Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1891-10-29
BBRTID'S bad DAY.
BY PERCY CLAYTON.

singing gayly out OF doors, and the
sun was flooding the earth with cheer
full light, he came down the stairs. de-
cid. dly out of sorts.
Aunt Nahby declared that he got ur
over the footboard, instead Of in the us
nal way, and I've did not deny 1t.
In fact he did not bother to say any
thing at all.
There was frown upon his rosy
check that twisted all the merry, good
nature out of it.
He sat down by the breakfast table
! and scowled at the oatmeal and nice
sweet milk-but didn't eat any.
i wish could do just AS l please fol
one day of nv life, he said at last.
You can, said mamma. smiling in
An amused way.
"Truly, mamma?
Honest and true,
Black and blue,
Lay me dnwnmn cut me INTO
DO YOU mean that may do exactly as
l want to all day long? the astonish-
ment at such an idea, drove the black
est Of the scowls away.
Yes, that's Just what do mean.
nodded mamma. But you must not
come to me if you get into trouble. II
you are not my little boy yen cannot
expect me to help you.
BERTHE was silent and thoughtful, but
he had no idea Of gi' ing up lis own
will.
i guess | won't go to school. Ill
III go fishing he unused after break
fast was over.
Then he went out and stood upon the
back porch.
Ncighbor Aliens pear tee was load
ed with fruit, and the limbs were tempt.
'ng|y low.
But, with hurried glance towards
the kitchen window to see if mamma
was looking, be swung himself into the
tree. and began picking the rosicst
pears.
Hi. hi II didn't think that of you,
Master BERTHE ! cried an angry voice
and Bridget ran out of Nelghbor Al
len door. Come down tins instant.
I'm doing as | want to to day, and
want some of these pears, returned
Berthe, picking another plump one.
And want you to come lown-and
you will, too
Bridget stepped into the shed and
came out with Neighbor Aliens new,
whalebona whip.
I've got enough. and I'm going
Good BY he cried. swinging to the
ground by long limb.
Then he took his pole and went over
to Sucker Pond.
The fish were off on holiday, too
and so he sat there moment after mo-
ment, and did not even get one bite.
This isn't any fun, he growled at
last, and the scowls came again, as be
wound his line up, and started home
But he had not taken two steps be-
fore he stnbbed his toe, and fell head.
long into the pond-and the pond had
black quicksand bottom.
He remembered this as he came to
the surface, amid the thick lily pads
gasring for breath, and remem boring
also that he had not told anyone where
he was going.
His fishpole was upon the bank, out
Of reach, nothing was near but the
broad, green leaves, and clinging SER
pent like lilly stems, and his feet were
slowly sinking in the muddy bottom.
Mamma, Oh mamma he cried, and
then he remembered that he WASH t
mammals little boy for a day-'and
when to morrow comes, | want be any.
body's boy, he breathed In frightened
way, us he struggled to pull lis feet out
of the mud.
It reached his ankles now, and the
cold pond water was even with his
chm.
why, what are you doing there !?
answered voice, and NeIghbor Clark
looked over the bank. 'Mired, ail,t
you? Wait till l get the halter from
the wagon and I'll yank you out. Run
away irom school Ill bet, didn't you :?
But Berthe did lot answer. The
water was up to his mouth, and his lips
were closed very tightly indeed.
Neighbor Clark threw the rope
which Berthe caught with II death like
grip, and soon ne was upon the bank
! by his side.
Pan hama .onuv' and fell yOul