The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1913-01-17
UNCLE n.CE.8
BY JOHN BEhh

the baby. Uncle Dick ana .. Dab,
were good friends
Il don't see why so much fuss il
made about taking care OF child,
said Uncle Dick to himself when the
mother and aunts had departed III
after half hour OF play wiz hi!
small charge Uncle Dick was exhaust
ed and wanted to read.
Il want to 90 out and play in the
yard" said the child.
That suited Uncle Dick.
II want my hat" she said.
"All right. What sort of looking
hat is it,"
Uncle Dick did not know the Sun
day hat from the every day hat ant
was afraid to take a chance.
The child decided to write letter
Does deer spell dear, Uncle Dick p
Eyes"
How do you spell Annie, Uncle
Dick2"
Annie"
Dear ANNIE"
Is that the kind of dear you mean
That's dear. I told you wrong"
Dear Annie, we were How dc
you spell WERE w-a-r-e?"
mot this time, baby. We're this
time"
Eve were at the park How dc
you spell pGrk?"
Park"
as it that way all the timer"
Yes. l don't know of any excep-
tions. You see, don't know much
about spelling, Spell any old way.
I'm going to read"
"Uncle Dick-Uncle Dick!"
Eyes? What do you want this
time?"
What did mother say she would
bring me-"
II don't know"
Eyes, you heard her. She said she
was going to bring me something"
We'll, I'm sorry, but I've forgotten.
You see, I'm not like your mother. /
cant act as memorandum book and
dictionary, and all that. I'm only
plain, ordinary Uncle Dick. l don't
know much more than you do"
"Oh, Uncle Dick-Uncle Dick! I'm
bloodthirsty!"
That so? You don't look it."
II am! My tooth's loose and it's
bleeding and l can taste it. It's fine!
must be bloodthirsty."
You are descended from pirates.
That's what makes you like that. Now,
if you'll keep quiet for half an hour
so l can read will take you to the
ice cream soda place and get you
some ice cream soda. But you'll have
to be quiet for half an hour to get
the soda"
When the mother returned all was
Riet. She came in with a smile.
Where's the child?" she asked.
ooh, she's-er-around here some.
where" said Uncle Dick.
The mother went out. Suddenly
there were sounds of the baby angry
and abused and sounds of the mother
equally angry and abused.
"You know you are not allowed in
my bureau drawers! And the top
drawer especially! And just look at
my gloves? And my watch And
grandmother's medallion! And my
necklace! What haven't you been
into!"
Uncle Dick stepped in to remon-
strate. Nov, 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 FUSS"
Perfectly happy! No doubt! And
no wonder! Look at what she has
been allowed to play with! Laces 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 to the
child.
I've been bad, haven't I, Uncle
Dick?"
yes, I think So"
do you love bad girls"
"Yes," whispered Uncle Dick.
And you pet 'em, too?"
"You bet I dol"
When the mother came into the
room the child was still in Uncle
Dicks laA His arms were tight
around her and their heads were
close together
"You oughtn't to pet me except
when I'm good" the child was saying
We'll, you see, 7 don't have to han,
die that end OF it, either" returned
Uncle Dick. Your mother looks
after that along with the dictionary
and memorandum stunts. I am only
your Uncle Dick, and you have to give
me something easy"
The mother sat down beside them.
Are you. two rapscallions talking
about me?" she demanded
Yes answered Uncle Dick. I'VE
are rpsDactfI11lv and in tones Cf oyva " !