The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1890-06-11
VOL. XLV.-NO. "a.

Bun wiped his mouth carefully % he
went into his mothers kitchen. He
did't think Of her smelling his breath.
That she would not like to have him
smoke, he was very sure, 80 he did not
want her to know what he had done.
Mrs. Parks was ironing, and he had
to pass her to put his book away.
"Why! Bun," she said, "what is IL
that smells so strong of tobacco?"
She did look so surprised. Her son
hung his head. and his cheeks were as
red as the scarf he wore.
He did hate to tell, but the whole
story came out finally.
"Jack says that tobacco is good for
most any thing" Bun said in conclu.
sion. "When his sister Madge had the
ear-ache, his father smoked in it and 1t
got better right away."s
"You may go and do the chores now"
was the only reply the lady gave.
She spoke so calmly that Bun thought
she didn't care much.
| Cricket! but didn't expect to got
of that easy" murmured Bun, as he
went to the barn with smile on his
| face.
He fed the horse and COW, then he
shelled corn for the chickens, whistling
merrily as he worked.
When the fowls had eaten their sup
per he shut them into the hen-house.
| His work was now all done except
milking the white cow-Daisy.
He was in good humor, and as he
hung up the stool Bun stopped to pet the
the gentle creature and talked to her.
''You don't know what fun I've had
to-day, do you, Daisy?" he asked.
mo, you're not boy, 80 you can't
know any thing about it. I'm going to
be a man some day, Daisy, and then
can smoke all / want to; no one will
make fuss about it. Ibid feel kind O.
mean when saw that grieved look
come over mothers face, but she'll get
over it after awhile, l guess"
| As soon as Bun left the house his
mother put on her hat and shawl. Then
she went to the store, walking very fast.
When the little boy came in with the
pail Of milk she was ready for him.
"Come in here" she said, leading the
way to the sitting-room.
Bun followed obediantly. She drew
the big rocking chair up to the fire.
shook up the cushion, and said: "Sit
down, Bunnie, and rest; you must be
tired" The boy looked at her, too as
tonished for speech. He wondered
what it all meant, but he soon found
out.
Mrs. Parks went to her room, return
ing moment later with clay-pipe
and parcel of tobacco. She filled the
pipe, and, after lighting it, handed It
to Bun, with the remark:
"Now have a good smoke. When
that is gone I'll give you more; there's
plenty of tobacco here"
Was she jesting? No; her face was
grave and her voice sounded as usual.
Another kind look from his mother,
and he was left alone.
''This is what l call jolly" thought
our hero.
IA warm room all to myself, and leave
) to smoke all want to-"
He pulled away for few minutes, but
suddenly his face grew sober.
81 don't want to smoke any more, "
,, he cried.
'Oh, yes! finish what you have there,
, at any rate" his mother answered.
''But I'm sick, he was obliged to OWE
at last.
'Mercy sake! Can the child be sicki
Strange that he should DO taken SC
J suddenly. Perhaps another good smoke
will cure ii" she added.
: The mother hurried away to finish
getting supper. But poor Bun coult
not eat mouthful that night
Only those who have had like OK
: perience can imagine how i'll the boy
! was.
II promise" he sobbed, with his heat
Il resting on his mothers shoulder, "nev
, er to smoke any MORE"
He has kept his word.
u To this day Bruce Parks can no
Il endure the sight or smell of tobacco. :
9 Lena Reynolds in Christian at Work.
!, Lost Little Boy.
"Here, Hattie" said Mrs. Brown,
). she was going out one afternoon, II 81
"a going to the store, and you must anus
= little brother until come back. 70
may have your playthings on the piazz
!. but be sure that he does not 20 dow