Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-09-03
Copyright 1905. by Thomas II. Mexico.


whatever about the matter. he decided that it
- was time for him to take action himself. For
pme time this had been in his mind. but 1t had not
.rystazed into pressing desire until he reached
his seventh birthday, which brought him to years
" Importance and discretion. Further delay was,
therefore, out Of the question.
All the other boys had fathers, and he resented
what quite plainly unjust discrimination
Fathers, he had come to learn, useful per-
sons principally useful the final authority on
all things. They needful in arguments, for
YOU could say: MY father says So" and that
nm end to the matter. And, although Roy loved
his mother with loyalty that unhinchingly
partisan, he realized very we'll that it no an
swer to rejoin; But my mother says It's not So"
The matters at issue not often those which
mothers authorities.
When Roy fully decided that he needed father
he went about the matter without delay. There
was no need of course, to mention It to his moth
er, for she could have no possible interest in the
task Of selection He the one that had to be
suited. Then, too, there would he certain pleas
in surprising her, after the affair had been sue
ressfully arranged; and he had healthy liking for
surprises.
The park seemed to be as good place as any to
begin. 1t pleasant in these April days and
surely it must contain pleasant fathers. He
membered that he had seen several there almost
any one of whom would have suited him quite
we'll. This afternoon he passed several who might
have answered, had it not been for the fact that
they already had and daughters of their
Roy made it firm condition in his own mind that
he would not divide father with anybody. At
the Zoo, particularly, there a numerous col
lection of fathers, but all the desirable seemed
to have been taken.
Finally Roy turned from the Zoo and went back
along the winding walk through which he had
come. And there he found the very he
frank examination. Then he drew slowly
and finally stopped directly in front Of the chosen
one, for a final inspection. 1t seemed to Roy if
every attribute here assembled. He
quite certain Of it when the man on the bench sud-
denly became that he object OF in
terest and raised his eyes to meet those Of the in
quistor. The eyes clear and blue and friend
ly and they settled the matter
Hello said the 1t good voice,
too.
Hello, said Roy, and they were introduced.
Did you want to speak to me?' inquired the
gentleman on the bench.
II wanted to ask you questions" said
Roy finding it little difficult to approach the sub
ject of their business, now that he had found his
'"Well, that's what I'm here for" said the
cordially ITO answer any and all questions asked
by boys who walk in the park"
What do you want to know, son? Anything
about lions and tigers and things up the menag-
erie"
NO. said Roy, shaking his head II think Id
like to know your name"
Gregg" said the promptly, and smiling a
little.
Mister Gregg, l suppose commented Roy.
certainly; mister, of course;
And I'd like to know just how old you are
Mr. Gregg burst into laugh and gazed at the
small figure in some establishment. Then his face
became grave again and he answered solemnly:
"Thirty-six.
Roy received the information with certain
shock, for this was indeed great age; almost pro-
hibitive in fact But then re remembered that Mr..
Gregg looked older than lots of other fathers.
land decided that perhaps he had made a mistake
in the matter anyhow. He passed to other things.
Are you rich?'
Not guilty" said Mr. Gregg promptly. biting
his lip.
Roy betrayed expression OF anxiety and the
gentleman the bench added hurreily:
Ought to be rich?"
1T would be better.
All right, then. I'm part way rich. Will tina.
do?"
Yes; guess that do" said Roy, and he con-
sidered his next question. At length he put 1t:
Have you got any boys?"
Mr.. Gregg shook his head.
Neither of them" said Mr. Gregg. Nobody
but dog"
Roy Frightened for the last information was i'm
portant In fact it was conclusive, for he said
after pause:
Il think you will do very we'll"
You think I'll do for what?"
For my father
Mr.. Gregg Strengthened up in his seat and
stared.
wouldn't you like to be my father?" asked
Roy anxiously.
THE invitation is somewhat unconventional"
remarked Mr., Gregg. Il would have to consider
1t you know"
- have no father added Roy. He is dead
And | want one"
Mr. Gregg nodded his head erstandingly and
looked grave
Il see," he said Its a very important matter.
Have you mother?"
'Oh yes said Roy promptly.
Hum" said Mr.. Gregg.
'She is very nice" continued Roy.
There is no doubt Of it," declared Mr.. Gregg
emphatically. "And-er-does she know you are