St. Landry democrat., 1890-06-28
Buns First Smoke
HOW MRS. PARKS TAUGHT HER SON
SEVERE AND LASTING Lesson.

HOW MRS. PARKS TAUGHT HER SON A
SEVERE AND LASTING LESSON.
1t began in this way; Jack Durr had
cigar at school, and generally offered
Bun few whiffs otis just splendid"
the little fellow said as he thanked JACK.
Bun wiped his mouth carefully as be
went into his mothers kitchen. He didn't
think of her smelling his breath. That
she would not like to have him smoke, he
was very sure, so he did not want Der to
know what he had done.
Mrs. Parks was ironing, and he had to
pass her to put his books away.
"Why, Bun I" she said, "what is it that
smells so strong of tobacco p
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 presently.
"Jack says that tobacco is good for
almost anything" Bun said in conclusion.
"When his sister Madge had the ear
ache, his father smoked in it, and it got
better right away"
you may 90 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 get off
that easy" murmured Bun as he went to
the barn with smile ON his face.
He fed the horse, the cow, then he
shelled corn for the chickens, whistling
merrily as he worked.
When the fowls had eaten their supper
he shut them into the hen house.
His work was now all done except milk
ing the white cow, Daisy
He was in good humor, and as he hung
up the stool Bun stopped to pet the gentle
creature and talked to her.
"You don't know what fun I've had to-
day, do you, Daisy7' he asked.
''No, you're not boy, SO you can't know
anything about it. Pm going to be man
some day, Daisy, and then can smoke all
want to ; no one will make fuss about
| it. did feel kind O. mesn when l saw
that grieved look come over mothers face,
but she'll get over it after chile, 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 obediently. She drew the
big rocking chair up to the fire, shook up
the cushion, and said: ''Sit down, Ben
ME, and rest you must be tired" The
boy looked at her too astonlshed fol
speech He wondered what it all meant,
but he soon found out.
Mrs Parks went to her room, returning
a moment later with clay pipe aud par
eel of tobacco. She filled the pipe, and
after lighting it, handed it to Bun, will
the remark:
"Now have good smoke. When tina
is gone I'll give you more; there's plenty
of tobacco here"
Was she jesting? No; her face wa
grave and her voice sc sounded as usual.
Another kind look from his mother, ant
he was left alone.
This is what call jolly" thought on
hero.
ga warm room all to myself, and leav
to smoke all want to-"
He pulled away for few minutes, bu
suddenly his face grew sober.
ell don't want to smoke any more,
he cried.
ooh, yes finish what you have there
, at any rate" his mother answered.
But Pm SICK" he was obliged to ow
, at last.
"Mercy sake. Can the child be sick
Strange that he should be taken SO sud
: denly. Perhaps another good smoke wi
cure it," she added.
The mother hurried away to finish get
: ting supper. But poor Bun could not ct
a mouthful that night.
Only those who have had like expert
| erce can imagine how i'll the boy was.
81 PROMISE" he sobbed, with his hea
, resting on his mothers shoulder, "neve
a to smoke any more"
/ He has kept his word.
' To this day Bruce Parks cannot endu1
: the sight or smell of tobaeco.-Lena Re!
d 7aolds, in Christian at Work.