The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1906-08-10
THE SIMPSON KIDS
DISpEL AN ILLUSION

In the air surcharged with the brac-
ing ozone OF Lake Michigan. The
trees were loaded with the wealth Of
green that envelops them 50 luxuri-
ously In the middle Of June and Jack
son park never seemed more invit
ing.
II seemed, in fact exactly the time
to take the little Simpson children
forth for a Sunday stroll. So Mrs. /
Simpson after some argument had !
succeeded in getting Harold's face
washed and at length Marie was clad
Ia her new white chiffon dress. fhe !
two looked sufficiently cherubic to en-
title them to seats in the front row
OF the celestial choir when they set |
forth with their father fcr the sxpedi.
ton to the park.
But their father, knowing them. had |
his misgivings. He was prepared to
keep a parental eye upon them at all !
stages Of the game. But for some rea
son throughout the day the little
Simpsons preserved their angelic de-
meanor. The trip was made through
the rose garden without incident.
Neither Of his charges made the
slightest attempt to denude the bush.
es of their brilliant adornments. A
ride I'm the electric launch through the
lake and about the lagoon was singu
isFly successful. Both little Simpsons
attracted attention for the subliinity
Of their behavior. Although a small,
fidgety boy Immediately clad sat
within reaching distance OF little har-
old, not the slightest attempt at in
terference was made by the heir Of
the Simpson family.
ITS too good to last muttered
Mr.. Simpson to himself as they dis
embarked from the boat. Can 1t b6
that these children have been trans
formed and that their real character
is now coming to light?'
Little Harold had been permitted to
bring along his velocipede and was
riding it along the sidewalk on the
boulevard at Fifty-hfth street. The
party was on the home stretch and
they were passing a large drug store,
sort of fashionable gathering place
for young women in the neighborhood
fond OF ice cream. The entreaties of
Marie that they be permitted to enter
the store and partake OF a dish Of ice
cream apiece d}d not seem unreason.
able in view of their exemplary be.
havior during the day.
Leaving his Velocipede outside, lit.
tie Harold entered the store, holding
his sister by the hand and carrying
quarter in the other. Politely in
forming the clerk that he wished to
be served with ice cream for himself
and his sister at one of the small.
low tables for children. little Harold
settled himself quietly to enjoy him
self. Marie, like a model child. did
! likewise, demurely tucking the paper
napkin In the front Of her dress to
avoid accidents The women in the
store, charmed with the appearance
Of the children. Iulde audible com
ments upon the ideal picture they pre-
sented.
Mr.. Simpson. flattered at the atten.
tion which his children had attracted,
had relaxed his vigilance, firm In the
! conviction that nothing could happen
to upset the peace and quiet of the
occasion. Absorbed IN a magazine,
he did not notice the piercing look
that came into little HaroId's eyes
when he saw two boys outslGe trying
to ride away with his Veioc!nede, his
dearest possession. Il rush 10 the
doorway, the noise OF voices raised In
violent alteration, the vision of his
Oldest son in hand.to-hand conflict
with two boys on the sidewalk. were
the events coming in rapid succession
that called the attention Of Mr.. Simp
son TO the realization that the peace
full scene had vanished.
Little Harold had seen the attempt
TO purloin the velocipede and had
promptly acted. while his sister. eager
10 lend her aid, had joined forces Will
her brother against the common enc
my upsetting her dish Of ice cream
on the floor In the rush. The womeI
in the store. amazed at the suddeI
turn in tho trend OF events. coul'
; scarcely believe their eyes
But wish MIR. Simpson to think wa
70 act fastening to the scene o
battle. he separated his son from hi
two antagonists and led Marie bacl
10 the ice cream parlor Little Hai
old, fearful and indignant at being in
terrupted in what he regarded as
laudable purpose. could not be per
suaded 10 finish his ice cream.
III could only get that boy out d
Woodlawn a minute ia teach him {
let my yelocipede alone" said littl
Harold between his sobs. why didn
you let me pound him, papa2"
Mr.. Simpson was meditating BY a
the rules Of equity the right had bee
on the side Of his son, but the peac
had 10 be preserved.
ITS Sunday, Harold, and ! couldn
allow you to be squabbling on IN
sidewalk" he said, but II you eve
do get the boy IN Woodlawn. get eve
with him. That's what I'd do m!
self" And little Harold vas con
torted. Chicago Inter ocean.