St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1895-07-05


Colorado great deal about it. Mr.,
Joplin listened gravely.
Its good notion" he said, land
human"
And then little Knucks returned.
He hoped in and laid the card on
the desk.
Here is the ticket back again, SIT, ~
ne said. Let some other boy use it
don't need it,"
And he turned and started to hop
from the room.
But, my boy"-began Mr.. Hal
lett.
Il don't need it," the lad repeated,
hopping toward the door.
But your country week.
Pm not goin." He was outside
of the door by this time.
Mr.. Joplin's tall form uprose sud.
denly from his chair. He took few
long steps and placed his big hand
on the lads shoulder.
Here" he said, fairly propelling
the little chap back into the room,
Come back here !"
Pm not goin to the country to.
morrow" the lad persisted. Lem
me go; I'm busy"
sit down there ~ commanded Mr..
Joplin.
Now. when Knucks had received
the precious ticket emitting him to
the country week he had flown
homeward as fast as his crutch
would carry him.
Little Jimmy Patton, the sun
stricken lad, lay on the brisk little
cripple's bed. He looked up weakly
as his friend hoped into the room.
i've got it, jim" Knucks cried
eagerly. i've got ticket Tor one,
an you can go to the country tomor-
row."
You'll get well now. old mani"
cried Knucks. "An, Jim, you jest
remember everything you do an see
an hear fer ter tell me-
The sick boy held out the ticket.
Il amt goin, Knucky," he said.
you are the one that got the ticket !;
you are to go!"
Mr.. Hallett was keen questioner,
and 1t was not long till he had the
whole story.
Course l wouldn't listen to
him" said Knucks in telling it. But
it's no use; he says | got the ticket
an I've got to 60 on IT,"
"Well, why don't you?' said Mr..
Hallett.
Me- The boys tone was def
ant, but he looked worried and
troubled. more than he would tell
"Me go? Who'd take care of him
while"-His voice shook, and he
started to hop from the room.
Keep your ticket" he jerked.
"Sit down there again" said Mr..
Joplin. Here, little teller, both OF
you can 60 to the country"
Knucks had sat down, and now
for moment he stared at the man
in the pepper and salt suit.
There's only one ticket, he fal.
tered finally.
Hang tickets!" cried Mr.. Joplin.
You fellers are goin with me. To.
morrow's the Fourth of July. III
give a potlatch. I-git along with
you. Tell the other little teller that
both OF you are goin to the country
with me tomorrow. Say, hold on.
Any more sick boys you know Of?
Invite 'em all.
John" interrupted the secretary.
Invite 'em all" said Mr.. Joplin,
talking him down. You've got to
have a crowd when you give pot
latch. Hold on! Better let Mr..
Secretary do the inviting. But you
and the other little chap be on hand
here at this office by sun up. Don't
forget!
Knucks glanced at the secretary
inquiringly and got reassuring
nod. He flew tor home as fast AS he
could possibly 60, wholly unmindiul
of heat, and told the glorious news.
Jim Immediately set up in bed declar-
ing that he tet well.
But what's a potlatch ?" he asked
presently.
II dunno" answered Knucks, "but
it's something good"
Next morning a mob OF children
stood collected at the door of the
Fresh Air society before the sun rose.
They were all boys.
Such a crowd of weaklings as they
were-white faced, skinny little tel
lows-but every face ashine with
eagerneSs.
While Mr.. Hallett had been issuing
the invitations the eiver OF the pot
latch had been equally busy. He
had strobe hither and thither, made
purchases and sent kilograms.
1t was still early in the forenoon
when they reached their destination
a pretty green powered country
village that Mr. Hallett had recon-
mended-and there was brass band
at the depot to meet them.
We're here, fellows" cried Mr..
Joplin to his boys" This is the
place. It's out in the open air, and
today's the Fourth Of July. Yell all
you want to. The band will now
NAV ~