Arizona republican., 1910-07-26


 On Sunday, Polly pronounced fit to sit up, and the next day, in honor of Ned's birthday, he was to be allowed to downstairs
 It must be confessed tat Ned, on his birthday morning, when he looked over the gifts laid out for him in the breakfast room, did feel if he mak ing pretty big sacrifice.
 His mothers present and his sisters and those of an aunt or two who still remembered to send him a. necktie or pair of gloves, there, but his fathers gift, always the great prize of these sons, was Of course, absent, and the boy felt for minute rather like martyr to duty
 This feeling, however, only momentary. and after thanking them all he hurried through break fast and ran off to the Browns
 He found Polly downstairs at last and after re- ceivng his and Mrs. Browns congratulations, they sat down to game of checkers Ned usually the master at this game, but this time disas- trously beaten through his inability to attend to his play.
 Several times he started up at the sound of approaching wheels, only to find that they not attached to the vehicle he anxious to see; but -at last, when his patience almost exhausted, up drove the expressman and stopped at the door.
 "Wonder what he's ~ot?" queried Polly. Come for the nurses trunk, though, l suppose"
 Probably that's 1t" answered Ned with derfully assumed calmness considering his state of mind. But, Polly, he seems to be taking something one"
 What in the world can it be-" said Polly. Sup pose you call mother, Ned. MT. Slocum will want his book signed"
 Ned, choking with excitement summoned Mrs Brown from her housework and resumed his seat
 
 Morn, Mis- Brown said the latter. he stood on the doorstep wiping his brow with his red bandanna hahkerchef, for the morning a one: Il got two boxes hardware from New York for ye."
 Ned volunteered to bring the boxes into the sit tingrOom, and did so, while Mrs Brown went to get the and hammer
 What do you think it is Polly?" asked Ned We must all guess, you know.
 I'll tell you what I'm afraid it s Ned" replied Polly, soemnly.
 "What?
 "Crutches. Doctor Watt said I might have to use them for a while, you know.
 "Crutches, nothing, responded Ned savagely, re- lapslng into slang under the pressure. There IS something heavy in both boxes. guess it must be an electric fan. You know in those hot nights how you-needed one. Perhaps they sent for it.
 If you will only hurry. we'll soen find out" urged Polly. T am almost dying with curiosity"
 Take 1t easy, pardner, I'm almost ready with the long one. There, off she comes. Whatever 1t Is, 1t is all wrapped up in paper. I'll it over and you can unpack 1t yourself now, while open the ether one
 He attacked the other box with seeming fury, under cover of which he slyly watched Polly as he carefully laid back the paper coverings and length lifted out the flannel case containing, Ned well knew what.
 Why, Nedw exclaimed Polly, little arsxiously, "come herel This can't be for me l think it's gun, "What?" responded his innocent" companion born." It can't be for me-" said Polly. q presume there are plenty of P. Browns in this world"
 Let's have look at 1t, anyway, cried Ned. We have that satisfaction. Slide off the case Polly Of it came and disclosed beautiful double barreled, breech-oadng shotgun. with pistol-grp and safey-guard all silver and inscribed on the side of the lock in letter and device nlaid with gold:
 Polly Brown, from Ned Saunders,
 Aug 4, 1900
 Ned" cried Polly. what does this rnean?"
 Tt means, Polly, that had new gun given me, and just couldn't bear to part with my old yet, so had the new marked for yor.'
 Rut I at<e Ned. l can't indeed. You wanted new much. You really must take it back"
 Impossible, old fellow. It's marked now, and wouldn't shoot for any put you.
 But, Ned the date August 4th, what does that mean? Why that was last-I see now he went on, after pause what gou mean and I'll keep the gun. Ned, and always remember. But 1t shall shoot for you, Ned, and we will it together every day this autumn, if, he added mournully, I've can ever afford to buy shells for it.
 Father has settled that part of it. The square box is full of shells That is his present to you. He is brick isn't he. Polly?"
 He has been very kind to me, Ned. and some day, when grow up, l hope Tn some way to repay him I'll have to hurry up and get well. for cannot stand it long to have that gun and not fire 1t. But, Ned, what in the world IS this?" for Polly while talking had been fumbling in the gun box and drew forth a second flannel case. Its another. Open it Ned quick, quick! Oh, hoo-rayl hoo-fayT he shouted Ned tore off the enveloping flannel and disclosed second gun the counterpart of the first in all save the inscription which, read
 Edwin Saunders; from 1 his Father
 Ned stood still for few minutes gazing at the gun, which he held at arms length. and speech less with delight, and rather sobered by this new token Of his fathers generosity.
 "A brick! Ned, you said he was brick I think he IS whole diamond mine. Hurry up and open the other box and let us feast our eyes on it all" F-- Duly opened, the second box was found to con tain not only ammunition in abundance, but two fine cartrdge-belts and two corduroy shooting jackets, lined with blanketing. and proof against cold and storm, and with pockets yerywhere of all sizes desired by sportsman.
 Two happier boys Browntown never held than Ned and Polly that morning as they sat and fon- died their new weapons and chattered away ruak- ing plans for the future, that. by the time Mrs Brown came in to say that Ned run home to dinner as 1t was one o'clock" they had already, in spirit, become mighty Nmrods. and had even planned hunting- trip AtO the Ear West