Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-09-18
Wilfred'S
Troubles
Copyright. 1919. by western Newspaper Union.
BY GEORGE ELMER COBB

"Now Wilfred, be careful and carry
the package straight"
It's hot isn't IT," projected viii
fred Luscomb, as his sister Leila
placed parcel done up in napkins
in his hands.
"No. only nice and warm. Some
pork and beans just out of the oven.
Tell Mrs. Nassar | cooked them es-
pecially for her. And don't wander
of TO watch the boys play ball And
don't drop or spill them"
mo. ma'am," promised Wilfred
steadfastly. Maybe Mrs. NasSar will
give me a penny for bringing them"
You mustn't take it, If she offers
It," warned Leila. you shall have
two from me. if you do your ergand
mcely.' ..--lt ST. :. :. a -. -.i g.,
yes ma'am," pledged Wlfred, and
started off on his mission. When he
reached the bridge crossing the creek
he rested the parcel on It's rail and be-
gan flinging stones into the water.
"Oh, ginger" exploded Wlfred and
posed picture of dire dismay. A
careless switch of his arm had swept
the package free and it fell ten feet
10 the stone abutment and there lay
the crock in many pieces and its
brown tempting contents scattered far
and wide.
Wilfred stood rooted. II was
grewSOme moment for him. Only that
morning he had thrown ball through
a neighbours window. and his mother
had threatened 10 report this mischief
10 his father With this In mind and
the present mishap added. Wilfred fig-
ured ii out that he was due for
strenuous private Interview with his
father that evening.
I'm always getting unlucky," he
nodded. land they're always picking
On me I'm not going home. I'll
hang around with the boys until faith
or gets his supper and goes down
town AS he always does. Then I'll
sneak into the house and go To bed
and by that time maybe they'll forget
all about what I've done"
II was just dusk. after two hours
play with his chums. that Wilfred
drew down behind a hedge and crouch
ed down guiltily as he saw his father
and companion come down the
street They paused. each 10 go his
own way. as they reached the corner
Now Mr.. Luscomb had just informed
his neighbor that real estate deal
In which they were mutually interest
ed had been spoiled by an officious
agent. who had gratultouSly Informed
the prospective customer thar by hold
ing out he could get the property in
volved for five hundred dollars less
than he was asked to pay.
Yes" the startled Wilfred heard
his father say. she spilled the beans
and ruined our chances -
Ought to be skinned alive" sub
mitted the neighbor wrathily. well
find some way TO make him smart for
this"
"Crackey" gasped the terrified lad
Tim in for IT.
THAT settles it," decided Wilfred.
Somehow I've done something awful
In splitting those beans. Father and
Mr. Rowe talked as II I'd ought To
be skinned alive. ! won't 60 home
I can't go home. Tll--In run away"
II was all well enough until II be-
gan to rain. Wllfred had got about
mile when drenching shower came
UP. He crouched under a hedge soak
ed and miserable. As he trudged on
again ne observed light and made
for IT, A. he neared it's source his
spirits frightened up magically.
ITS where the Barclays live" he
exclaimed "Why, if Mr.. Barclay is
home. I'm all right He is friend
" mine. he is. He's good to all the
fellows
Wilfred had reason To feel conf
dence in Ira Barclay. The latter had
been calling on Leila for some time
past. He WAS not exactly looked upon
ms "a sutton 10y the family. hut they all
liked him Wilfred timidly, but hope
fully knocked at the door 10 find Mr.
Barclay home and alone and ready
with a genial welcome.
Relieved. hut fearful. Wlfred told
his story. Ira Barclay went to the
telephone without his knowledge and
informed Wilfred'S folks of the cir
cumStances. suggesting that Nilfred
he allowed To stay all night Then
the hle-hearted fellow set about max
ing Wifred comfortable and happy.
cob. ! say" abruptly observed VIII
fred. his eye CHANGING to fall upon
framed picture upon the mantel.
Leila has got one Of those. too
Indeed" remarked Ira, and a trife
anmatedly. The picture was one Of
himself. cut from the local newSpa-
per at the head of an article boom
ing him for local iudgeship.
YES. she has" ratified OF the ire
pressihle Wilfrcd. "She keeps il ON
her bureau and the other day Lois
Phelps noticed il and she said to
Leila what's that forY and Leila
says. why. that's gentleman | re
gard with great expects no respect.
And Lois got tormenting her and says,
maybe you keep him there to kiss
and Leim says y viii if ] want to.
He's worth &c. and did
Irn barclay Redeemed and his breath
came quick tie did not seek 10 in
vade the sanctity of young girls
~ecrct~. but ne was infinitely glad of
Wilfrpd's inadycrtcucy For second
a