The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1910-07-23

Ned could scarcely wait for Monday to come so
excited was he at the thought OF the Surprise party
do nc termed 1t, he was preparing for his friend.
on Sunday. Polly was pronounced fit to sit up,
and the next day IN honor OF Ncd'S birthday he
was to be allowed to downstairs.
1t must be confessed tat Ned, on his birthday
morning, when he looked the gifts laid out for
MN III the breakfast room did feel If he was max
ing pretty big sacrifice.
His mothers present and his sisters, and those Of
an aunt or two who still remembered to send hin, =
neckhe or a pair OF gloves. were there but his
lather gltt. always the great prize OF these occa
SONS, was OF course, absent and the boy felt for
minute rather like martyr to duty.
This feeling, however was only momentarv and
after thanking them all he hurried through break
fast and ran off to the Browns
lie found Polly downstairs at last and after re-
cetEing ms and Mrs. Browns congratulations they
sat down TO game OF checkers. Ned was usually
the master at this game. but this time was disas-
trously beaten through his inahil;ty to atcrd -, IL;
play 40
Several times he started up at the sound Of
approaching wheels, only to find that they were not
attached to the vehicle he was so anxious TO see bu
atlas at last Wv when his patience was almost exhausted UP
drove the eNpresSman and stopped at the door.
Wonder what he's -ot5' quericd Polly Come
Tor the nurses trunk, though. I suppose"
Probably that's it, answered Ned with yon-
dcriuiy assumed calmness, considering his state or
mind But, Polly he seems TO be taking something
OIL It's long box and there's another, a square
What in the world can it be-" said Polly Sup
pose you call mother, Ned Nj Slocum will want
his book signed '''
Ned, choking with excitement, summoned Mrs
Brown from her houscwork and resumed his seat as
She opened the door TO Slocum
Morn. Mis- Brown, said the latter as he stood
on the doorstep ,wipmg his brow with his red
bandanna handkerchief for the morning was a warn,
one; Il got two boxes hardware from New York
Tor ye,
Ned volunteered to bring the boxes into the Sit
ting -room and did So while Mrs. Brown went to ger
the AK and hammer
What do you think it is. PoIly?" asked Ned
We must all guess you know.
''Il tell you what I'm afraid it is. Ned replied
Polly, solemnly,
WHAT"
Clutches; Doctor Watt said might have to use
them for while you know
Clutches. nothing, responded Ned savagely, re-
lapsmg into slang under the pressure. There is
something heavy in both boxes. | guess it must be
All electric fan. You know in those hot nights how
you needed one Perhaps they sent for it."
III you will only hurry, wen soon find out"
urged Polly. Il am almost dying with CURIOSITY"
Take it easy. pardner I'm almost ready with the
long one There, off she comes. Whatever it is. IT
rs all wrapped up paper. I'll move il and you
can unpack it yourself now, while open the other
one
He attacked the other box with seeming Jury
under cover OF which he slyly watched Poll, as lie
carefully laid back the paper coverings and al length
what
why Ned! exclaimed Polly, lttle anxiousy.
come herel This can't be or me. think its gun.
it feels like it.'
What" responded his innocent" companion.
Let me heft it. Why, i is. Polly, you
1T can't be Tor me, said Polly AZ presume
there are plenty OF P. Browns in this world"
Let's have look at it, anyway cried Ned We
can have that satisfaction Slide OFF the case Polly
OF II came and disclosed beautiful double
barrced brcech-loading shot-gun with pstoI-grip
and safety guard. all sllvcrmouned and inscribed on
the side OF the lock in letter and device inaid with
gold
Polly Brown from Ned Saunders.
Aug. 4, 1906.
Ned" cried Polly. what does this mean"
1t means Polly, that mad gun given me,
and Just couldn't bear to part with my old one yet
so had the marked for you
- %Oh, Ned, how could youl But can't take it,
much. You really take it back"
impossible, old fellow, It's marked now. and
wouldn't shoot Tor any put you.
But Ned, the date, August 4th, what does that
neanf Why, that was last-I sec now" he went
on. after 4 pause, what you inean and I'll keep
he gun, Ned, and always remember. But it shall
;very day this autumn. it, he added mournfuly.
we ever afford to buy shells for il"
Father has settled that part OF it The square
'oX is full OF shells That IS his present to you.
"EIe has been very kind to me- Ned. and some
lay. when grow up. hope in some way to repay
nm. I'll have to hurry up and get well, for cannot
tand it long to have that gun and not fire II But
Ned. what in the world is this? for Polly while
ating had been fumbling i'll the gun box and
rev forth second flannel case Its another
)pen 1t Ned, quick, quick oh. hoo-ray! hoo-fayl
e shouted Ned tore off the enveoping flannel and
disclosed n second gun the counterpart OF the first
Il all save the inscription which read:
Edwin Saunders. from his Father.
August 10th. 1906
Ned stood still for i few minutes gazing at ;he
un which he held at arms length. and speech
sss with delight and rather Sobered by this new
oxen OF his fathers generosity.
"A brick Ned YOU said he was brick
mink he IS whole diamond mine. Hurry up and
penathe other box and let US feast our eyes on it
H.
Duly opened. the second box was found to con-
ain not only ammunition in abundance. but two
ne cartridgc-belts and two corduroy shooting
lcketS. lined with blanketng, and proof against
old and storm. and with pockets everywhere of all
ICES desired by sportsman
Two happier bows Browntown never held than
led and Polly that morning they sat and ton
led their weapons and chat,ercd away max
lg plans for the future, that by the time MIS-
rown came in to say that Ned must run homo
} dinner as it ono o'clock, they had already
spirit. become mighty Nimyods and had ever