The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-05-31
Midget and the
May Basket
NELLIE ". LEONARD.


Bartlett will be so pleased How did
you happen to make II for him? He
can't catch you"
Mother GAYS IL is a whole lot nicer
to hang May baskets to people who
are lame like Jamie. II must be hor-
rid to have to limp around with q
crutch."
Well. it's splendid. anyway Fancy
cookies, candy. and fruit. ] don't sup
pose Jamie has much candy"
Now, it's all ready, but the flowers.
Let's 20 down in the meadow and pick
some white vtolets Then It Will be
supper time. Mother says you are to
stay. and as soon as 1t is dark We will
hang It, / will leave the basket down
here on the floor behind the Morris
chair. No one will notice 1t here"
did you close the par1or door r..
called mother.
'Yes'm." answered Mabel.
Are you sure%' asked Lucy. II
thought there was wee crack
II thought I shut 1t. I'm not going
hack 70 look, anyway. II takes long
time to pick white violets. There won't
he much dust nor flies get into the
parlor through tiny crack"
Pretty soon big sister Coras little
dog, Midget. stretched himself lazily,
hoped out Of his coy bed behind the
Kitchen stove. and trotted toward the
rarlor He shifted inquisitively at the
tiny opening, then pushed the door with
All the strength of his paw. and crept
softly In. He followed his keen little
nose straight as an arrow to the dainty
May basket. At once Midget was the
busiest dog in town
The meadow was srrinkled thickiy
with fragrant white blossoms. and the
girls gathered a big bunch before
mother rang the supper bell. They
hurried home, talking about the even
ing's fun.
Il wonder what Midget Is doing"
said Cora as they arose from the table
He keeps going back and forth from
the parlor 70 his bed, I thought
something in his mouth,
Mabel darted into the parlor, The
door stood halfway open. ''oh. you
she cried. Cora Hartley. you just
come and see what your old dog had
done 10 my basket
why. Midget has eaten every single
cooky." exclaimed Lucy.
Sand tast look at this handle all
torn and apoi scolded Mabel The
Ettle pig .-sI.EAksA find one piece of
r.ndy. Ta$rsnxt an orange and a
-nenana. xrltuH he'li he good and
81 X Sasy~s
from the ksAfhifsss' Sac these cararnels
and peanut harss Midget had them
hidden safely in his bed"
"ile found them too hard to chew"
laughed Cora. ~1ou naughty doggie.
Mistress ought ~ whip you.r
Midget danced about. hopping upon
Mabel, who held the empty basket
Get down. you mean old thing
There's nothing left" she cried. You've
spoiled all our fun. Poor Jamie won't
have his May basket" and she burst
into ters.
Now stop crying. Mabel" said Cora
Here is some money You and Lucy
more candy. ! will fix the handle while
you are gone"
Cora put the basket on top of the
buffet, and went upstairs TO find some
tissue paper. When she returned, Mid
get was standing ON the chair in front
OF the buffet whining and begging
piteously for more candy.
Get down and go to bed. Midget"
seolded his mistress. II suppose you've
eaten enough already to make you
sick"
4 hope f Will" said Mabel II hope
hen have good pain in his stom-
ach"
Run along and get your candy be-
fore dark. Mabel" said mother. "You
We're partly at fault. III you hadn't
left crack big enough for Midget's
paw, your basket would have been safe.
II is the little cracks that very often
bring us 70 grief
Lney and Mabel soon returned with
the candy, and Cora helped them fill
the basket, which was as good as
new.
They hung It upon Widow Bartlett's
front door. and knocked loudly. Then
they hid behind the lilac hedge. Peep
ing through the bushes, they could
see Jamie and his mother bending
smiling over the basket Then Jamie
hobhied to the door. and cried loudly
into the darkness. II can't run. but !
Thank you. It's dandyp
Closing the door, he went back TO
the .lamp-lighted sittingroom, and sat
down to enjoy the good things in his
basket.
Your mother is right said Lucy.
cit was better fun than running till
We were ell out OF breath, even though
we know that If we are caught we'll
get a May basket In return
Il know that candy tastes better TO
Jamie than to boys who have it often.'
replied Mabel Il wonder how Mid
get is feeling.
Poor Midget lie lay in his bed all
the next day, moaning and limp. Mabel
helped Cora give him a big dose of
castor oil
'Poor doggia." she said. "I don't
believe YOU Will steal my candy again
hope you Will feel better soon Next
time I will try to be more careful"
Then" said mother. "a little girl and
"A.
useful lessons"
Next day Midget was his lively little
self once more. Cora held an old May
basket before him. and he leaped
wildly up. eager for the candy he
thought it contained. But Mabel re-
memhered her lesson better. After that
she was very careful not to leave even
wee crack when closing doors-From
The WESLEYAN Christian Advocate.