Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1909-10-02

ASd5L, duu ulue uluSI Iuo SlSdI CSudl
tree that stood upon the lawn. His
cousins should be invited to dine with
him, and he should have whatever he
chose for his dinner.
What would you like best Of all,
my dear boy?" she asked.
Alfred tried to think Of something
he had never heard of before. He re-
membered that one day he had heard
a lady, who was dining with his faith
er and mother, say that the oyster
patties were the best she had ever
eaten. Now Alfred had never tasted
oyster patties, SO he said he would
have oyster patties for dinner.
Oyster patties, my dear boy? You
cannot have oyster patties at this time
of the year; there are no oqsters to be
had. Try, love, to think Of something
else"
But naughty Alfred said
NO can think Of nothing else"
So the cook was sent for. The cook
proposed first a currant pie, and then
a bafberry pie.
mo, no, no. said Alfred, shaking
his head.
Cor strawberry tart, my sweet
boy? or apricot jam?" said his mother.
But Alfred said
"No, mother, no, I don't like straw
berries. don't like apricot jam. /
want oysters"
But you cannot have oysters, my
little MASTER" said the cook.
But I will have oysters, and you
shan't say that can't have them
shall she, mother?"
And he began to scream and cry.
do not cry, my sweet SOUL" said
his mother, land we will see what we
can do. Dry up your tears, my little
man, and come with me; and the
cook daresay, will be able to get
some oysters before dinner. 1t is a
long time to dinner, you know, and
have some pretty toys for you up
stairs"
So she took the little crying boy by
the hand and led him up to her room.
She hoped Alfred would forget the
oyster patties by the time dinner was
ready
In the meantime she took all the
pains she could to amuse and please
him. AS fast as he grew tired of one
toy, she brought out another.
Some hours later a servant opened
the door and said that dinner was
ready.
Come, my dear child; you are tired
of your toys, see," said his mother,
80 come to dinner, darling. 1t is all
ready under the tree"
So away they went. Under the
dark, spreading branches of fine old
cedar tree, they saw the table cover
ed with dishes and garnished with
flowers There were chickens, and
sides tarts, and custards and jellies,
and cakes, and cream.
There was Alfred's high chair at
the head of the table, and he was soon
seated in it, as master of the feast.
His mother sat by him, his cousins
opposite to him, and his nurse stood
on the other side.
AS soon as his cousins were helped
to what they liked best, his mother
said
What will you eat first, Alfred, my
love? A wing Of chicken?"
NO." said Alfred, pushing it away.
"a slice of ham, darling?" said
nurse.
NO" said Alfred, in louder tone.
"a little bit of lobster, my dear?"
mo, no." replied the naughty boy.
"Well, what will you have them"
said his mother.
Il will have oyster patties," said
he.
THAT is the only thing you cannot
have, my love, you know; SO do not
think Of it any more. Taste a bit of
this pie. am sure you will like it."
you said l should have oyster pat
ties by dinnertime," said Alfred;
"and so will have nothing else"
II am sorry you are such naughty
child" said his mother. 81 thought
you would have been SO pleased with
all these nice things to eat"
'"They are not NICE" said the child.
He was now in such passion that
he took piece of currant tart, and,
squeezing up as much as his two lit
tie hands would hold, he threw it at
his nurse. Her nice white apron was
badly stained with the juice.
Just at this moment his father
came into the garden, and walked up
to the table.
what is all this?" said he. alfred,
you seem to be very naughty boy,
indeed; get down from your chair,
sir, and beg your nurses pardon"
Alfred had hardly ever heard his
father speak so before. He felt so
frightened that he left off crying and
did as he was bid. Then his father
took him by the hand and led him
away.
His mother said she was sure he
would now be good boy and eat the
currant tart; but his father said:-
''No, no, it is too late now; he must
come with me-
So he led him away, without say
ing another word.