Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-23
SIR PETER.
Written for The Star by
CLEMENT CHAPMAN YOUNG.
Copyright. 1906. by @. @. Young)
CHAPTER XII.
Tom Hears Unexpected News.

1
Tom Hears Unexpected News.
| Sir Peters Homecoming was looked upon
| as anything but cause for rejoicing He
| was gentle and aTectionate- with every one
and devoted to the boys. but his love for
| fight, instead of growing less as the result
OF his frequent encounters. waxed daily
| stronger, and was only limited by the mar
rowing field for the display of his activities.
| 1t might have been pleasure at the little
| ROSTERS return or the brightness of the
| June morning that was reflected in the face
| of Tom: but his smile was full of cheerful
| ness as he busted himself about the yard.
| Over the lawn the hose was stretched. its
| siauous length twisted here and there like
| the coils of serpent. AS result of-Tom's
active efforts. water lay in pools upon the
| road, sparl1led like dew-drops on the grass
and oozed from his shoes.
| Dat in the street little old man diligent-
ly piled his hoe, freeing the gutter from
growth OF weeds. AS he wiped the moist
ure from his brow, he eyed with thirsty
longing the cool puddles collected about
him.
ST say, sonny, Will ye give me cup of
wather2"
with pleasure" replied Tom, Hospitality.
Come round to the kitchen
I'D jist as lave take 1t from the ind O.
the hose, an save me steps"
"Au right"
The eaxerness with which his suggestion
was received, created no suspicion In the
| mind of Mike for the signs OF hidden pur-
pose lurked only in the laughing eyes con-
cesled beneath the broad brim OF Toms
hat.
"You unscrew the sprinkler. and I'll turn
on the water" he said.
Turn It on slow. dye mind" cautioned
Mike.
"Oh, yes" was the reassuring answer.
"just say when you're ready.
The sunbrowned worker eyed him mo-
ment with closest scrutiny; then unscrew-
ing the nozzle and applying the hose to his
lips. he smiled doubtfuily as the situation
revealed its possibilities
Let her go aisy.
slowly the water began to trickle. as the
bow carefully turned the faucet But sud
denly there came into his blue eyes gleam
OF devilishness. and into the face Of Mike
a stream that deiuged him. Spluttering and
choking, the little man dropped the hose
w,pinE the water from his eyes. he shook
his fist In the direction whence Tom had
rye young bM-guard-to play me-ths
dirty trick. No wonder ye run; av l lay
me hands on ye. thereu be no whole bones
left In yer skin
But after q while, when Mikes sense OF
ment, he laughed good-naturedly. IT don't
blame the young imp OF the dfvu, be said
TO himself; at wux the chance of q ioife-
time, an I'd TUX It right quick at his age;
blind an thrust6ul: but sure he had the
look Of an angel on his face.
That afternoon the sun beat down with
hot intensity, but the little man worked
with slow diligence. stopping now and then
to wet his parched tips. Near by In the
shade. stood bucket OF water and in IL
glistened lump OF Ice. Tom sat on the
curb with Pete beside him. The water had
nj cd silautiv and he
tween the man and boy was cordial under
standing and a mutual regard. Resting
moment from his labors. Mike remarked:
s.That's a purity little rooster"
Toms reply was low and confidential,
bat it's effect was magical
IsNow Is that sor' exclaimed Mike. with
hearty interest: .'ye wouldn't think Il; an
could put him In yer pocket an not be
del.rhtedly, giving the bantam glance OF
admiration. II say now-is he good at
Good at growing? Well, just guess he
Is" said Tom. with pride.
Thin why don't ye inter him at the fair?'
Ton, looked puzzled. 'I don't know what
you mean
II name the CROWN oontist they're to be
havin' over there. Sure we've heard about
Growing contest" repeated Tom. some
what bewildered, never heard of such a
thing" Then as a suspicion arose OF the
others desire to chaff him. ne asked with
a grin. What are you giving mef'
THIS nettied the old man. ''Houid on me
by: there's lots o. things ye niver heard of.
It's the truth I'm givin' ye."
What Is a Growing contest hke?" asked
Tom. sobered by the reproof.
ITS gin-u-ino match b'tween ROSTERS.
to see which kin crow the most"
Convinced of the others seriousness.
Te ms curiosity became aroused.
would you mind telling me more about
TIP
This be the fust liver hear o. the likes
In this country. but they're common on t
other side o. the wather. They do be after
putin the roosters awhile in some dark
place
whats that for?"
$50 they'll think it's morning. whin
brought to the light. Divii bit they know
tho difference"
.oh, see,' laughed Tom. IF they think
It's morning they'll crow.
But how can they make them keep IT
s.It's aisy. whin yer little bird-Pate Is
his name? Yis, whin Pate wakes up In the
mornin'. does he be stoppin' afther crow
In wance?"
Really. never"
Don't livery wan ay the ROSTERS around
BE- maxim the same rackit. an don't Psts
"You bet he does" And catching the 9TH
er's zneaning, Tom Laughed heartily.
well. that's What hAppens In the confist.
The birds sef up = eroUln. en- ivery Dock
triee to answer Wory other cock: an they
kapa On Answesdrt. Az coorne The wan that
asseszs e: 49, = bess ~ the iot and
TcnS intsesst was nov fully aroused
"kn6 you ~ 3hpy are 70 hAVe such . |
unatch - the stAte fatrs