Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1910-02-24


m.,- -. ~, time that was
,,..,v quite worn Out
when he left"
His ideals for the youngster are
pretty high" replied Guys mother
81 suppose it's only natural that he
should think women can't bring up
boy in manly way. Still, did
most of his bringing up and he seems
we'll satisfied with the result" added
the older woman, with CLEAN of
humor in her eyes. Now, dear, let
me give you little advice.
'Dort try to shield Chester, and
don't apologize to Guy for any of the
boys little failings. The situation
won't be nearly so trying if you let
Chester answeS for himself when his
uncle finds fault with the easy free
dom of his table manners, discovers
the high-water mark on his supposed
ly washed hands and accuses the rest
less little fellow at the crime of per-
petual motion. Let Chester defend
himself"
When Guy hears those slangy ex-
pressions Chester has acquired since
he began to play ball." mourned Ches-
ter's mother" he will think me a neg
lectful parent. But you know how
futile have been my efforts to make
Chester stop using those coarse eX-
pressions."
Il sometimes think. you try too
hard said the grandmother. But
don't worry, dear. Remember to let
Chester stand on his own legs if his
uncle sees fit to criticise him. 1t will
be much better for all concerned than
for him to lean on you for protection
The very first evening after her
brothers arrival Mrs. Drayton found
herself informing him that Chester
had come in from play too late to
change his clothes for dinner.
His hardness is really my fault"
she said almost penitently, "for
should have had his watch put in or
der SO that he could know what time
it is. I've been rather discouraged
because it's been broken so often.
You know, Guy, how unreliable an in
expensive watch is.
Eyes, l know said Uncle Guy Sc
verely. Especially when boy isn't
taught to take care of his things Per-
haps if Chester had to earn his
watches he'd value them more highly"
What do want with that turnip,
anyway" asked Chester, with an air
of scorn that made his mother shud-
der Its only the sissies that sport
gold watches and chains. There's
not a boy in our nine who carries a
watch"
Are you on baseball nine?' asked
Uncle Guy with sudden softening of
his voice.
We'll, guess yes. Maybe you
think, Uncle Guy, l can't play the
game because am southpaw, but"
oh, Chester, you mustn't" began
Mrs. Drayton, but her mothers quick
cough interrupted the reproof.
Il wish you'd seen me to-day" went
on Chester 81 had one ball and two
strikes and then knocked a home
run. Gee, those other kids were sur
prised. They think we fellows haven't
got the dope, but"
Mrs. Drayton's mother beckoned her
| into the back parlor. There they
caught only occasional fragments of
the highly technical discussion that
the masculine members of the family
were excitedly carrying on.
Rotten player-bases full, two
gone, two strikes and famed out"
Mrs. Drayton made a whimsical
grimace at her mother as these bits
of conversation floated into the room.
did you ever hear such jargon?"
she said Guys language is every
bit as impossible as Chester's."
An hour later, after Mrs. Drayton
had been obliged to assert her per-
sonal authority in order to get her
son to go to bed, Guy addressed her
very seriously.
II tell you," he said, that boy is
coming on wonderfully, and l hope
you and mother won't spoil him by
your continual training and criticism
Let the little chap develop naturally
and you'll see that he comes out all
right. You can't expect boy to be
absolutely perfect. l see marked i'm
provement in him since my last visit
He's great deal more manly and
self-reliant. It's relief to me to find
that the fussy training you have given
him has not weakened his character
He was too much engrossed in the
airing of his views to notice the sar
castle remarks that his sister threw
to him occasionally as he talked
WELL" he said at last, I'm off tc
bed. Il promised to get up early and
give Chester some points in pitching
before breakfast. He wants me tt
umpire the game that's on later in the
day. I'm going downtown first
though, to get him a league ball ant
a first-class glove. Any one would
have known woman bought the poo
little chan the cheap outfit he ha,