The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1910-01-20

reached. And thea be brcathed hard
and winked fast.
Jimmy was his constant friend and
brought him alternating messages from
time TO time. such as that 1.-THE other
fellers all say he has lots Of sand and
kin do as well as the next feller II
he has half chance"
When even these encouraging re-
marks ceased to comfort. he gave him
his cwn horned toad as last desper-
ate resort. The effect was wonderful
ly efiicacious. but transitory.
I'D oughter been a girl" said De
Peyster many times to himself. but
wish she didn't want to make believe
l am one when amt"
This was the nearest to reproach
that he allowed his loyal little heart to
entertain. but baifled, unchildlike
look grew in his eyes as he watched
his mates 60 of without him day after
day.
In July a light epidemic Of scarlet
fever prevailed. The Oldest inhabit-
ants called it walking scarlatina," the
illness was so slight.
Mrs. Van WORT kept De Peyster In
the house.
One day De Peyster caught 1t.
He regarded it rather iD the nature
Of festal occurrence than otherwise.
| for oil the boys who had had 1t came
up to see him. and, although they
were act allowed to stand long, II
cheered him amazingly to hear what
they were doing. for he had constantly
the hope that these new delights they
| told of one after another would not be
on the forbidden list wien he was out
again.
But after awhile he did not seem to
| care whether they came or not and
one day when told that Micky DAILY
waited below said languidly: Il guess
| don't care about seeing him just
now. I'm sorter tired. but tell him it'll
be bully to have him come tomorrow
But when tomorrow came no one
was admitted, for be was tossing abon
in a weakening struggle with some
thing be did not understand that thost
who watched by him realized only lot
well.
He heard voice as If from very fal
away.
You'd better tell him. Doctor" ]
said. Il can't stand II to see hin
fight for his life like a little Trojan
when it isn't any use"
The voice broke and then went on:
Hes a brave little chap. Draw
enough to face anything, and IL ism
treating him square not to let him ga.
goodby."
De Peyster opened his eyes. Tn
doctor was standing over him.
You don't have TO tell me-" sal,
De Peyster. for he dimly saw that th
old doctors lips were quivering. IL
| guess--I know"
He felt for his mothers hand.
I'D like TO hear you sing just one
first. mamsie." be said
There's a bully song one OF the fe
lers taught me. One Wide River Nv
liked IL specially much since-since
worried you to have me go in swim
ming"
His mother sobbed out a few line
faltered and stopped
A look Of patient disappointment
came over his face.
"Never mind. mamsie; you needn't.
he gasped. I'm going to see IL. 20
know. so II don't matter. Won't th
cool water feel good. though! An
don't you worry. mamsie. Who
afraid: Father II end me-
He lay quite still moment; then ;
whispered:
Il would "a liked to try one MOI
! run with the fellers-Micky DAILY wa
most always ahead. He's a peac
, sprinter. You tell him and Jimmy an
! the other fellers about-about me an
| the wide river. Tell EN- this time 1
I amt iubber last
And be slipped away to End that u
/ known river. the bravest OF little pi
! neers.