Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-09-30
AN EPITOME OF MAN.

AIN EfllUME OE MAN. Childhood as Seen in One Speci-
 men of the Genus Homo.
 Tho Joys and Sorrows, as Wsn ss the Problems, of Life Begin at No Great Distance from the
 Cradle.
 |. There are nine of us in all-from Brother Will" down to Chessie-and we constitute the wealth and blessings, hope, of one of Gods most devoted ministers. There is not a shadow of doubt in our hearts that Chessie is a blessing, and the wealth of the Indies could not buy him. !. We came one after another pretty regu7 larfy, forming stair steps, as we used to say. For long, long time Irving was the last step-then Chessie came, took the scepter, and has reigned right royalty ever since. Three of us have married and left the home nest-two others are out in the world to seek their fortunes-but every year we troop back to see the home folks and each other. Every year we are amazed and de- lighted afresh at Chessie's growth in beauty, intelligence and stature. Last summer when we were all at home he was nearing his sixth birthdays sturdy little man with brown eyes, golden-brown hair and the Queerest little walk you ever saw. Really, am afraid Chessie is just little bow-legged, though the slightest hint to that effect is received with indignation by. his loyal subjects. sometimes call the slight peculiarity in his walk Johnson ian roll," at which papa barely suppresses smile.
 Twas so situated that I could stay at home longer than the others, and Chess and became the greatest chums during my visit. think I won his heart by the wonderful tales told him. The night be- fore left he took his slate and pencil and calculated that "sister'' had told him 150 tales in all. Of course some of the special fayorites were told over and over again, so am not to be credited with the inventive genius indicated by the above number. He was exceedingly fond of the 'Uncle Re- mus" stories, and could initiate the darkey dialect to perfection. I could ask no better entertainment than to hear him give "Brer Rabbit and de Tar Baby"
 ! That person is to be envied whose daily ! life brings him in contact with one of these l sweet child natures. The beautiful fancies, | queer conceits and varying moods of this manikin puzzled and delighted me by turns. His speculative mood was irresistible. ! Questions which older heads have disputed | over for ages past engaged hls attention, ! and his conclusions had the virtue of origi- nality at least. Lying flat on his back with | right foot on the left knee, and hands | crossed under his head, his Isis, Iwonder," ! was enough to draw my attention from any book, however interesting.
 fl One time he exclaimed: "Well, don't | understand about the resurrection1"
 ''What is it that you do not understand, Chessie2" asked.
 "When die I'll turn to dust, won't IT" "Yes." "Now, on the judgment day, how IS that dust going to turn into me again 2 And as quick as you can wink your eye, too. Tell me that, won't you1"
 Any sketch of Chessie would be incom- plete without mention of Tom-the big gray and yellow cat, a long-suffering ani- nal, leased almost into madness at times, then petted till he was quite bewildered at ! the turn affairs had taken. I've seen Ches- sic busy tor an hour at 8 time making | clothes for Tom, sewing on enormous buttons and often making collar or waist band so tight that we had to go to the poor animals rescue or he would have perished on the spot
 At one time after heavy continuous rains quite 8 large stream of water flowed through the grove at the rear of the church, and Chess and his playmate; lLewis, made the most of such good fort une, wading and splashing in the water to
 their hearts content.
 Chancing to step out in the back porch
 during the season of good fortune, most
 wretched, forlorn-looking object attracted
 my attention and pity. There sat Tom
 drenched and muddy, shivering ith cold, and doing his utmost to restore his coat of
 fur to it's usual condition. "Why, who
 could have been so cruela" exclaimed.
 Just then heard Q chuclxle behind me and
 turning, I spied Chessie viewing his work,
 his gesture and attitude expressive of the
 most intense amusement.
 "Chess, did you do this?" I questioned as
 severely as I could. "Oh," he answered,
 "Lewis and l. just baptized him in the Sabine
 river," they had dignified the stream in
 the grove with this name) "and he doesn't | like 1t, that's all"
 1t was impossible not to laugh, 90 the
 scolding that followed lost it's effect.
 The first time attended church after | went down to this Texas home I discovered
 the most delightful little secret, which. ]
 am ashamed to say, took my thoughts al
 most entirely from the sermon. Chessie | sat next to me in the family pew, and ]
 could not help glancing at his face now and
 then to watch the effect of the service OF
 him, for had never seen him at church be
 fore He seemed greatly pleased with the
 music and sat as still as @ little mouse, but
 when the sermon began he shifted hi.
 position several times and glanced at (
 neighboring pew in which sat a tiny, dark
 eyed creature, seemingly intent on catch ing every word my father uttered. How
 lever, soon saw where her thought were
 flor I intercepted the sweetest, brightes
 smile which passed between these deal
 little sweethearts. After this mute expres
 sion of attachment they both seemed quit'
 content, and behaved with great propriet.
 until the benediction was pronounced. T. On our return from church I was in
 formed that these tiny folks, Chessie ant
 Emma, professed the most ardent affection
 for each other, and that the six-year-oll IUPHoLSTERINC IWOOD FINISHING, Piano Polishing an w general urniture Repairing. Oak Pit ture Frames made to order. Varnishes, 0 \ Finishes and Wood Stains in all colors A II a..iS- ,A