Connecticut western news. [volume] (Salisbury, Litchfield Co., Conn.) 1871-1970, 1901-04-18


to the city, and he was so excited over
II that he was ready TO promise almost
anything. He was dear little fellow,
with only one serious fault. He would
not be dared TO do anything. IL his
playmates saw n large boy do some
thing hazardous they would whisper.
Lets dare Charlie Keith to do It."
And he would try no matter how haz-
ardous II might be to life or limb. Tho
word parachute" had occurred In the
lesson a few months before, and the
teacher explained IL TO the class and
how II was used. The next Saturday a
crowd of boys were playing with Char
lie, when one of them said that he
would like 10 see parachute used.
why, big umbrella would do Just
as well, l believe" said Joe Morris.
"And a person could jump on your
barn. couldn't they, CharlieY
why, of course they could" answer
ed Charlie.
II bet you wouldn't dare do II, Char
lie Keith" said Willie Kennedy.
"Humph! That's nothing Ill get an
umbrella and show you" And Charlie
ran TO the house for an umbrella. The
consequence was that this young man
was laid up for many long weeks with
a broken leg. So no wonder his NAM
ma thought something more than his
promise was needed IL she was 10 have
any peace while they We're away.
When they nj last were started. Char
lie wanted whole seat 60 himself, and
his mamma told him he could sit all
alone right in front Of her. For quite
way he amused himself by watching
the conductor and the few passengers
who had taken the early train. firing
OF this. he took ont his pledge and.
leaning his head against the soft plush
of the seat, read IL over and over. sud
denly some one spoke TO him.
MAY l sit here by you. sonnyG"
Charlie glanced up, and there, stand
ing by his seat, was the strangest look
ing little man he ever saw. The upper
part of his body was the same as any.
other mans, only lac had no legs just
stumps on which were fastened over
shoes His head was about on n level
with the back OF the car seat. But his
voice was so pleasant and he had such
kind face that Charlie said nt once.
IF you wish TO sit by me, you may"
Soon the two were good friends, and
Charlie told him all about himself.
Don't you think this train goes aw-
full fastT he asked. pausing for breath.
"Humph! l should say not. Why, /
jumped OF train once when II was
going faster than this one Is now"
''oh, myp said Charlie, looking at
him admiringly. "And didn't II hurt
you anyp
"Yes; some. But / don't mind IL so
much now"
lis that why you wear those thingsT'
and Charlie pointed TO the ovorshoos.
"Yes; that's why" the little man re-
piled. you see, the jump hurt my legs
SO dreadfully they had to be cut on.
But have never yet found any one
who dared TO jump Off train even
when IL was going ms slow as this one
is now. don't believe you would
dare would you nowT
II would too" said Charlie promptly
that is, would do IL only | have
promised my mamma and signed a
pledge, too, that ! would never again
take dare" And Charlie handed the
little man the card and pointed TO
where he had signed his name.
"Humphw grunted he after reading
IL over "rhls says, while you are In
the city, aud you aren't there yet"
"Ar right, sir. I'll show YOU l dare
do just what YOU did"
And Charlie jumped. At least he
tried TO. Ills mamma ran TO the seat,
but her little boy was not there When
she picked MIN Off the floor he chung
10 her, crying, ooh, mamma, VIII
have 10 wear oversboes ON my stumps
tooT
His mamma asked him what he
meant. aud he told her how he had
been dared TO jump or the train and
about the "llttle man." But she said
he had been dreaming. The fall and
fright made such an Impression on tho
little boy that he didn't need his card
for long time. For the little man
without legs" came bcfor0 him every
time any one said, Il dare you"