The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-05-12

1 himseg ingratiatingly upon the log oppo- ] site to Dams end, and suggested: Sup | pose we talk over the late unpleasant- ness in the-the Seat of war; eh, sonY'
 You mean why-er-what happened this morning, just a little while ago?'' inquired son, also delicate of mentioning this matter more bcldiy.
 "Why, of course. That's what is growl- ing within you, isn't it?"
 "All right" said Little Dan weakly. Where everything was a-growl one topic was as good as another.
 "Cheer up and look me in the eye, then. We'll talk as man to man."
 Little Dan took heart. This is what he wanted Yet 1t was rather awesome, now t was here. He felt a trifle afraid. ITO begin with you sometimes do wrong, do you not2'
 "Yes, sir"
 And you have to be punished-e
 Perhaps so."
 Perhaps nothing. You do."
 "Yes, sir"
 'I should say so You are going to grow up to a good fellow, if 1t breaks us both. Now, as a casugator, a biffer, so to speak, I have answered every purpose sat isfactorlly up to today. eh, pardner?" "Yes. sir"
 And today-say, son, do you know Terry Cox, the miller's nephew?"
 '"Kld' Cox, the bruiser? Yes, sir!'' And Littl's Dams admiration was such that he forgot to be surprised at the turn taken In the conversation.
 An! You do. We'll you are going to , know him better-or worse. You are going to be pupil of his. He is to instruct you in the many art. You are to learn how to bust, paste and lambaste with scien- tifc precision. Mind you, while you arc learning, if you do wrong l intend to reason with you across my knee as in the bitter past, but after you have learned, we'll fight out our differences of opinion, you and I, with gloves. Of course, you'll get the worst of 1t for quite many a year, as Is right you should but. at any rate. 1t will give you a chance 10 defend youf- self little which is something. and to hit back, which is much. Does this suit you?"
 Little Dan gasped with joy. He had never hoped for such richness of gener- osity. His face was ablaze with rapture. "Oh. father!' was all he could say, but 1t was enough.
 "All right, son."
 By stretching out arms, the Ransoms managed to touch hands and to shake them. Something that was more rapture to Little Dan. No kissing and babying, if you please. but manly hand clasp. His swelling chest was full of ambition.
 q want to be a man and a gentleman, and do everything, and learn everything man and gentleman should" he said.
 "Oh you do. do you?" said his father rather wistfully. "Then 1t would please you to go away to school. ehT'
 Little Dan dropped desparingly Had all the foregoing cajolements but pre- pared the way for this blow?
 Just as you like. father" he muttered sullenly, his resentment, jealousy and heartache rushing back.
 "Nothing of the sort Just as you like" said Dan Ransom, himself sulky. T wouldn't like 1t at all. I'd be lonely"
 You lonely? You'd miss me?' asked Little Dan. honest incredulty sticking out all over him.
 "why, good Lord, pardner. how could I help it?" asked Big Dan. opening his eyes very wide. "You can't guess what you are to me. can you? Well. why should you? You don't have to-" He took his cane in both his hands, and sketched queer lines fin the dust as he talked quiet ly on, while Little Dan listened in an agony of amazement and adorauon which threatened to suffocate him. Haven't { we been together night and day for all of twelve years? kind of took to you when you were a baby I know it's queer. but I did. Just at that time I was so-so alone you see. So, so suddenly alone And you rather comforted me There was so much to do for you I used to get comfort out of you, even while walk ink you around when you squalled. Not that you did much of it. And at night. when you were asleep, the whole big house would shrink to one tiny spot the crib where you lay, Dan. Your room was kind of sanctuary, old chap. Often I've gone in there at mid night and knelt down beside your bed and and covered you up. Dan. Such baby