Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-02-19

~ hiShl uTtSS, UuI
NE telt more comfortable.
he took his seat in the scboolroom
proudly, and when he was called to
the blackboard to do a sum he walked
with a strut. He felt that even the
big boys, the wonderful youths who
mad money to Jingle in their pockets.
observed him. and he blushed as he
imagined the eyes Of the little women
on the girls side Of the room follow
ing him.
AS he crossed the floor the legs of
his breeches rubbed against each
other, giving forth the crisp corduroy
sound Of Observation-Disclosures" II
could be heard in the farthest corner.
All the scholars looked up from their
states or books. He caught Bessie
Clayton's eye upon him and his cheek
1amed. She had blue eyes and vel
low curls and snubbed him daily.
Even the teacher glanced at his
new breeches. Willie paused in his
sum and looked at them with salts
faction himself. Then he walked
back to his bench, and the corduroy
spoke again, Observation-Disclosures"
1t was as musical as the dumping Of
a new pair Of red topped boots.
AS he slid into his place on his
bench, Red Head turned his face and
made a mouth.
Don't you think you're smart,
Whistle Breeches?" he whispered.
"Whist-whist," said the breeches
In reply, as Willie moved, and every
eve In the school seemed to gaze ON
him, not enviously as before, but
sneeringly. Who'd want whistle
breeches?
When the recess bell rang, Willie
walked to the playground with short
steps, but still the corduroy whisper
ed. Two boys behind him laughed,
and Willie burned with shame. They
must be laughing at his new breeches.
Bessie Clayton passed him, and he
stood motionless crowded against the
wall, until she was out Of hearing.
He paused in the doorway timidly.
Red Head was standing just outside,
one shoulder turned toward Freckles
Redmond. 1t was the signal for a
fight, and the small boys were crowd.
ed about them.
Jaw, you're n yourself" Red
Head was saying, IAN you dassn't
say 1t agin. l dare you to it," he
cried, but he caught sight Of Willie
Huh" he shouted, "look here, fel
lers. Here's Whistle Brooches. Let's
spit on 'em!'
The boys crowded into the entry
and spat on them. Red Head pulled
Willie's hair twice, drawing his head
forward as he would pull a bell rope
Don't he think he's smartv
wouldn't have 'emw whistle
Breeches." whistle Breechesw They
shouted in derision, and Willie whim
pered and edged into a orner
Don't you do that" he said in
choking voice. "Tll tell teacher,
WILL"
Red Head stuck his freckled fac
close, and showed him with a warlik'
shoulder. His fists were doubled, an,
he jabbed Willie with his elbow.
Jaw, you tell him then, why don
YOU, Whistle BreechesT he inquired
"Jist you tell him, an I'll punch you
face Off"
He drew his arm back and Tented
Willie crooked his elbow to hide hi
face, and sobbed.
cav. come on, fellers," said Re
Head with deep disgust. whats til
use of foolin' with him? He ain
nothin' but a cry baby in whist
breeches. He amt NJ fun"
That noon Willie remained in tn
schoolroom until the boys had gon'
Some went home for dinner, and tn
rest ate their lunches under the GA
tree Mt the side of the school. 'Whe
the room was clear, Willie stole OF
by the back way and ran rapidly u
:, the alley. He knew he was brande
for life. The shame OF the name {
= Whistle Brooches bore him down. II
| meditated wild plans for getting ri
, of the offending garment. He wouI
$ burn it, lose it in the river. He eve
, considered running away from HON
: After dinner he slipped quietly ava
t from the table, crept up to his roo
t under the slanting roof, and put c
, his old, patched breeches. He can
= down quietly, but his mother caugI
him ~tiptoeing through the hall.
1 "Why, Willie" she said, where a
your new breeches. dear?"
/ "Up stairs" he said, simply.
|. don't want to wear them. They
( they're too tight"
n His mother saw the prevaricati'
= in the droop of his head.