Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-03
NELLIE'S COMPETITION

. What he would say to Mrs. Ger | maine was @ matter of cQAplete ind1f- ference to Jefford, and for the moment he was not to be moved svsn by the there was q short scuffie. in which Bobby held his own remarkably well and thereafter the sound or voice raised in anguish and the smack of 9 broad palm upon wel1-stretchod cioth-
 MT Turner never spAHked ness aob- bed Bobby Aunt Nell won't like you when tell her how cruel you was to me-
 T know it" was Jeffords amlanle response, "but for your souls salvation you simply had to have that spanking, and you'll get another if catch you up to any of your tricks aGain-
 That afternoon Peace sat on the first time since his arrival on the farm the live stock spent q quiet afternoon
 Jefford enjoyed the quiet as much as they did, but it was with "a flushed face that he met the M party a on its = re. !, . compliments upon the excellent care he had taken of the boy.
 T hope he did not give you any bother" she gushed. Bobby is an angel. but he win be wayward at
 ''No,- said Jefford. quietly. He was little rough this morning. but we very soon came to an understanding and we have had a delightful afternoon here on the piazza
 Turner and Bascom eyed Jefford with looks of unbenef but Ne11ie's eyes snapped as she watched the panto- mime.
 They were twinkling when, that
 T know that am not worthy of you.' he admitted, 'but I love you. dear. and I want you for my very own
 .sJirn,' she said softly, before an swer your question I want to ask one. What was the understanding you had with Bobby this afternoon
 Jefford eolored. T don't think thar is fair he protested Il took htm in charge at your request.
 MT. Rascom and Mr. Turner deelar- ed that they never had any troupie, she said, irrelevantly T know that poor Mir. Turner spent one entire aft ernoon on his hands and knees playing horse to amuse Bobby.
 Would you like to gee me caperins about on all fours," he asked. just to keep spelled child out Of mischief sftaa may be judged by his attitude toward childish innocence.
 He rose and faced her. "Neli.s he said. steadily, If had been In contact with childish innocence all the after, noon I would be all right. but when am compelled to stand guard over a spoiled child and he almost sets fire to the henhouse and half kills the en- tire flock, there is just one thing that will meet the situation promptly, and that's a good old-fashioned spanking. That was the understanding had with Bobby, and it was effective
 q asked you to stay behind With him on purpose" she went on knew that the others had been kind to him and had used only words of kindness. Not one of them ever thought of spanking hin-for my sake
 well" declared Jefford. "if that's your idea of love test I am afraid I am out of it. I spanked him because he needed 1t, and I'm glad l did. 1 I had better be getting on-
 He had taken half a dozen steps when a hand was lightly laid upon his
 Jim. said Nellie. tenderiy. "don't yo usuppose I realized what Bobby needed ? I'm glad that you. at least had the courage
 eThcn Bobby was not your testT he cried.
 Bobby was a test" she said. 'shut was looking for a real man and not for man who would let a child ride rough shed over him just because of an aunt. You are the man want, dear"
 Strange to say. Bobby approved the ehoice.-st. Louis Glohe-DemocFat.