The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-04-03
FOR THE LITTLE FOLKS.
WHY CHARLEY LOST HIS SITUATION.
Teasing and Practical Joking-Indisputa-
BILE Evidence-Lottie Solves the Mys-
terry - Tommy's POliteness-A
Thoughtful Baby-Problems.

Charley was whistling merry tune as
he came down the road, with his hands
in his pockets, his cap pushed back on his
head, and a general air of good-fellowship
with the world.
He was on his way to apply for posi-
ton in stationers store that he was very
anxious to obtain, and in his pocket were
the best of references concerning his char
acter for willingness and honesty. Hefelt
sure that there would not be much doubt
of his obtaining the place when he pre-
sented these credentials.
A few drops of rain fell, as the bright
sky was overcast with clouds, and he be-
gan to wish he had brought an umbrella.
From a house just little way before him
two little children were starting out for
school, and the mother stood in the door
smiling approval as the boy raised the
umbrella and took the little sister under
its shelter in manly fashion.
Charley was great tease, and, like
most boys who indulge in teasing or
rough practical jokes, he always took care
to select for his victim some one weaker
or younger than himself
"Tll have some fun with those child
rem, he said to himself; and before they
had gone very far down the road he crept
up behind them and snatched the UNI
brella out of the boys hands.
In vain the little fellow pleaded with
him to return it. Charley took a malicious
delight in pretending that he was going to
break it or throw it over the fence; and as
the rain had stopped, he amused himself
in this way for some distance, making the
children run after him and plead with
him tearfully for their umbrella.
Tired of this sport at last, he relinquished
the umbrella as a carriage approached,
and, leaving the children to dry their
tears, went on toward the store. g s:t
Mr.. Mercer was not in, so Charley sat
down on the steps to wait for him. An
old gray cat was basking in the sun, and
Charley amused himself by pinching the
poor animals tail till she mewed pitifully
and struggled to escape.
While he was enjoying this sport, Mr..
Mercer drove up in his carriage, and
passed Charley on his way into the store.
The boy released the cat, and, following
the gentleman in, respectfully presented
his references.
'These do very WELL" Mr.. Mercer said,
returning the papers to Charley. "If l
had not seen some of your other refer
ences, might have engaged you"
"Other references? What do you mean,
sir ?" asked Charley, in astonlshment.
Il drove past you this morning when
you were on your way here, and saw you
diverting yourself by teasing two little
children. A little later dog passed you,
and you cut him with a switch you had in
your hand. You SHE'D stone at bird,
and just now your were delighting your
self in tOrmenting another defenseless
animal These are the references that
have decided me to have nothing to do
with you. l don't want a cruel boy
about me"
AS Charley turned away, crestfallen
over his disappointment, he determined
that wanton cruelty, even though it
seemed to him to be only "fun," should
not cost him another good place.