Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-20
JACKS FIVE-DOLLAR RIDE.

Old Charley knew a thing or two. When
Jack Myers climbed into Dr. Aliens buggy
and called get up" Charley knew the
shortest way home. and he remembered
that the doctors drives often lasted all
day. Had he felt as risky as he once did.
and especially had he known that JACK
Myers. the boy who was always playing
tricks. was now trying one OF them on the
doctor and his good horse. there Is no tell
ing what might have happened.
or course the other boys were somewhat
to blame. They had all seen the doctor tie
his horse at the gate and pass up the long
walk by the evergreen hedge to the big
house, almost hidden by the trees. Jack
had remarked what fine Joke II would be
TO borrow the horse and buggy, take a ride
and be back again before the doctor came
out.
You dare not do it," exclaimed the boys.
Now Jack was not what you would call
q hero. but he was u meddlesome' tricky
boy
We'll he shouted. I'm going to have
some fun anyway" And as none of the
other boys would join him, he unhitched
the horse and jumped in.
No sooner did old Charley feel the strange
hand on the lines than he wheeled short
around and headed for home
Get up cried Jack as he grinned at his
pIaymates. And Charley did get up lie
almost forgot that he was no longer colt
Faster and faster he went until Jack
thought il Mas time TO slow down anu turn
around
Charley thought otherwise He had the
bit we'll in his mouth. and had his mind
fully set upon going home. 1t was four
good miles. and all Jacks Juggling and saw
ing AT the lines, all his cries Of Nv hoa
might as Well have been saved. Not until
he could reach his head over his own barn
yard gate diG Charley halt.
Al first neither Nike. the goOd-natured
hired man nor the Doctors wife could be-
Hgve what Jack told them when re STAN
mered cut a kind OF confession When
finally Mike did get the truth through ms
head h. reached for the buggy whip ant
would certainly have settled part of the
account then and there had not Jack been
exceedingly spry in taking the hint
Long before the boy had walked the te-
dious four miles back. he had fully made
up his mind to tell his father. and also the
doctor the whole story. Another thing ne
had resolved was that he would never again
play a mean and meddlesome trick.
He was nearly home when he met the
doctor with a horse buggy and driver from
the livery stable The boys had told the
doctor that Jack lad gone To take a Nttle
not a pleasant one. Jack tried to explain
that ne was only fooling and had rot meant
TO carry the Joke 50 far
We'll. young man, shall call upon your
father 10 settle the account said the doc
tor steruly. he drove away.
Early next morning Jack walked the four
miles again TO DR. Aliens office lie made
the best apology he could, and then handed
the doctor ten dollars in silver Of his own
saving.
Your foollng cost me- exactly half of
that" said Or. Allen, and since you are
doing all you can to correct the wrong
shall he, satisfied with just what | paid
Jack thanked him, and then walked the
four miles home again.
So Il comes out in the end that old Char
lev - the hero of this story. lie had fine
four-mile run that reminded him Of his colt
ish days. besides getting back early to the
stabl.. Ard blackwell. Jack paid very dear
.r.Ffa AZ
the lesson he learned made him d different
boy.