Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-30
SIR PETER.
Written for The Star by
CLEMENT CHAPMAN YOUNG.
Copyright. 1906. by G. G. Young.)
CHAPTER XII.
What Happened at the Fair.

The day that was to mark Sir Peters
public appearance broke warm and cloud
| less and his friends were early astr. over
| In a vacant lot. around which zigzagged the
| frailest apology for a fence, donkey graz
! ed in contendted idleness, answering to the
name of Patsey', when he answered at
all. Very rough was his coat,s and it's
| roughness and shaggness made him look
uncared for, but he resisted all attempts to
| improve his appearance and it was not a
| safe thing to thrust attentions upon him
| that he did not wish TO receive. ,z6g.s.
Between Tom and the little fellow cor
dial understanding had existed since Pat
sey's sensitive nose first discovered Jumps
| of sugar hidden In his masters pockets;
but there were times when even Tom en-
countered stubbernness that yielded
| neither to sugar nor persuasion. Toward
every one else Patsey's attitude was hos
tile and he took the keenest delight In do
ing just the reverse of what was expected
OF him.
Perhaps it was this unwillingness to
share in plans whose success depended up
on his assistance. that made James doubt
full OF undertakings in which the small
animal figured At all events, when Tom,
in the midst of careful self adornment,
thrust his head out of the window and call
ed-"James, saddle the donkey while An
ish dressing he laid his commands upon
one who Obeyed with no visible enthusia sn
It's heap easier ter say Saddle de
donkey, den to do it. Patsey mule berry
sot IN he ways; sometimes We can cox i'm.
but more times we can't
Grumbling to himself, James got the sad
die and bride and started off,
Whats de good saddIin' i'm anyhow p"
he asked: st amt much use tryin' ter ride
i'm; it's jes like foolin' .yo' time way; when
rytt ~ h-ol 49,
long ven stay on. But Toms gwinter do
de ridn'," he remarked more cheerfully
Hes de only one can make i'm mind an
he can't always do 1t; ponds on how dat
donkey feels
By this time James tardy footsteps had
led him to the pasture. where he stopped
and regarded Patsey with careful scrutiny
"Jes look at i'm now. standin so m'ble
an inherent. Ye can almos' see de wings
sproutin from he back
The attitude Of Patsey was indeed peace
ful. as he stood with dropping head and
half-closed eyes. Approaching with the
caution of an intimate acquaintance James
addressed the donkey soothingly:
Whoa now, Patsey; nice mule: whoa
boy" Further remarks were cut short by
efforts to dodge Patsey's heels.
EFF We kicks me, I'll take dis strap an
waliop-" Again James activity was all that
saved him.
Fooled in his amiable intentions, the DON
key ran to the end of the lot, where, TAX
awaited developments. James hesitated as
If doubtful how best to proceed. Gathering
q handful of grass, he went over and held
1t before Patsey's nose, but the peace of
fering was not sufficient to overcome the
donkey's hostility.
Just at this time Bob came along on his
pony. and Tom also put in an appearance,
ending a situation that had become strain
ed.
why James," impatiently, have mt you
saddled Patsey yet? You've had time to do
1t twice over $50 -
James made no reply. but his glance was
full of reproach.
Here, give me the bridle''
With confidence that anticipated no
resistance, Tom slipped the bit in the dom
keys mouth, and adjusted the bride.
Now let's have the saddle"
With the same willingness, Patsey allow
ed the saddle to be placed on his back, the
only suggestion of spirit out of harmony
with the proceeding being the vigorous rat
-tat-tat- OF his heels against the she'd as
the saddle girth was frightened and buekIed.
Mounting, Tom bent over the basket which
was handed him. and spoke softly to Sir
Peter. Keep quiet for awhile, you little
rascal; but when we let you out just think
1t is morning, and crow your best
Patsey and the pony tretted along to-
gether, their riders eagerly discussing the