The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-01-24
UNCLE DICKS METHOD
BY JOHN BRANDON.

after a half hour of play with his
small charge Uncle Dick was exhaust.
ed and wanted to read.
Il want to 60 out and play in the
yard" said the child.
That suited Uncle Dick.
Il want my hat" she said.
"All right. What sort Of looking
hat IL it,"
Uncle Dick did not know the Sun.
day hat from the every day hat and
was afraid to take q chance.
The child decided to write a letter.
Does deer spell dear. Uncle Dick!"
, yes"
How do you spell Annie. Uncle
Dick"
Annie"
Dear Annie"
Is that the kind Of dear you mean
That's dear told you wrong"
Dear Annie. we were How do
you spell were. w-a-r-e?"
Not this time. baby We're this
time"
Eve We're at the park How DO
you spell park"
Park"
rs it that way all the time!"
Yes. I don't know of any excep-
; lions. You see, don't know much
about spelling. Spell any old way.
I'm going to read"
Uncle Dick--Uncle Dick!"
Yes Wat do you want this
time?"
What did mother say she would
bring mel"
II don't know
Eyes you heard her. She said she
was going to bring me something"
Well, I'm sorry. but I've forgotten
You see, I'm not like your mother I
can't act as memorandum book and
dictionary. and all that. I'm only
plain. ordinary Uncle Dick. I don't
know much more than you do"
"Oh. Uncle Dlck-Uncle Dick. I'm
bloodthirsty!"
THAT go? You don't look IT,"
II am. My tooth's loose and it's
bleeding and I can taste It. It's nne!
must be bloodthirsty"
You are descended from pirates.
That's what makes you like that. Now,
il you'll keep quiet for half an hour
80 can read I will take you tc the
ice cream soda place and get you
some ice cream soda. Hut you'll have
to be quiet for half an hour to get
the soda"
When the mother returned all was
quiet. She came In with smile.
Where's the child? she asked.
"Oh, ehc's--er~-around here soma.
where" said Uncle Dick.
The mother went out Suddenly
there were sounds Of tho baby angry
and abused and sounds Of the mother
equally angry and abused.
you know you arc not allowed in
my bureau drawers. And the top
drawer especially! And Just look at
my glovesi And my watch! And
grandmother's medallion! And my
necklace! What haven't you bsen
into!"
Uncle Dick stepped In to remon-
strate. Now, look here. Emma! All
the time you were gone the child has
been perfectly happy, Not a sound
out Of her. But as soon as you get
back there is all this tuss!"
Perfectly happy. No doubt! And
no wonder Look at what she has
been allowed to play with! I.aces and
ribbons and precious old jewelry and
everything else. She knew better
than that"
Uncle Dick retired. Soon he was
Joined by the child She was in dis
grace. and evidently felt It keenly.
Uncle Dick took her in his arms and
seated her upon his knee.
This seemed not quite proper 10 the
child.
I've been bad. haven't l. Uncle
Dick!"
Yes. I think 80"
DO you love bad girls."
Yes" whispered Uncle Dick.
And you pet EN-. too."
You bet do"
When the mother came into the
room the child was still in Uncle
Dicks lap. His arms were uktt
around her and their heads vers
close together.
You oughtnt to pet me sxcep<
when I'm good" the child was saving.
We'll. you see. l don't have To han.
die that end Of 1t. either" returned
Uncle Dick. Your mother looks
after that along with the dictionary
and memorandum stunts. am only
your Uncle Dick, and You have to dive
me something easy"
The mother sat down bes,d. than.
Are you two rapscallions talking
about me-" she demanded
Yes" answered Uncle p,ct 80
Aro, respectfully and In 1870