The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1917-06-02

have the grandest funeral and the fin
est head-stone-"
Here Mrs. Peck uttered a shrek
that brought in the woman from next
door. And as she lay Imply in her
chair the neighbor held a bottle of
camphor to her nose, and Mr.. Peck
famed her vigorously with the even
ing paper while Nat and Henry looked
on open-mouthed and wide-eyed, and
wished that pa had not talked so
much.
Suddenly a tread of several feet
sounded on the walk, and then stamp
ed up onto the porch.
The group of anxious people inside
listened attentively, and even Mrs.
Peck sat upright in her chair.
Mr.. Peck lifted his hand and spoke
solemnly: Here they come with the
remains!" Another ear-piercing shrek
from Mrs. Peck smote the air. Some
one fumbled for the bell, and Henry
sprang forward and opened the door
Two officers stepped into the room,
and the small figure between them
paused and surveyed the group before
him as though doubtful what sort of
reception would be accorded him.
For speechless moment all stared
at one another And indeed the small
object beside the policemen presented
an unusual appearance. From ear to
hic faPn xyith x1,Io t
looked like blackberry jam. His two
hands were dyed with the same
purplish hue, as was his shirt front,
and even his hair had not been over
looked in the color scheme.
Hard Peck" began his father while
stern look stole into his eyes.
"Where'd you nab him, cop?" to the
taller of the two officers.
The man grinned. Caught him at
house few blocks down. and he
He was right in the middle of the
contest-hated to spoil his fun, so-we
just let him see the thing through.
How many pies did you get away with,
sonny?"
''Three-pretty near" announced
rendering his appearance strangely
unfamiliar. 1T was blackberry, too"
he went on, land it was sure good"
Nat and Henry were chuckling
audibly, quite themselves again by this
time.
Look at the expression on pas
face" and Nat gave his elder brother
nudge. Hes forgot all about the
funeral and the monument, bet!" an
swered Henry.
Hardy Ebenezer Uriah Peck" his
father spoke in dangerous tones.
I've half a mind
"Si!" Mrs. Peck broke in sharply,
Isl, hev you clean forgot all your good
resolutions so soon, and all that
slushy talk you was givin' us when
you thought the child was ready for
the undertaker's? You'd be goin'
round maxim soft speeches and pious
remarks eff he was laid out in his
coffin, but now that he's safe and
sound in life and limb, instead of
feelin' grateful, you'd be fer scarin'
the wits out O the child. Come over
here to your ma, Hardy
The prodigal son obeyed, and when
the embrace was over, Mrs. Peck S
face, too, bore traces of the succulent
blackberry, to the huge delight of
Nathan and Henry.
Smart kid that observed the small
officer as they turned to go.
"You bet he's smart" added the
taller one. Hell make his way all
right. Takes after his father, l
guess
So greatly notified was Mr.. Peck
at these remarks that he fairly beam
ed upon the custodians of the law,
thanked them profusely for restoring
his lost son, and begged them to come
again when they could make longer
visit. At which eloquent speech, Hen
and Nat poked each other and laughed
again.
From The TidinoS.