The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1916-08-30
Sa nd m an
Stories
n Mrs. 3. A, Walker.
upright. 1915. Mcclure News
pupcr Syndicate.
The Little Earl's Lesson

beautiful home a little boy OF the
name of Ayrcl His father was
a great Lord who ruled over many
tgrc, OF rich land, whose forests ran
rom the mountain 70 the sea. and
whose soldier, were famed As fighting
men
The little Earl was handsome lad.
bur being an only child, he had been
,porl' For hl, use there stood in the
stables a black pony ready saddled
night and day and when he rode down
/ the pathway the peasants would wave
their hats and cheer for the child His
. clothing va, OF the richest material his
nursery iull OF toys and all his play
mates lc, INN have his own way So il
was no wonder that Ayrcl grew INTO
| selfish pcttcd boy whom all really
Idi,iked though they did not dare to
| ,how 49,
One morning Avrc was out with a
number OF hl, comrades diving in the
waters OF lake m the forest On their
way through the woods they came past
poor old beggar who stretched out
his ,hriyclcd hand Tor a biz OF money.
Get out oi my way" shouted Avrel
as the bcggar stepped into the road be-
fore HIM What impudence to show
your rags to my company" And the
naughty lad 'prang forward and threw
the old man to the ground Then Az
rel rode on laughing gayly at his
wicked deed
At the lake the lltlc Earl dsrohed,
leaving his handsome gown OF velvet
on the shore He swan far over the
water and when he returned he saw
It vas almost dark and his companions
had gone His rich robe also had van
iShcd and with II his pony There was
nothing in sight except rough. cotton
suit such as the poorest peasants wear.
He caught a sight OF his face in the
water and was surprised to see It
changed and Sunburned so that it did
not look like his own
1T is shame that my friends should
run away and leave me thus" he ex-
claimed as he set, out on the run for
his home u mean to tell my father,
and he will have them whpped-the
rascals will show them that am
the Earl'S heir"
But before he had gone far it began
TO rain Down poured tho water till
the boy was wet, cold and muddy. and
each moment he grew more angry.
Presently he saw the lights OF his faith
ers mansion gleam through the trees,
and with a cry OF JOY he ran up to en-
ter the big gate
"Ho' no" laughed the guard pre-
senting his sword What is this we
have entering here--a beggar lad"
"No" shouted Avrel q am the
Earl, son Do YOU no, know me-
am Avrcl'
Not much. my ragged boy, roared
the guard WHY, Young Earl Avrel
has been home an hour and there he
goes now with his father TO the sta
bles You are mad and need To go
home
Avrel looked toward the house. and
saw boy who booked like himself and
was dressed IN his clothing, coming
down the path with the great Lord,
But ! am Avrel-I am the son Of
the Lord exclaimed the young Earl in
a rage Let me enter"
THE boy is mad with hunger"
sighed the guard So, taking the real
Avrel by the hand. he dragged him
to an clubhouse and thrust him within.
Remain there out OF the night he
said through the window 81 will bring
YOU some food and water" In a few
moments he returned with a pitcher
and some chunks OF mea, and bread.
Thus, he u, the lad to eat much as
dog and sleep on bundle OF hay IN
the corner The next day many came
TO look at the Wild hrggar hoy, as they
called him, and the plalncst food was
given him. At night he was left alone
to crouch on the straw As he lay there
he saw himself as others saw him He
realized that he was only a boy like
others and that his selfish wavs were
now getting what they deserved
| "Oh he moaned as he listened to the
wind and Shivercd with the cold, how
little appreciated what | had and the
kindness which surrounded mel was
proud and naughty and thought myself
great person | am only poor, help
less boy II could only see my father
again and he mothers little lad once
more | would try 10 be kind and show
others that they are as good as /"
Suddenly there Shonc a grea, light in
the din room and IN the center stood
Itfke beggar
81 was not beggar." said he but
the spirit OF the woods wanted to
teach you a lesson to show YOU how
selfish and wicked were your ways
As he spoke the rags OF the begear fell
of and inhheir place shone a robe of
gold
81 took your place al your father,
! side as Ayrel," continued the spirit.
Return now TO your own room and in
future remember this lesson that the
truly great and good arc humble and
.conSidcrate OF others And he van.
iShed while happy Avrel ran quickly
through the now open door up to hi,
own room.