The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-11-24
The Secret of Ted'S Reform.

Ted. Teddie!" called his mother
from the kitchen door.
Yes, maw,'' answered he. "Shucksi'
he thought; boys always have their
fun spoiIt; it is pretty tough that they
don't want a fellow to even go swim
ming. I wish my hair would dry:
mothers always find everything out, "
and he ran his fingers through his hair
still wet from his late swim.
| He was lying under an old apple tree
| in the orchard, and now began amusing
himself by breaking into the row of ant
/ hills that were close beside him. He
seemed to enjoy the pastime of destroy
/ ing the tiny houses with the toes of
his new boots, for he laughed as he saw
the little fellows scampering in all dl-
rections, some of them in their flight
! dropping the burdens of stuff they were
storing away for winter food
/ Pretty soon Ted saw a big spider drop
from the tree above him, spinning its
web as it came down. He was so busy
watching what the spider did that he
quite forgot the little ants. But when
he again noticed them they had in
fcreased to a great black army, and
were rushing to and fro carrying grains
of sand. Then he saw they had covered
his legs with it. He began to feel un-
comfortable, especially as the spider
was now being helped by ever so many
more equally big and monstrous look
| ing, and each was hurrying across his
webs about him that he was soon fast
ened down to the ground, upon winch
he was still lying Soon one great black
fellow perched on Ted's nose, and in an
awful voice said:
What do you think of that, young
man?'' Ted tried to answer, but he was
afraid to open his mouth lest he should
swallow the horrid creature. You will
not tear any more of our beautiful
webs continued the spider, and he
4 nd TaC'S which
| was a very ticklish performance for its
owner.
you will not break up any more of
our homes. will you?" said chorus of
ants, as they went on burying him
deeper and deeper. eff you live through
thiSr' said one.
IF 1 live through thisr' repeated Ted.
'Jimminy Grips, 1 guess am done
for
Just then voice called out. How
do you like to be hit with stones?"
Now, Ted did not like it at all as he
felt perfect hailstorm of pebbles
! coming down on him. One knocked the
spider off his nose. THAT was dandy
aim thought Ted. but he did not say
so. for a rock had just hit him square
in the mouth.
when he is down." said he, angrily.
isn't it, thought" croaked near him.
''You thought it was fair when you
pelted me- and big green frog
Warts" said he. and he was going
to scream, but a plaintive voice from
the branches overhead sang out:
wicked boy! Bad boy, where is my
nest? Where are my birds?' And a
robin flew down and pecked at Ted's
eyes.
stop. stop" said he. ct am no
bladder than other boys. All boys rob
nests"
But where is my stinger?" Missed a
yellow jacket flying about Ted's head.
Yes, yes, you cruel boy" buzzed a
myriad of bees alighting on his face
and singing him with wrathful ven
There. spit tobacco; spit tobacco,
and I will let you CO. sounded near
'twin vou?' Ted cried with low. But
then he remembered he was not a
grasshoDDer and could not spit to-
baceo. and his joy changed into grief
as he felt his tormentors hopping
ABOUT his face and eyes. quite binding
A terrifying voice rang out, Fly home!
Fly home your house is on fire!''
Is it? And mother is home all alone.
Oh let me goi' exclaimed the brighten
ed boy.
JP. NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
Never mind said the ladybug, don't
be in hurry" and she danced around
inside his ear. Poor boy, he was nearly
wild with misery, and thought nothing
more could happen that would be any
worse, but something did happen, for he
felt horrible smarting all over his
cheeks and forehead.
You ugly snail, get off my sore nose. -
Why, that is only some of the salt
you put on me yesterday" calmly an
swered the snail, crawling over Ted's
face. Your nose is such a good shape
for a Slide" concluded he, and he pro-
ceeded to utilize it for that purpose.
&c whizz! what a good fish bait you
would make" said an angle worm
crawling slowly over Ted's neck until
he came to his cheek, and then added
I will Just stay here, old boy, and we
can play wiggle waggle.''
Ted was very much frightened at al
these things. and though he admitted
he had mistreated these little creatures
as they had represented, still he did not
, ike to have them on such intimate
terms with him. He saw a cloud al
white butterflies coming toward him an6
! thought. Well, they cannot hurt me
anyway"
Cant we?" said the leader. Just as II
| Ted had spoken out aloud. Just let us
f show you how it feels to be fastened
t with pin" and he drove a sharp in
strument through Ted's body which
} pinned him to the ground.
: There. sir. You can fiutter and fiuttel
as we did on your desk at school," ane
the pretty thing poised itself on thu
head of the pin and laughed, and wouly
! squirrel seated on the bough overhead
! with slingshot began firing nut she'll
at Ted's face.
Take that, and that. you sneaky,
chartered the squirrel, taking anothe
] aim
SAY you stop that; never did any