The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1890-06-12

And Benny ate the biscuit very quiet
~. He was busily thinking, too, IS he
smoothed his face. 50 that when his
father passed him the cake he was his
own happy self once more.
When supper was over Mr.. Knox took
the milk pals and started down the
trotted after him. but Benny was
brought to stop by question asked
over his fathers shoulder.
Have yon looked into the wood-box
tonight, Benz"
Benny knew quite well what this
question meant. 1t was his task TO fill
the wood-box every pleasant afternoon.
But he hated to bring in wood. There
was naughty scowl on his forehead as
he turned back. All! it had popped up
again-the fox Of ill-humor. lie stamped
one foot resolutely on the ground, and
stamped the little fox away for that
time.
As she stood at tho sink, washing
dishes, Mrs. Knox heard him talking to
himself while he picked up an armful
Of wood. When he came Juggling it up
the two low steps he said: Il JUS guess
that old fox, Ill Temper, won't trouble
me again. He came and talked rightin
my ear and said: Benny, don't bring in
any wood till you get ready But | did.
And / imagine he's pretty we'll scat"
THAT is good, was the mothers sober
reply. ''But look out that he doesn't
whisper to you again. And look out for
the other foxes, too"
'Oh, I'm looking out" Bonnie said,
cheerfully.
Perhaps the fox Of disobedience heard
this and determined to lay Benny's
pride in the dust. At any rate, he ap.
peared quite unexpectedly, and much
to Benny's sorrow.
Mr.. Knox was coming in from the
barn with full, frothy pail in each
hand. the children running along before
him with little leaps and springs ut
every step.
Benny" said his father, you'll slip
into that puddle ii you jump on that
smooth stone in such . careless way.
Don't do it again.
But Benny had fixed himself for an
other jump and felt very sure that he
should not slip. Besides, his father had
passed on and would hardly notice
whether he obeyed or disobeyed. So he
gave skip and hop, while Lottie
stood watching. Now he touched the
stone. He had not slipped. he was say
ing to himself triumphantly. Then all
at once, there was a splash and cry,
and the next instant frightened and
dripping boy was scrambling out on one
side Of the ducks puddle, while the
whole duck family. equally frightened,
were Tapping hastily out on the other
side. Then the duck mother, quacking
very loudly, led her quacking ten away
to the other end Of the yard as fast as
they could waddle, and the mother. say
ing that she was sorry her Benny should
be disobcdient, led very quiet little
hoy into the house.
Benny" said his father, ''what do
you think should be done to boy who
won't mind what he is told?"
Benny twisted uneasily. Il s'spose-
he ought to have-a-whipping-
hope amt the boy that's going to get
it,
Mr.. Knox walked to the window, and
looktd out for minute. Then he turned
and looked at the very wet boy. Per
haps your ducking was sufficient pun
ishment, he said.
When Benny's mother went to kiss
him goodnight she found him with
wide eyes fixed solomnly on the CELL
ing. A soft twilight was only just
creeping into the room, for the July
days did not bring dusk until after the
children's seven o'clock bedtime.
Mamma" said Benny, II am very
tired"
Are you?" said the gentle mother.
"Yes-but not cause Of my playing
too hard. I'm JUS 'xausted looking out
for those ugly little foxes. But p'raps
there won't be so many Tomorrow
Mary Clark Huntington, in Springfield
Republican.