Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1903-07-04
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hapless child in her arms, his be-
smudged face and tousled head nes-
thing against the dainty whiteness of
her gown, as she endeavored to soothe
him. and to still the strange outburst
which was SO distressing and SO dis
concerting to his unhappy father
Could it be that the sul1en, malevo-
lent nature had capacity for feeling of
which he had never dreamed? Or, was
this but physical manifestation of
nervousness and terror?
my boy! My boyi" he began, sooth-
ingly. BE quiet. The doctor is go
ing to set your shoulder. Surely, you
do not mind a little thing like that?''
he asked, recalling the child's life
time of accidents.
Welcome ceased his cries for an in
slant and then renewed them.
"Oh. 1 have been a bad, bad boy"
he whimpered. with astonishing peni-
tence. But I'm never, never going to
be bad any more,"
THAT is a laudable resolution, my
son!" his father responded with mild
irony. "Ptty you did not think to make
It earlfer!" and he glanced grimly at
the wrecked automobile, and thought
Of his spoiled plans.
I'm never going to be bad-if you
give me something" whimpered the
boy again.
my son! I forbear to mention what
I'd give you with huge delight, if
gave you your deserts!" exclaimed the
sorely tried father; while Mrs. Garlic
ton smiled.
them by declaring, eff only 1 get q
new mammal"
Their eyes met in confusion,
I'm the only boy round here that
amt got no mamma" announced the
child, with cheerful fmpudence and
disregard of grammar, land I want
one," he persisted. 81 want Mrs. Garlic
toni"
MY boy, this is the first good turn
you have done your unfortunate faith
er since your BIRTH" blurted out Adel-
bert Nye, with surprising alacrity.
tYou have but anticipated my own re-
quest!" and he smiled upon the boy
most genially. Now if only Mrs.
Carleton consents
But 1 thought that lady be-
gan, in confusion.
"Oh, want youi want youi" the
elfin child persisted, tightening his
arm desperately about her neck. "I1l
be a good boy, 1 truly will!'
The doctor was arranging his splints
at the end of the veranda. Archie and
Louise had joined the curious group on
the opposite side of the street.
1t was an opportunity afforded them
by Fate!
Leila" the dignified barrister be-
gan in tender whisper, 'the child has
but voiced my own thoughts! You
know what you were to me oncei For
your dear sake l have learned to love
your daughter as my own She cares
for young Irwin; 1 am in a way to
help the boy along. For all our sakes,
then, will you not consent?"
cit seems but fair" she responded
slowly and calmly. although she felt
that he must be aware of the mad
beating of her heart, ''to exchange my
daughter for your son!"
leila, know it is a long time since
that far-off September day when we
gathered the gentians in the old pas
ture lot, and vowed
"All ready now, young mani" broke
in the doctors CHEEKY voice, as he hur-
ried fussily up with full hands. "Now
let's see what a hero you're going to
BEL"
But the child pushed him rude1y
away, at the same time inquiring, in
the imperious tone of one who had
never known what it was to have his
wishes gainsaid:
els it all right, papa"
"That is for Mrs. Carleton to de-
eide, my SON. Is it all right, Mrs.
Carleton?'' he inquired lightly, yet
with unmistakable anxiety in his tone.
Two little spots of red burned upon
her cheeks, and she hesitated.
Surely, never was so strange pro
posali
'eYou are going to be my" the