The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-03-03

mlButy Cboous lucy
"Oh. dreadful! And they don't like
q noise. and they don't like dogs, and
they don't like me. They call me the
dog girl: I heard 'em. One time
went In there for GRANDMA, and Tues
day and Peter followed me, and, first
thing you know. they tracked mud all
over the dinin' room. Ny. but wasn't
Miss Prissy mad! But you Just ought
to have seen that door," she chuckled.
Bradley thought Of the spotless oil
cloth and appreciated the situation. In
the course Of the conversation that fol.
lowed he learned that Gus was an or
phan. IKE himself. and that she lived
there alone with her grandmother.
Suddenly the girl snatchsd her steam
Ing shoes out Of the oven to run to the
| window.
81 thought heard the gate shut" she
exclaimed. "Yes. It's grandma. P'raps
you'd better dodge out Of the other
door. She'll ask questions and find out
about my feet II you don't. Goodby.
P.rape Ill see you at school tomorrow"
Bradley picked up his bundle-he
had brought II In with him--and slip
ped out Of the side door, presenting
himself moment later In the glory of
his new clothes to the critical gaze of
the old maids.
When Bradley started for school the
next day his head was ringing with In
structions from the old maids concern
I Ing his behavior and attention to his
studies.
"Now, be good boy. Bradley" said
Miss Prissy.
Eyes, Bradley" said Miss Tempy.
Remember, we expect q great deal of
you. All our people have been smart
scholars"
"Just as he turned into the main
road he heard some one calling and
turned to see bis acquaintance Of yes
terday. the girl next door, running to
catch up. her hood slipped back from
her hair and dented tin pail In her
hand. Being a girl, Gus carried her
noon luncheon during the winter
months instead of coming home to eat
It
On the way to school they met an
other girl, whom Gus introduced as
Clara Hopkins, q chum Of hers. "She's
tiptop. sit with her. She's got most
a. many checks as l have" was her
recommendation.
| Upstairs at the schoolhouse was a
large room, with rows of double desks
on each side and wide aisle In the
center. One side Of the aisle was the
girls side. and the other was for the
boys. Mr.. Daniels stiffly shook hands
with the new scholar. asked him some
questions concerning his progress In
bis studies and showed him where he
should sit. The more advanced pupils
occupied the desks at the rear Of the
room, and the younger ones-Bradley
among them-sat In front Bradley's
seat mate was an older boy than he.
rather good looking, with curly hair.
His name, so he whispered before
school began, was Sam Hammond.
AT recess Bradley went out on the
playground for a little while, but nc
felt rather lonesome among so many
strangers and 80 returned to the school
room. 1t was empty. the teacher tax
Ing his customary CONSTITUTIONAL la
the yard. After q few minutes Gus
came bounding In.
| "Why. Brad" she exclaimed.
"where've you been? I've been lookin'
for you. Why didn't you come on outf"
"Oh. I don't know" replied the boy.
II don't know any Of the fellers yet"
well, you're goln' to know 'em. Oh.
my goodness! Winheldr'
The stub tailed dog sat painting ut
her feet. three inches Of red tongue
hanging from Its mouth.
You naughty. naughty dogw cried
Gus almost In tears. "How dare you!
Go home this minuter'
"Go home, winneldr commanded
Bradley. coming to the rescue.
Winfield had gone home by the shed
route already that morning and didn't
propose to do II again. When his mis-
tress tried to catch him he retreated to
q safe distance and wagged his tail.
"Oh, what shall we dor" walled Gus.
Recess Is most over. and II Mr.. Dan
iels nnds him here don't know what'll
happenr'
Bradley made dash at the dog. and
the latter started on the run about the
room. At length they drove him out
the boys door" at the other side.
Finally. being penned In with both
doors shut and thoroughly frightened.
he dashed into the closet which was
between the doors. and hid behind the
wood box.
Now" said Gus exultantly. "you
watch that he don't get out. and I'll
crawl In after him. Oh. my goodness,
there's Mr.. Daniels comm nowr'
The cowhide boots Of the teacher
were heard on the stairs. Bradley. IN
desperation, shut the closet door upon
the imprisoned Winfield. Mr.. Daniels