Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1892-04-28
HOW MIDGET SUCCEEDED.
The Bright Little Girl That Caught Uncle
John on His Guard.

OOhh OH hih
The house had rung with April fool
April foolr since the children were out
of bed, and every member of the family
except Uncle John had heard the words
shouted triumphantly in his ears
This last was the worst of il, for it
was Uncle John above all others whom
Bert and Clara and Amy desired to
catch; but nobody had been so fortu-
nate as find him of his guard. No, not
even when Bert rushed in with the
frantic inquiry if anybody had seen
Bravo, Uncle Johns favorite hunting
dog. declaring that he was not in the
stable or anywhere about the premises,
emitting to mention that he had given
Amy special instructions TO unchain
him and to lead him far off down the
road; but Uncle John saw through the
joke, and quietly smiled behind his
newspaper.
Boiled eggs, with the contents Of the
shells removed; sailed pudding-sauce,
and pie that was set temptingly near
his plate, the Notwithstanding crust
hiding the uncookcd beans with which
it was filled-all alike failed.
To the disgust of the juvenile trio, he
appeared to be perfectly contented with
plain dinner of roast beef and steamed
potatoes.
The night before Uncle John had
said:
"A ten-dollar gold-piece to the one
who catches me nappingl'
This was the reason why Clara and
Bert and Amy were so busy to-day
scheming TO trap their uncle
at is no use!' cried Bert, in the dis
appointed tone, when the pudding was
declined. You are on the watch all
the time.
Cant you think of something's"
asked Uncle John "You might tack
my slippers to the floor, or nail my coat
to the wall"
"of course we can't after you've told
rs, Z" said Amy. what made you think
of it first2"
Il am afraid | shall have to do with
ont the baby-house!" sighed Clara
"Humphl" said Bert, who scorned such
trifles. II want to buy something sensi-
bic. / could get Robinson Crusoe' and
Little Lord Fauntleroy' and ever so
many others. Oh. l must think of
something! Yes, l win"
II gueth mutht fool he" announced
Midget, from her high chair next to
mummA
How they all laughed The idea of
NUGGETS fooling anybody, much less
shrewd Uncle John!
you are too little. said Amy, giving
her sister loving pat
= ithu't baby" said Midget, with
some show of dignity Then she APP
pealed to her mamma Cant little
folkth April-fool big follSth?" she asked
"If the little folks are bright enough.
Midget" replied mamma
Il gueth 1 it'll bright enough, ithn't
I?' said Midget, very soberly.
You'll do. you'll do!n cried Uncle
John, while the rest burst into a merry
laugh.
Midget was very very little girl,
not SO large as many year-old baby,
though sire had counted three summers.
But she had an active brain, if she were
little, aud she caused plenty of mirth
IN the family by her wise, comical
SpttGitS.
After dinner the three other children
entire Y forgot Midget in their numer-
Gus vain attempts TO fool Uncle John.
1t really seemed as if they would have
10 give il up. 1t was too bad, they all
agreed in despair
He is a awyer, and that's what's the
matter" said Bert, hes so used to
thinking of things
Uncle John heard this remark on his
way to the library with the evening
paper
1T pretty hard on the youngsters, =
he chuckled, I'D give two tens to have
them catch me, l declare | thought
they were sharp enough too"
He was about TO enter the doorway,
but paused in the doorway
Well, well. he muttered, IF Midget
isn't taking nap in my easy-chair.
What little beauty she isl
She did make n pretty picture, curled
up costly among the cushions, one tiny
hand doubled beneath her cheek, the
other thrown above her head She
looked much like a wax doll, with her
white dress, pink cheeks aud long,
wavy. yellow hair. The wee girl occu-
pied soft spot in Uncle Johns heart.
and he hesitated now about disturbing
her SAUNDERS; but his favorite seat was
too tempting, =. thinking She would
be as comfor 4oIe spon the sofa he lift
ed her gently in his arms and tiptoed
softly ACROSS the room. WHAT was his
astonishmeAt when the mischievous tot
Auddsnly opened her eyes, which were
dancing with fun. and exclaimed, gles-
fully;
"APFtl Fool! April FOoll wsthnt
Athleep at All!-