The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1903-12-31


greatest frankness. although Mr.. Red.
ney Burke had always considered his
father, as did many others, In the light
of a genteel myth. Still he thought to
himself that if he had a fsther and II
he himself were worth q few million or
so he might-he didn't commit himself
upon the subject, however, even In his
thoughts-he might blow his father to
pipe some time. This considerate
sentiment. he reasoned. justified his re-
ply to the philanthropist.
well, wen," remarked the latter,
glaneing down at the disinterested
spe.hnen / efore him. .'but what would
you like to have now for Christmasr
Redney shook his head. Il amt per.
ticler about lneself. II l could git that
there pipe-an'," he added as he scent
ed possibilities heretofore unsupported,
IAN good bit of smokin' tobacco. an
one of them there rubber things to put
it in-say, if l could do that for the old
man-say. An wouldn't he feel stuck
on hisself! But, gee. wot's de use? l
can't do 1t. so l might as we'll be 60
in"
He made this last remark because he
knew intutively that brevity, which il
the soul of wit, is also the essential in
charitable enterprises. Good impulses
don't last forever, so he moved of,
shaking his head as he went.
The big man looked up and down the
street to see if lie was observed, then
he stretched forth his hand and caught
Redney by the arm.
Here, my boy" he exclaimed gently
as he showed five dollar bill into Mr..
Redney Burkes reluctant grasp-"here,
go and get the pipe for your father and
then go and get something for - for
yourself. and-and have at least one
happy Christmas that you can look
back upon" His eyes glistened a bit
as he said it, and, to his credit be it said,
he did not regret the impulse or the do,
nation for full two hours thereafter.
Tanks" said Mr.. Burke. with bit
Of scrape and stiff sort Of bow
tanks from me an me old man.
The next day there was a queer for.
nation in an unfreQuented corner of
the play yard of the Fourteenth ward
school. This formation resembled more
than anything else an Eskimo hut, but
composed, instead of inanimate ma
terial. of a very animated and interested
crowd of boys gathered around q com
mon center. From the aperture in the
top of this human Eskimo dwelling
and therefore heightening the illusion
assembled column Of smoke, and as il
ascended to the skies there came q
voice from within.
Gee, fellersr' said the voice Gee
but amt this great?" 1t was the vote,
Of Mr., Rodney Burke, the votary of my
Lady Nicotine. the center of an admir-
ing crowd. He smoked a ppe-the pip,
of his heart-and he filled it from a rec
rubber case.
Just fits in me pants pocket" he oh
served. And as he said it he pulled on
few dollar bills and exhibited them.
"An' l got four more plunks left
What dye tink:" be said.
Later, in the class room, the teacher
lifted her head high in the air an(
shifted
'Some boy" she remarked severely
"has been smoking. l want to know
who it is" ....s
She lOoked-not around the room-Du
directly at Nlr. Rodney Burke. He fair
ly reeked with tobacco, and he knew it
Under the circumstances, therefore
he side stepped with alacrity into th'
aisle and looked squarely into tn,
teachers eyes.
"Me old wo-me mot her" he explain
ed glibly-'mel mother had Il smOkin
jag on yestiddy. an had to stay hom'
an fill her pipes. an me clo'es is full
Of it. 1t amt me; it's her. Dye seeI'
Then he whipped out q small, new
leather pocketbcok with u brand new
penny5in it and handed it over. An 1
merry Christmas to you, Miss Burt
whistler he remarked.