Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-02-02
G. Wilkins.
BIZ RALFH WILBUR.

When his parents named him George they
did not think that when he grew older his
p'aymates would call him Gee Whillikins
yor short and that In course of time 1t might
become his own fayorite expression, other
WISE they might have named him Epami.
nondas, or something like that.
He would have been very good looking
boy were 1t not that his hair was brick
red, his face freckled, his nose stubby and
turneG up and his ears and mouth large.
Otherwise his features were all right. There
was one thing about him, though, which dis.
tlnguished him from every one else, and that
WAS bis grin, This was irresistible and made
Its appearance on every possible occasion.
whether sad or merry.
+ Well, one day 1t happened that George,
according to his side of 1t, had only had
Two second helps of plum pudding after his
midday meal, and being refused amy more
ne thought he would go and sit for while
Under tree which grew at the edge Of a
Steep bank leading down to the brook. He
hadnpt been there long before.he found him.
kelf sliding, at first gently, then rapidls.
Town the bank.
! Soon he went4faster and Easter, untilfhis
grin gave way to a look of wonder at the
length Of the slide and the rapidity and
ease with which he was going Suddenly
exstruck something hard which seemed to
pc under big bunch Of tall black grass;
Pc bounced Off, turned around In the air
hnd Settled gently on a rock by the brook.
facing terrible Ogre, who was sitting on
fne ground leaning against the bank. It
Whs the Ogre's head he had struck in slid,
g.down.
Now this Ogre looked all and more than
Ene picture books make Ogres out to be.
PAS mead Fae as large as bushei basket;
twisted like the sed &c grass just after the
elue mas gene DOWN. his whiskers matched
his hair for length land ferocious appear.
pncei Ms fierce eyes glowed like two live
Eoais IN dark room under his shaggy eve.
Prows ana when bespoke bis pointed white
Eeern looked like ELL islanders necklace
}set around the edge Of red flannel bag :
His first words were spoken yery perfiv
mot sounding louder than very faint. dis.
Eant rumble Of thunder, and he looked a
Itt!e sad and reproachful as he sald:-
= VINO are you, and do you always come
nova this way7" sSA'
Ih's somewhat reassured George. SO be
EIew Along breath and said, Gee ws,illi-
kens! the words coming right out Of
pretty good sized grin; then headed. @So
i1-fhat is--you see--I slipped"
well, g. Willikens," sighed tho 0ora
and his sigh was like the rising wind. ..1en,t
Fet 1t happen,again. You startled me Enya
you had your dinner? Cause / haven't.,s
As he spoke bis voice sounded Ike seno.
Eate sharp peats OF thunder dying awav
IN rnmbhng groan, so that Georges grin
concluded to disappear for q while. stiii
he determined to know the worst 60 st ha
asked little timidly, -Do you eat little bors
and girls as--as-they say you do?',
mo, Gee" growled the Ogre. "so,,a
times wish did, but ever since NV Sraat
grandfather died pf'indigestion from sat,r :
Ia tough little Indian who told lies ana stn,s
ttfangsswe are pot allowed to eat anytime
but vegetables! r-~9t ''ns
George did not mind the noise. so no ~.
three saved up grins into one as be asllod
What did you have for breakfast? wssns,
1t enough7" WASN'T
Nor roared the Ogre. 81 only had tbrea
pumpkins, barrel Of potatoes, one hnndreS
ears Of corn, = barrel of'apples and six water.
melons" adding sadly, "and now I must
wait until three o clock, for Fam NOT allowed
10 eat between meals
As be finished speaking few tears pnshed
out Of his eyes, and some about az 7bip as
marbles fell on George, almost hitting his
igrln, SO he ducked his head and said to him
eself, Gee whilikens! wish I had brought
IAN UMBRELLA
After pause the Ogre went on, In more
gentle rumbles, saying, you seem to be
good hearted little fellow; will you do me
"a faWor?" and, without waiting for an an.
swer, he continued:-"This morning |
}get q sorncob stuck in my throat. VIII