Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-05-10
Copyright 1905. by Thomas H. Mckee.

"h"Sofoi aoouL the InaIteT, ne ueClueu tndL IL
was time for him to take action himself. For
some time this had been in his mind, but it had not
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 was quite plainly an unjust discrimination
! Fathers he had to learn, useful per-
sons; principally useful the final authority
all things They 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 loyalty that was unfinchingly
partisan, he realized very well that 1t was
swer to rejoin: But my mother says it's not So"
The matters at issue were not often those which
mothers were authorities.
When Roy fully decided that he needed q father
he went about the matter without delay. There
no need, of course, to mention 1t to his moth
err, for she could have possible interest in the
task of selection. He was the one that had to be
suited. Then, too, there would be certain pleas
in surprising her, after the affair had been
cessfully arranged and he had healthy liking for
surprises.
The park seemed to be as good place as any to
begin. 1t was pleasant in these April days and
surely it must contain pleasant fathers. He
membered that he had several there, almost
any one of whom would have suited him quite
we'll This afternoon he passed several who might
have answered, had 1t not been for the fact that
they already had sons and daughters of their own.
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 man he was
looking for. He halted little way off and made
frank examination. Then he drew slowly
and finally stopped directly in front of the chosen
one. for final inspection. 1t seemed to Roy as IL
every attribute here assembled. He was
quite certain of 1t when the the bench sud-
denly became aware that he was object of in
terest and raised his eyes to meet those Of the in
quisitor. The eyes were clear ami 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 the bench
Il wanted to ask you some questions said
Roy, finding it little difficult to approach the sub
ject of their business, that he had found his
'"well. that's what I'm here for" said the man
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 I'd
like to know your name
Gregg" said the man promptly. and smiling a
little.
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 establishment. Then his face
became grave again and he answered solemnly:
'Thrty-six."
Roy received the information with certain
shock for this indeed a great age; almost pro-
hibitive In fact. But then re remembered that Mr..
Gregg looked older than lots of other fathers,
and decided that perhaps he had made mistake
in the matter anyhow. He passed to other things
Are you rich?
mot guilty" said Mr. Gregg promptly, biting
his lip.
Roy betrayed expression of anxiety and the
gentleman the bench added hurrieiy:
Ought to be rich?"
''It would be BETTER
"An right, then. I'm part way rich. Will that
do?"
Yes; guess that'll 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
Dut uOE.
Roy frightened, for the last information was i'm
portant. In fact, it was conclusive, for he said
after pause:
II think you will do very WE'LL"
'sYou 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
1.-THE invitation is somewhat unconventional
remarked Mr.. Gregg. II would have to consider
1t you know"
81 have no father" added Roy. HE is dead.
And want one,''
Mr. Gregg nodded his head understandingly and
looked grave.
81 see" he said. Its very important matter.
Have you mother?"
"Oh yes," said Roy promptly.
Hum" said Mr.. Gregg.
"She is very nce,' continued Roy.
There is no doubt of IT, declared Mr.. Gregg