. Kinks, in common with many another
mother, cherished the delusion that her offspring
had not yer grown up. He was always-and al
ways would be-''that boy" &c her. How many
child would be endowed with perennial youth
If time only rsekoned years a mother docs.
Rolly ratified along at round pace, the ponies
making a merry rustling among the dead leaves.
1t was not yet break of day, and promised moth
ing in the way OF q glorious sunrise or bright
hours to follow.
Ten miles to Kansas City and ten miles back.
Rag seemed 10 understand the gravity of the
situation; but Tag, being frisky aud self
opinioned pony, made occasional futile attempts
&C excursions into the fields. and twinkling his
small heels in disgust at their failure. This
same small span OF ponies bad been purchased
by Rolly at an auction, greatly 10 his mothers
dismay. Her ejaculation upon seeing them had
ehristened as eomical span as ever frisked
through life.
WALL if you amt got rae-tag and bob-tail al
last.r
And Rolly, serene soul, had roared out a
cheerful appreciation of the joke. and Gale
them from that time forth Rag and Tag
Curious bout that dream" unused Rolly to
himself. "Makes me think of the time
dreamed the cornstalks was giving a crop OF
stars. N.Y. But that was purity sight Seems 4
II l could almos' see il wv. Such shining
through tn leaves. an kech cobs as them was
An whom stripped tn husks of an found Q
bunch or stars every time-my, o N.Y.
My, % N.Y. stood Rolly in stead of stronger
explosives. This expression was varied occa
sionally 10 My ssars,1 anc together the two