The Brattleboro reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1907-1912, 1911-08-18
THE PICNIC.
A Story With an opportune young
Man In II.

wv. r.. Rose in Cleveland Plain Dealer
The day was one OF the hnest IN lhe
June sheaf. The sky was a blue back
ground, with lazy white clouds drifting
across il. ,-.,., n.
The day left nothing to be de,sired-as
Jane told herself after quick glance
overhead. The luncheon would be all right
and the spot she had selected for the picnic
was quiet and shady and cool.
IL James young charges would consent
TO conduct themselves with proper deco
rum all might be well. But Jane had her
doubts. In the first place, y had peen
planned that Mrs. Paul ADercrompie
should accompany Jane and share the re-
sponsibility. Mrs. Abercrombie was an ex'
perienced matron and versed in the ways
of boyhood-even the boyhood OF the mis-
sion school variety. But Mrs. Aber-
crombie had been called from the city by
an urgent invitation and there was no one
else to whom she could apply. And so, the
day being set and the boys notified, Jane
went right ahead with the project, and al
a certain hour in the morning appeared AT
a street corner duly provided for IN the
schedule of arrangements, and embarked
the youngsters ON her big touring car;
Jane was an expert driver and enjoyed
the responsibility. And her father, who
knew nothing about mechanics IN any
form, was much pleased with James clever
ness. =,
As Jane and the automobile and the
luncheon packed away securely IN big
hamper and other receptacles, turned the
corner she deserted her six boys aiar OH
They discovered her, too, and come whoop-
ing up the street to meet her, Jane slow
ed down and in minute the boys swarm
ed into the lOOmy car.
IL was Michael Whaley who took the
seat beside Jane with an ease ana con
fidence that seemed TO admit OF no ques'
ton. The other boys tumbled into the
tonneau, and Jane looked around to see
that they were right side up and other
wise comfortable.
She caught the mild gaze of Bonnie
Bloom. .,
Michael takes the front seat, teacher,
he said in his explanatory way,
81 see he does" said Jane. And why
should Michael take the front seat!"
at ISIS because he ISIS strong, Bonnie
told her. Michael ISIS a fine fighter.
Jane looked at Michael. He grinned as
he caught her eye. -,
"Ain't you goin TO hit her up, teacher!'
he asked.
Jane dimly understood that this query
bore reference to the speed of the machine
at isn't safe to go any faster in the
city," she answered.
"De cops would pinch you" said slug
gish John Glass from the depths OF the
| tonneau.
Gee" cried Michael Whaley, "s'pos'
dey pinched de bunch!"
At this CHASTITY possibility there was
brief silence.
II know a cop" said Bonnie; che is:
friends Of my uncle. Every day it iss that
my uncle will give him fine banana
Some days it will be two times and always
| banana. So when de bad boys comes
around some and will make my uncle muci
troubles. de cop chases them with quicl
legs. Michael Whaley's brother, he Isl
| one
Michael grinned confirmingly.
| Oats me brother Chimmie," he said.
Then the conversation became general
| the subject of policemen being one OF In
terest to all the takers. And while, they
talked and confirmed and contradicted, anc
related experiences and bestowed praise
and expressed disapprobation, Jane drove
the big car steadily along through the city
streets and presently out on the b4qlevar!
| and then on the broad country highwa!
| that would take her to the picnic grounds
near the lake.
| 1t was half hour ride at brisk pace
and Jane was little sorry when she turn
| ed down the shaded lane that led TO TIL
| grove by the lake, Her six young charges
were interested in the ride and with eacl
other and were reasonably quiet. An oc
casional whoop at wondering pedestrian
or a staring policeman was safety valv'
for their exuberanee. But now that the!
were at the grounds she wondered wha
terrifying form their suddenly acquired
freedom would take. Her only accquaint
ance with the lads had been in the ex
uberance-chilling confines of the. mission
schoolroom where they must perforce be
have. If Mrs. Abercrombie. a matron o
much executive ability, had come with her
all would have been well. Jane wondered
doubtfully what effect her own command
would have.
Teacher, do we eat something's RICH
away" inquired Master Bonnie Riding
is fine for stomachs.
Michael Whaley gared at him.
"Aw," he said with ineffable sarcasm
"wot do you know about it? Teacher ha
to spread de table, an somebody takes d
pail an goes for de water, an den we. glt
up an appetite till teacher calls us. Ain
it right, Miss JaneT
The teacher had turned the car in anon
the trees and halted it.. ;,
all enjoy the luncheon more if you wait TO
| it,"
Benny's glance was mildly reproachful.
Teacher, couldn't" he said.
''Wat's de matter wild your" demande.
Michael. Didn't you git no breakfast.
mo" replied Benny. "When / don
some breakfast get, I will eat some NOR
lunches"
The other boys laughed-Benny was al
ways reliable source of amusement-an'
then Michael pulled out the big hampe
under James direction :.
Here you, Dutchy an Greeney," h
sharply cried, "keteh a.hold Of dis basket
an mind you don't let it slip. You cal
Bloomy-an' don't you git yer fingers un
der de cover. I'll take Sport on me back
He amt used to nothin' but stone side
walks. All ready, teacher?"
So the little procession moved to tn
grounds. Miss Jane walked ahead, thel
came two boys with the big hamper, thel
another boy with basket and Benny witt
the pail, and the rear was brought up b.
Michael with the boy he called Sport perch
ed on his shoulders-for Sport was pal
faced and understood lad who carried
cane because he had a withered leg.
They had the grounds all to themselve
and Wnen tney iouHu tapie thaU sulee'
them the provisions and Sport were pu
down and the boys stared about them.
'First thing" said Michael, "well ca
de roll like they do at mornin' drill at d
engine house. Michael Whaley. Here
Sport McClinchey."
Here giped the lame boy.
Benny Bloom"
"Sure, Mike"
"Quit yer kiddin.' Jack Glass"
"Here."
Tommy Green"
"Here."
"Dutchy Reimer."
The stout boy with light hair frowned.
"You vas Irish so much as vas Dutchy,
he said. "Ven you say it, say it RICH
vunce. 1t ISIS August" 49,,