Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-11-08
THEKING'SRUBIES
A STORY FOR BOYS AND GIRLS.
BY adelaide Fuller Fell.
Cop, right by Henry T. Coates & Coz
CHAPTER I.
A Friend in Need.

1t was a beautiful April morning. The
air, freshly washed by spring rains. was sc
pure and clear that the turkey buZZard
rising sinking, sailing through It half a
mile away appeared to be within stones
throw to the boy who lay upon the grass
idly gazing at it's movements.
Against the background of blue sky and
feecy clouds rose the softly green hills
And between the riffs In these. and about
their bases, the pink and white blossoms OF
apple and peach trees mingled with the will
lows verdure.
In the foreground lay mill-pond in a
| marshy setting. The high road came down
to the edge Of this, then turned abruptly to
creep around its border. On the other side
zigzagged the omnipresent rail fence OF
Ohio.
Along the road. when our story opens. an
old negro might have been seen driving a
mule attached to light wagon.
go long dar Abs'lom! VIVA fo' yo'
polin' long like dat fo'?" exclaimed the
driver, emphasizing the words with a smart
blow of his hickory stick.
The mule broke into a lazy trot Just as
he rounded the bend. the boy who had been
watching the buzzard's flight sat upright
suddenly presenting large straw hat to
the animals startled view.
With a snort Of fear he stopped his hind
feet flew into the air. and in the abrupt
halt the driver lost his balance and pitched
head foremost, into the edge of the pond
sinking almost the length of his arms In
the soft ooze that composed its bottom.
The boy sprang nimbly TO his feet, seized
the mule as he started on a mad gallop
and, having succeeded in tying him to the
fence. went to the assistance of the strug-
Cling negro
"Wha' TO; yo' do datg he demanded, as
soon as he regained HsSfeet "Ain't mos
daid wild rheumatic raW. 'thout tuhnin'
indeed I didn't int end 10 do 1t, for until
you turned the corner did not hear you.
You came on me so suddenly I was sur
prised myself"
"Yo' mus think mighty hahd, not to heah
Abs'lom trottin' an de road"
The boy turned his face away from the
mans keen GLANCE in a5struggle to h de
"but"-wishng to change the subject
what you going to do? You can't go
far In those wet clothes."4
Il ain t got fab to go. Use mos home.
But 1 don jes reccolecr avah seem you
howe" S
81 don't know" answered the boy, sadly.
II never want to go home gain.
why TO not, honeS2o
In spite of his efforts to restrain them
the tears rushed to the boys eyes He
dashed them away, but others followed and
finally he threw himself on the grass. shak-
ing with sobs that only came the faster as
his kind-hearted friend attempted to con-
sole him.
At last growing calmer he looked up.
you'll take cold standing there" he SAID,
almost sharply.
Oats what I will" was the answer.
take my deaf O. cold: but heah I stay
longs yo' do"
The boy arose. you're the first person
who has shown me any kindness since
mother was buried he said.
"Sho' now. I reckon yo'se de son O. da.
pore Teddy what died so student, an was
buried yestiddy?"
The other nodded his head
pore boy! Git In my wagon an go home
wild ole Nose, an 1 reckon nobody won't
trbble yo' dar."
TIL get in and drive for you. anyway. so
long as you are wet" the boy said. climbing
into the vehicle.
Cant yo' tell ole Nose all bout yoself,
honey? Somebody dun tcle me leddy-a
real Teddy. too-boarded on de Irwin fahnl,
an dat she died las Monday. Whar's yo'
faddah? He daid, too?"
NO, but he Is in California. 1t Is this
wayne used to live In Cincinnati. where