Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-06-08
The Payne Family 5
Black M ark Paper
Mary Ellen Chase.

the oldest and just home from college,
stood against piazza post and tap
ped her foot impatiently.
Perhaps, however, 1t is hardly fair
to state that the entire family was
gathered together in council. Three
were absent. These were William,
Paul and Robert-aged respectively,
IA, IL and 10 years. Frequent shrieks
from the stable, where an impromptu
circus was in progress, gave conclusive
evidence of their whereabouts. 1t was
just as we'll that they were absent, as
they We're the subject Of the discussion
on the porch.
II really don't know what to do about
it," mother was saying. IF I keep at
them too much. I'll develop into nag
ger, and that will never dot
"Never!'' said fatherl, emphatically.
Better be anything than that! Still
something must be done. II they keep
on this way, they'll be handicapped
all through life I hoped high school
would help Billy, but 1t hasn't"
He Is some better, dear" encour-
aged mother.
TITS the association" explained
long as they have circuses with jim
my Brown who says 'haint got no
every time he opens his mouth
But, Elizabeth" demonstrated her
father, gently, you know we've gone
all over the subject OF association The
boys must run up against all kinds of
boys and men. and learn to discrimi-
nate. Better listen to bad English
than to tnculcate snobbfshness. Only
wish we could somehow make them
acquire a real enthusiasm for correct
speech. I don't like this constant cor
recting from every other member of
the family. As mother says, it savors
too much Of nagging. Margaret" he
finished, looking at the tall girl by the
post y guess it's up to you. Can't col.
lege help you DUTY"
1T has already, dad" answered
Margaret, thoughtfully. ri think I'm
on the right track. got the idea from
a funny bulletin board we had in the
house last year at school but think
1t will work out here. No ones to
know until tomorrow morning. Only,
dad" she called back as she hurried
into the house to make preparations
for her mysterious scheme, you'll
have to promise to be Lord High
Treasurer. for there are rewards in
this idea of mine. I thought Of gilt
stars, but those would never do for
Billy and Paul and Bob. You will &C.
cept the position, won't you?"
Depend upon me-" said the, Lord
High Treasurer, I'm already in.
stalled
The next morning the mystifed and
interested Payne family examined
large sheet Of clean white wrapping
paper on the dining room wall On
its left side were written perpen-
dicularly the names Of the entire family
mother, Margaret, Elizabeth,
Billy. Paul, Bob. Opposite each name
and far across the paper extended In
Vulnerable small squares. well
sharpened pencil attached to string
dangled from a tack above the paper
The curious Billy, Paul and Bob re.
fused to eat their cereal before the
mystery should be explained and loud
ly called Margaret until she came from
the study where she and her father had
for private consultation
Billy looked on somewhat disdainfully
while his sister explained the paperand
its mission. 1t seemed rather too much
like school to him. but his attention in
stantly improved when Elizabeth quiet
ly whispered in one ear that 1t might
possibly have something to do with
new fishing tackle.
All ordinary mistakes-bad enough
but not terrible-like its me- and had
mt ought and you was will count each
Of US his age for every time used" ex-
planned Margaret, adding footnotes to
the paper on the wall For instance,
Billy, if dad says you was" it goes in
to this first little square against him.
and he loses forty-five. The same with
mother. I'd lose twenty-five. Bobby
ten, and SO on. But there are two ex-
ceptions. Amt or amt got no costs
ten extra. That makes twenty-four for
you, Billy, you see and fifty-fve for
dad or mother"
A roar from the boys at the thought
of dad or mother saying "aint got no."
What about 'haint'?" asked Paul.
1T ought to count more" answered
the manager, thoughtfully. but guess
wei make it count the same as its
awful twin"
Does slang count?" asked the still
sceptical Billy
Not at present" said his sister. |
Rome wasn't built in day
And now finished the Lord High
Treasurer "I'll name the rewards. |
They will be made the first day OF
weeks from now. Every
of this family who has not
more than five hundred against him on
August l. has his or her choice of the
articles" He consulted a
paper "A new gown, two new books. |
an air rifle, a new fishing rod and flies. |
a league baseball. some new wireless !
some new boxing gloves, a |
sweater, a sled. some skates. or any
other article much desired and not too |
expensive
Well" said Billy, that's all right. |
lad, but where do you and mother
come in? Near as ! can figure, you're |
he only ones that have a ghost of a !
chance, except perhaps Margaret and !
Elizabeth and you al mean haven't |
named thing for yourselves.
The Lord High Treasurer looked at !
mother and then crossed to her seat at !