The herald., 1912-08-01
Willie
Surfeit

Willie's Aunt Victoria was suspicious.
His mother said she just knew the
child was I'll and she held the medical
thermometer under his tongue by
main force, but his Aunt Victoria
raised her eyebrows and narrowed her
eyes while studying him.
The trouble was that Willie had
not shrieked with Joy when his mother
had said that she would take him to
the circus. He had not even seemed
family interested. 1t was an unheard
OF state Of things!
He hasn't any fever" announced
his mother anxiously, consulting the
thermometer. Does your head ache,
darling?"
Nope" Willie said cheerfully.
81 never heard Of boy who wasn't
perfectly crazy to go to circus!" per-
sisted his mother. why, usually
you worry the life out Of me from the
time the posters are put up! You
acted that way when this circus first
was announced, and I don't see-are
you sure you don't want to go?"
I'D ruther go play with Arthur
Jones'" Willie said, wriggling. He
edged out Of the door.
81 Just know he's going to be sick"
repeated his mother.
IL wouldn't worry" said his Aunt
Victoria. HE looks perfectly healthy"
But secretly she was as much
amazed as was Willie's mother. Re-
garding Willie from a calm, unemo-
tional point Of view, she recognized
the fact that there might be other ex-
plantations than any which came into
the mind of his worried parent.
There had been gorgeous posters
for several weeks In the suburb show.
ing forth the glories Of the small cir.
Gus that was coming, and Willie, with
the other small boys, had followed the
bill poster about, Historically whoop-
ing with glee. He had talked circus
and dreamed circus for days and had
nearly broke his neck practicing on
the tight rope In the back yard, to the
serious injury of the family clothes
line. And now, the second day Of the
show, he had rejected his chance to
60. 1t certainly was not normal con-
duct on Willie's part.
His Aunt Victoria cornered Willie
that evening and offered him some
chocolates. Tell me why you don't
want to 60 to the circus" she said, be.
guilingly.
HUH" said Willie. 81 seen IT,"
81 knew perfectly well you weren't
going to be SICK" she said, triumph
antly. Have another chocolate. Did
you go to it yesterday
"Huh!" confided Willie. 81 wuz in
It."
Aunt Victoria clutched the chair
arm. I'm it?" she repeated family.
Willie kicked one foot meditatiyely
against the step. WELL" he amend
cd, mot eggzactly in 1t. y'know.
wuz on It."
Aunt Victoria felt her back hair dis
tractedly and swallowed hard.
''Williel" she cried impressively
Tell me this minute what you mean
II your mother dreamed"
Willie edged nearer. 81 rode a nels
phunt," he confided, Gin the parade"
do you mean to say" his question
er gasped, that you actually were II
the procession? On an elephant tina
has a million more germs than {
fly has-and you know how frightened
your mother is II fly gets near you
How did you dare"
"A man said could" Willie pro
tested. Il was hanging around will
the other kids. l seen 1t all because
crawled under the tent. / helped feet
the elephants an the man he asst II
wanted to be in the procession, an
said l did, an he got a red coat an
wore It! Say, did you know elephuntl
are 80 high up when you ride emf"
willie Is not coming down will
typhoid or the measles" his Aunt Vic
toria announced later to his parents
I'm fact. should say he is more thar
ordinarily sane and healthy"
Willie's father hates germs as mucl
as does Willie's mother, and he wa
annoyed on hearing Of his sons deeds
You really ought to tell him not t
do such things!" he said to his wife.
It was then that Willie's mothe
turned on Willie's father. my good
nessi" she said. "Who on earth woul,
ever think on getting up in the morn
ing Of telling perfectly well brough
up child that he must not on any &C
count put on red coat and ride al
slephantl Between you and your Sol
you'll drive me crazyl"
Anyhow" sighed Willie contented
~, II seen the circusl"