Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1906-01-24
Fl Southern Story

EsR& = NJ
Johnny" called Mrs. Truman.
John turned his sun-burned face upon
the pillow and dreamed that a magnid-
cent chariot, to which he was driving
six coal black steeds, had suddenly
stopped.
Johnny" repeated Mrs. Truman.
/ get up. The wagons ready
Il am too" replied John. rubbing his
eyes and Jumbling out OF bed and into
his clothes in less time than it takes to
tell it.
Ordinarily John had to be called half
a dozen times, he slept so soundly:
but this morning Uncle Peter, the col
ored man who took care of Mrs. Tru
mans garden and orchard, was going
I into town to carry a wagon load OF
fruit and John was to so with him to
hold the horses while Peter went into
the houses to deliver the fruit.
Still rubbing his eyes with one hand
while he buttoned his jacket with the
! other, John tore down to the gate like
a shot, where stood the wagon filled
with boxes and baskets. DoDbin and
Joe, the two horses, were munching the
hay spread in front of them and Peter
stood by eating his breakfast from his
hands. In his eagerness to be off John
had forgotten his until his mother
called him back to the house While
he hastily swallowed his food she
smoothed his hair and Strengthened his
collar. Soon he was on the wagon-seat
/ by Peters side, a basket of lunch nice
~ pac..-- under the seat, and a roll or
hay in the back part Of the wagon for
Dobbin and Joe. Mrs. Truman was
merciful to every beast and Taught
John to be also.
Don't let Peter forget that the jelly
apples are for Mrs. Jones and the pre-
serving pears are for Mrs. Smith
Johnny" caned Mrs. Truman as they
drove off
Nom" answered John, hoIdine
tight to the reins and guiding the
horses sldlfully through the gate For.
/ to his great delight, Peter allowed him
to drive every step of the way. only
watching the wheels closely as they
drove over the narrow plantation
bridges.
After they had gotten into town and
all the fruit had been disposed of ex-
| cept t"e pears for Mrs. Smith, Peter
stopped the wagon under the shade of
a great tree.
Now, Johnny" he said, while |
take this bucket of pears into Mrs.
Smith, you put the hay in front of Dob
bin and Joe, so they can eat, and IN
bring bucket of water back for EN-"
John scattered the hay and, climbing
back into the wagon, was about to open
the lunch basket when he heard a
great hurrah up the street. Cries OF
| xiii him, kill HIM" were heard and
crowd of white and colored boys came
tearing down the street, pelting win
stones and brickbats poor, miserable
dog which ran as "a t as its tired legs
would carry him. His head dropped,
his tail hung hopelessly down, and he
painted as If he would fall at every
step. A big boy who led the crowd
threw brick which struck him on the
head, when, with a weak howl, the poor
creature fed under the wagon Tor
refuge and for hiding.
Let the poor dog slone-won't
you?' begged John of the boy who
threw the brick, and who was STOPPING
to throw again.
ITS my dog" angrily answered the
boy, and I'll do what l please VITA
him"
The other boys crowded around
ready with sticks and stones to strike
the dog as soon as the big boy shoui.
drive him from under the wagon. John
dropped the basket, leaped to the
ground, and, creeping close to the ter.
rified dog, said to the boys
You'll have to hit me first
The poor creature covered close 10
him as if feeling he had found a friend
and pro ector in his extremity.
shout rose among the boys,
Knock him over, if he won't get out
Of the way" and hands were raised |
threatenly But John stood his ground /
manfulIy. In the midst Of the uproar |
Peter returned with the bucket OF
water
Whats the matter here?' he asked !
He wants to keep me from my dog" |
answered the big boy, pointing to John !
They are beating the poor thing to
death, Uncle Peter" called John from |
under the wagon, putting his arm over
the dog to show he would not desert /
him.
Now all you boys tell me what this |
trouble is about" demanded Peter.
That's my dog POnto, and he's been !
behaving so strange lately believe !