The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1908-08-21
WHY MOTHER WAS PROUD.

Jerry and John were gazing
through the shop window at the go:-
geous display o. fireworks. Their
eyes were eager and their tongues
busy.
Don't wish could have that big
one-rocket, I guess 'tis!" and johns S
wisp of a finger pointed to the huge
plaything that had such brilliance
locked up inside of it.
And I'd like that blue thing over
there" said Jerry. Looks as if
'twould make lots of noise"
The shop door opened, and two
boys came out-boys somewhat older
than the two at the window.
"My, wonder if he's got that full
of f1recrackers! said John, eying the
box under the taller boys arm.
Let's follow 'em, and see where
they CO." suggested Jerry. So the
little ones plodded on behind.
The following" led them a long
march up a business street, but there
were no stops.
"Say," whispered Jerry, excitedly,
"the covers comm off that boxi-I
see something red. They didn't half
tie it. Oh, my!" for, as the owner of
the box Of crackers gave it a hitch
higher, the cover slipped, and num-
Der of punches fell to the sidewalk.
The boys picked them up and went
on: but one bunch, being hidden by
the sweeping skirt of lady that was
passing at the moment, escaped their
notice. The next instant it was safe
in Jerry's pocket.
"P'rhaps l ought to give it back"
He'll never miss it. He's got piles
of 'em, Jerry"
Seems as If it fell out purpose for
us, doesn't it?"
"'Cause we couldn't have any,"
agreed John.
"Guess Mary'll open her eyes when
she sees EN-"
"P'rhaps you hadn't better show it
to her. She'll ask you where you got
it." This from John.
81 needn't tell" Jerry answered.
"But, if mother found out"
"That's so," Jerry began. The
thought of mother stopped speech for
minute. Say" he went on, may
be I'd better give 'em back. They're
way on ahead. 1 can see EN-"
Jerry's pronouns were rather
mixed, but John understood, and his
little breast rose in a deep sigh.
Those crackers meant so much to his
fun-loving heart. But he was brave.
Il guess-we had" he said.
"Come on!"
The little feet were fleet, and those
ahead did not hasten. Jerry and
John came up breathless. Jerry held
out the crackers.
"You dropped EN-" he said.
"Oh, didn't l pick 'em all up?" was
the careless answer. Thank you. ="
John and Jerry walked soberly
home. A forlorn hope had been up
permost in each heart. The big boy
had so many, they wondered if he
wouldn't-but, no, he hadn't! Yet,
with their disappointment, their
hearts were light. They were not
sorry that they had given them up
oh, no!
That afternoon one of the Alley
boys was arrested for stealing. Jerry
and John saw him go past their win
dow with the policeman.
"There is one thing. with all my
poverty" said mother to neighbor,
that makes me glad and thankful
my boys and girls are as honest as the
day, l am always proud of them"
John and Jerry looked at each
other with flushed faces. What if
a certain bunch of firecrackers had
stayed in Jerry's pocket! But the
pocket was joyfully empty, except for
stubby pencil and an old nail; and
two pairs of clear eyes met mothers S
loving glance with smiles-Emma C..
Dowd, in Sunday School Times.