The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-09-17

| reflection upon the wisdom of childish
| preferments.
"What are you going to DO with
himr
Eat him up, guess. Daddy said
there was enough wasted about our
house to keep a pig, so we got one.
Aren't you going to take me up7"
| "Of course. But first we must put
teddy In his place"
I'm to go home at FIVE O'clock" the
boy said, when he had got properly
settled.
The hours slipped by all too quick
| ly, and II the lads presence did not
contribute to good plowing 1t at least
made a cheerful plowman. IT was
plain that Zen had sufficient confidence
in her farmer neighbor to trust her
boy in his care, and his frequent ref
erences to his mother had an interest
for Grant which he could not have
analysed or explained. During the aft
ernoon the merits Of the pig were sung
and re-sung, and at last Wilson. after
kissing his friend on the cheek and
Inc SOuS OAtiC <i1dl
on-the-Hill." took his teddy bear un-
der his arm and plodded homeward
The next morning he came again,
but mournfully and slow. There were
tear stains on the little round cheeks.
why, son, what has happened?"
said Grant, his abundant sympathies
instantly responding.
"Teddy's spoiled" the child sobbed.
81 set him-on the side of-the pig
pen, and he fell'd in, and the big pig
ct Inmate him-up. He didn't 'zact-
ly eat him up, either-just kind of
chewed him. like"
"Well that certainly is too bad.
But then, you're going to eat the pig
some day, SO that will square 1t, won't
it?"
II guess It WILL" said the boy,
frightening. Il never thought of that"
But we must have a teddy for
Prince. See, he Is looking around,
waiting for 1t. Grant folded his coat
into the shape of a dummy and set
it upon the names, and all went mer-
rily again.
That afternoon, which was Satur-
day, the boy came thoughtfully and
with an air of much Importance. Delv-
ing into pocket he produced an en-
velope, somewhat crumpled in transit.
1t was addressed, 1.-THE Man-on-the-
HILL"
Grant tore it open eagerly and read
this note:
Dear Man-on-the-Hill That is
the name Wilson calls you, so perhaps
you will let me use it, too. Frank is
come and have dinner with us PIT six?
Ny father and mother will be here,
and possibly one or two others. You
had a clash with my men-folk once,
but you will find them ready enough
to make allowance for, even If they
fail to understand, your point of view. |
Do come. ZEN.
"P.S.-It Just occurs to me that |
your associates in your colonization |
scheme may want TO claim your time |
on Sunday. II any of them come out, |
bring them along. Our table is an |
extension one, and its capacity has
never yet been exhausted"
Although Grants decision was made |
at once he took some time for retiec-
ton before writing an acceptance. He
was to enter Zen's house on her invi-
tation, but under the auspices, so to
speak, of husband and parents. That
was eminently proper. Zen was
sensible girl. Then there was ref
srence to that ancient squabble in the
nay meadow. 1t was evidently her
plan to see the Ratchet buried and
friendly relations established all
.ound. Eminently proper and sensible.
He turned the sheet over and wrote
IN the bacs:
Dear Zen: Delighted to come May
lave couple of friends with me, one
# whom you have seen before. Pre-
,are for an appetite long denied the
oys of home cooking. u. G."
1t was not until after the child had
zone home that Grant remembered he
lad addressed Transley's wife by her
Christian name. That was the way he
lways thought of her, and it slipped |
n to paper quite naturally. Well, 1t
ouldn't be helped now.
Grant unhitched early and hurried {
o his house and the telephone. In
few minutes he had Under on the
me. II
Hello. Linder7 ] want you TO go to {
store for me and buy a teddy-bear." I
The chuckle Mt the other end of the '
ne irritatad Grant. Under had a G
TRANCE sense of humor. S
81 mean it. A big teddy With cleo L
-ic eyes. and a deep bass grow. II I
hey make em that way. The hest
on can get. Fetch II out tomorrow
fternoon. and come decently dressed,
,r once. Bring Murdoch along il you