Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-09-06
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OUR BOYS 3 5
and GIRLS 5 5
A WAITE RlOO.

n was mdforenoon OF hot July
day-the kind of day when the at.
mosphere is i mass OF shimmering
heat waves and everything seems to
be asleep except boys and droning IN
sects.
Leander dropped from the pantry
window, laden from spoils purloined
after an exciting detour around the
kitchen to escape the eyes of the cook
He landed sQuarely in his mothers
prize flower bed, but without stopping
TO repair damage she raced to a fence
post under the big apple tree and
perched there to enjoy the fruits OF
his labor.
On the other side Of the fence his
new neighbor, boy OF his own age.
was languidly pulling weeds at the
rate Of about one minute.
Hello remarked Leander. socially.
come sit in the shade and have
doughnut'
Don't care IL do" said the Ian
guild one, accepting the invitation.
Then followed the usual small boy
chat on fishpoes, marbles and dogs,
and finally Leander inquired purely
rs a matter of form, Say, what's your
name?"
The grin faded from the face of his
companion. MY NAME" he stated
codly. lis Augustus Reginald Poti--
phar 10 es"
Leanl r sta ed at him bia.kly.
"Aug--Ch, | .ay. who eve gave you
such a name as that?' and he rolled off
the fence post to the gSound, giving
way to mirth, which he presently
checked when he saw the other boy
glazing at him ready for spring.
"Aw-it was a couple of my aunts
did it. | wouldn't have told anybody
here. but | knew ma would; she's so
proud of t." =
Leander reflected delightedly on
what piece of news this would be for
"the kids" and he rose hastily. with
the excuse that some work was wait
ing. Before night the new boys name
was known all over town, and the next
morning the lad was greeted with, ooh
here's Gussie,' and Come and see lit
tie Reginald, boys. Amt he cute"
This kept on until the victi.ls fists
were lifted with an air that scattered
his tormentors. though they shouted
from a safe distance. The Jones boy
walked away thinking bitterly. This
was the work of that kid next door,
and he'd get even with him--you bet.
Just wait till there was n chance.
The next day Leander approached
his victim with some hesitation, but
he was treasured by the cordial recep-
ton he received. He decided, howev-
er, that he wouldn't call the Jones boy
by his fancy name, just then--it might
not be safe.
After time he proposed to show
his companion new method of play
ing marbles, and the kind offer was
accepted poltely-Leander failed to
see any danger Of that politeness and
the Jones boy dug all the pennies out
his bank and was soon absorbed in the
mysteries of the new game.
Leander raked in penny after pen,
ny, and the CLEAN in the eye of the
other deepened. Just as Leander, with
bored air, picked up the last stake,
a fighting whirlwind descended upon
him and he went over like tenpin.
He was conscious OF choking voice
denounclng him furiously between
blows.
"I'll teach yuh (thump, thump) to
make fun O me an tell your bunch to
call me names! An then (hump,
thump) you swindled me out of my
money. Jest wait till get through
with yuh (thump) and you won't feel
so smart. Now, you listen to this
(thump. thump) or yuh won't get up
want yuh to so and tell that precious
bunch OF yours that I'm all right and
that my names Gus lThnmn, thnmn,