The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1908-06-14
Copyright 1908 by Thomas FL. Mckee.


crystallized into pressing desire until he reached
his seventh birthday, which brought him to years
OF 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 to learn, useful per-
sons; principally useful the final authority
ell things. They were needful in arguments, for
you could say: My father says So" and that
an end to the matter. And. although Roy loved
his mother with a loyalty that unfinchingy
partisan, he realized very well that it
swer to rejoin: But my mother says it's not So"
The matters at issue not often those which
mothers were authorities.
When Roy fully decided that he needed a father
he went about the matter without delay. There
was need, of course to mention it to his moth
for she could have no possible interest in the
task of selection. He the that had to be
suited. Then, too, there would be certain pleas
in surprising her, after the affair had been
cessfulIy arranged; and he had healthy liking for
surprises.
The park seemed to be good place any to
begin. 1t pleasant in these April days and
surely it must contain pleasant fathers He
membered that he had several there, almost
any of whom would have suited him quite
well. 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 mind that
he would not divide father with anybody. At
the Zoo, particularly, there 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
looking for He halted little way off and made
a frank examination. Then he drew slowly nearer
and finally stopped directly in front of the chosen
one, for final inspection. 1t seemed to Roy as if
every attribute here assembled. He
q on he hen md
denly became that he was object of in
rerest and raised his eyes to meet those of the in
Iqusitor. The eyes were clear and blue and friend
ny and they settled the matter
Hello" said the man. was good voice,
too.
Hello said Roy, and they introduced.
Did you want to speak to me?" inquired the
gentleman the bench
II wanted to ask you some questions" said
Roy finding it little difficult to approach the
ject of their business, that had found his
well, that's what 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. IL think I'd
like to know your name
Gregg" said the man promptly and smiling
title.
Mister Gregg, 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-sx."
Roy received the information with certain
shock, for this indeed great age; almost pro-
hibtive in fact But then remembered that Mr..
Gregg looked older than lots of other fathers.
and 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
~entleman on the bench added hurriedly:
Ought to be rich?'
1T would be better
All right then. I'm part way rich. Will that
do?"
Eyes; I guess that'n do" said Roy. and he con-
sidered his next question. At length he put it:
Have you got any boys?"
Mr.. Gregg shook his head.
"Girls?"
Neither of them" said Mr. Gregg Nobody
but dog"
Roy frightened, for the last information was i'm
portant. In fact it 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. I would have to consider
1t you know
II have father added Roy. He is dead.
And want one"
Mr.. Gregg nodded his head understandingly and
looked grave.
Il see," he said. Its very important matter.
Have you a 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
enphaucaliy. "And-er-does she know you are