The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1912-07-25
Willie S
Slrfeit


Willie's Aunt Victoria was suspicious.
His mother said she just knew the
child was Ill 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 shrleked 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 urlheard
of state OF thingsl
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 l 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.
81 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
go. 1t certainly was not normal con-
duct on Willies part.
His Aunt Victoria cornered Willie
that evening and offered him some
chocolates. Tell me why you don't
want to go to the circus" she said, be-
guilingly.
Huh" said Willie. II seen it.
81 knew perfectly we'll you weren't
going to be SICK" she said, triumph
antly. Have another chocolate. Did
you go to it yesterday
Huh" conflded Willie. 81 wuz in
it."
Aunt Victoria clutched the chair
arm. in it?" she repeated family.
Willie kicked one foot meditatiyely
against the step. "Weh," he amend
ed, not eggzactly In 1t, y'know. l
wuz on It,"
Aunt Victoria felt her back hair dis
tractedly and swallowed hard
"Willie!" she cried impressively.
Tell me this minute what you mean!
If your mother dreamed"
Willie edged nearer. 81 rode nele-
phunt," he conf1ded, "in the parade"
"Do you mean to say" his question
er gasped, that you actually were in
the procession? On an elephant that
has a million more germs than a
fly has-and you know how frightened
your mother is II fly gets near you?
How did you dare"
7
tested. II was hanging around with
| the other kids. seen 1t all because
| crawled under the tent. helped feed
the elephants an the man he asst If
wanted to be In the procession, an |
said | did, an he got red coat an l
wore 1t! Say. did you know elephants
are SO high up when you ride emf"
willie Is not coming down with
typhoid or the measles" his Aunt Vic.
toria announced later to his parents.
I'm fact, l should say he Is more than
ordinarily sane and healthy"
Willies father hates germs as much
as does Willie's mother, and he was
annoyed on hearing of his sons deeds
You really ought to tell him not 20
do such things!" he said to his wife
1t was then that Willie's mother
turned on Willie's father. "My good
ness!" she said who on earth would
ever think on getting up In the morn
ing of telling a perfectly well brought
up child that he must not On any ac-
count put on red coat and ride an
elephant! Between you and your son
you'll drive me crazy"
Anyhow" sighed Willie contented-
ly, II seen the circus!"