The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-10-03

1t was splendid Saturday morning In
early December. The air nipped ones
ears Just enough to make one know that
OLD winter was only resting a bit before
waking up to. blow his breath furiously
from the north with roar.
On Friday afternoon several of the pub
lie school boys had planned a long jaunt
into the country the following morning
II the weather was fine, and before sun-up
Teddy Travers was out of bed and at the
window to learn the prospects for the
days weather. "Out of sight!' he Joy
ously exclaimed, and in another i've min
utes he was fully dressed and going down
stairs astride the banister-a means OF
descent much more to Teddy's liking than
the steps. Breakfast almost ready,
mama? he cried, running into the dining
room, where his mother was setting the
table for the morning meal. You know
l want an early start, and all the kids
will be here for me before I'm ready less
/ get q move on me-"
Don't be impatient, DEAR" said his
mother. kissing him good morning Eyes,
cook Is now poaehing the eggs and the
rolls and coffee are done. Call papa down
and get seated at table,
In few minutes the family was at the
table, Mr.. Travers running over the morn
ing paper as he slipped his coffee. I'm
not so sure" he said. that 1t Is n SEN
slole thing to allow Teddy to go to the
country on days outing. When a lot of
boys get together they run into all sorts
OF danger. Now, right here In the paper
is an account of three boys who were out
hunting and got into the path of a run
away auto and were run down. Two were
Killed outright and the third seriously IN
Jured."
But, papa" argued Teddy, boys who
are careless In the country are the same
IN town. I'm always watchful, and give
autos and railroad trains a wide berth
And you couldn't hire me to go into a
M fTfr0
friendly bull"
We'll" answered his father "since you
boys have planned so much on today's
outing I'll not put a veto on 1t; but |
warn you to keep out of danger. No mat
ter what the others do. you be careful
what you do and where you co.
Teddy promised to take care of himself
and after eating his breakfast for which
he seemed to have little appetite he was
up and out just as q band of half dozen
other boys came whistling at the gate for
him.
BE sure you are. home by 5 O'clock"
called his mother after him. 'Your Aunt
May is coming on the 40 train, and we
want to go to the station to meet her,
All right, mama" answered Teddy as
he disappeared round the corner "I'il be
home by o'clock. And I'll not get into
any danger-intentionally. Being a bow.
he knew the necessity of that last word
1t might prove a bulwark of protection to
him.
Then away towards the towns outskirts
the merry crew hurried, full of fun and
eager anticipation of the fine time to be
had that day. One of the band was little
Pug" Simmons, cousin to one of the
older boys who had reluctantly consented
to permit the little fellow to bear him
company. Pug" being about half the
size and age of the others could not keep
pace with them in their brisk walk, and
at the end of three miles the little fellow
began to lag and complain of being very
tired. This cause of delay provoked two
of the boys, and one remarked rather sar-
castically: 81 didn't know we were going
to bring infant along or I'd have sug-
gested bringing cart to wheel it in"
Say, Frank" said the other, addressing
"Pugs' cousin, the boy who was respons-
ible for the little fellows presence what
did you fetch that kid for, anyway? He
can't walk any distance"
WELL" said Frank. taking up his own
defence, 1.-The kid begged hard that 1
took pity on him and let him follow. He
said he could keep up all right. But
here he is, grunting about being tired.
ought to spank him and send him home"
Yes, that's the thing to do-send him
home while we're in sight of town. He'll