Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1906-02-17

Tommy, his chum, lived down on the
banks of the Big Pappio, the former
with his grandmother, and the other
in the old den where his bright eyes
first opened to take in the pretty
sights that abound far in the west
/ In appearance the little bears were
much alike, and often their friends
mistook one for the other In the
same locality lived Red Berry, a
winsome bear lass, of whom Nipper
and Tommy were very fond
Naturally there grew up rivalry
between the two little bears, try to
keep it down as they might, over
which should be first in the affections
of Red Berry, and owing to their look
ing SO much alike, at times, even Red
Berry could not tell them apart.
But it was Nipper that Red Berry
loved, and it was in his company she
was most frequently found.
Grandma Bear, Nipper's best friend,
advised him to pay more attention to
his studies and less to the little girl
bear, but Nipper took another view
of the matter, and SO it came about
that he made arrangements to accom-
pany Red Berry to a spelling bee one
night when he knew his grandmother
would have company, thus enabling
him to slip away and be absent with
out being missed-for old bears are
great gossips, and seem never to
know when to stop talking, once they
have begun.
| Nipper lived down the Big Pappio,
and Tommy Bear up the river; half
way between the two homes Red
Berry lived, and it was necessary for
Tommy to pass the little maids den
on his way to the spelling bee.
Tommy was trotting along the path
when he heard a voice calling:
Where are you going, dear?'
In a moment Tommy knew Red
Berry had mistaken him for Nipper,
and he could not resist the tempta-
ton to turn about and meet her.
What are you in such a hurry
for?" asked the miss, as Tommy
paused by her side and gave the
paw she extended a gentle squeeze.
I've got all the time there Isl
replied Tommy, "but 1 thought I'd
just timber up my legs little, while
you were getting ready
| But, Nipper, I've been ready half
an hour, and waiting for you," insist
ed Red Berry, and then the two set
out for the place where the spelling
bee was to be held.
After they had gone a little ways
Red Berry said she had something
to tell, but she would not do so unless
Nipper, whom she thought she was
talking to, promised to let the mat
ter drop and not cause a disturbance
over it.
| "Why, certainly, Red Berry, I'd
never say word about anything you
tell me, so long as 1 live, and breathe.
heart"
| We'll, who'd you suppose called a
short time before you did and tried
to get me to go to the spelling bee
with him." asked Red Berry.
Cant imagine replied Tommy.
'Then I'll tell YOU said Red
Berry. No one on earth but Tommy
Bear, and would you believe me?
He really tried to make me believe
he was you"
After they had gone a little farther
the bogus Nipper suggested they take
advantage of the moonlight and climb
a tree and rest, out on big limb that
he pointed to.
Red Berry had just remarked that
if Tommy Bear happened by, and saw
them, he would probably tell every
body he met, just to plague them
| And who should come trotting
along but the supposed Tommy Bear.
He caught sight of the pair and
stopped.
What are you doing up there?" he
i called.
81 don't know as it's any of your
business replied Red Berry.
Then I'll make it some of my bust
ness" exclaimed the new arrival,
L f4I he foc
as his wee legs would let him go.
| Tommy Bear don't YOU come near