Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1901-12-26

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Out into the wintry air streamed
the children. The echoes OF music
faint In their ears; the memory OF the
sacred lesson as yet In their hearts;
and the sunshine Of the holy place
still glimmering on their sharp and
wistful features.
Reddy, with his usual horde Of
satellites turned up Milwaukee street;
new expression on his naughty
freckled face, q moie subdued
twinkle 10 bis dare devil eyes. His
companions followed open mouthed
and wrinkle proved, doubt and mys-
LITIGATION racing each other back and
forth across their faces. And small
wonder! For Reddy Dune, their
chief and idol. their lord and leader,
Alpha and Omega In everything op.
posed to order, right and law, was
going to mount the rostrum Of Saint
Marks Mission short week hence,
and declare to the assembled multi.
tude,
"Oh little town Of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie."
And so forth.
The mystery Of mysteries had hap
pened In this wise: Mickey Finn,
the youngest member Of the band
was to have recited this poem on the
fast approaching Christmas eve. That
was quite fitting and proper, for
Micky was a good little soul not yet
old enough to distinguish between the
foolish things and the serious affairs
Of life. But alas In late fight with
a neighboring tribe Micky's ankle
decided to bear no more. So there
he was tied down In the dlscouraging
room he called home, with the battles
Of those he called father and mother
his only excitement. Thoughtful
for one so young he had sent back
his "piece" with honest regrets.
Thereupon the teacher had offered it
to-nay, pressed it upon Reddy, who
had accepted IL with regrets more
honest. But 1t was too late to re.
treat now. The die, was cast. The
Rubic0n had to be crossed.
Suddenly the chief wheeled around.
"Say, you fellows" he began,
"don't none Of you tell Micky, I'm
goin' to tell him m'ownself." This
opened the hoodgates and CAV,
Reddy what'd you let the teacher
bully you for?'
"You amt got time to learn 1t a
week from today's Christmas eve.'
"You're crazy" and similar breakers
burst out.
"YoU can't do it, one tacttul
youth observed.
The red famed up in their leaders
cheeks.
"Who knocked old Patsy out last
night?" he flashed.
"You did,"
"Who made that villain Joe get
down on his knees yesterday and
'pologize?
"You did"
"Who brought home the biggest
booty on that last raid?'
"You did,"
"Well, there, who says can't get
up there and speak piece!
"But Cap'n, this is way out Of your
line, You're not up in this. Micky's
the preacher Of this gang. Now
don't you try this"
"Tom's right" argued the Others
in anxious tones.
"I'll bet l will do IT," Reddy fairly
;norted with rage.
"What'll you bet? What'll you
betl" And as the sporting spirit
entered in pandemonium reigned.
When all arrangements had been
thought out and the last joyful plans
aid, with affectionate II not gentle
ldleus the members Of the band
scattered like flying leaves.
That night Micky and his chief
greeted the stars together. "Oh,
you'll do itso much better'n me. It's
lucky my foot knocked me out" and
The yellow head gave serious bob.
"That's just where you're wrong,
Mick. I'd rather fight ten fellows
han get up there and say this thing"
and the battered fragment Of paper
lgaln came up for worried inspection.
sBut III do IL. Listen here ~ and !