The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1935-12-07
CHAPTER TWO

cdulufOn, was DOiiluH duu tttinius
with the smoking lava OF American
democracy. Would the struggling
mass ever mix into united grouI
OF harmony?
The children OF many nations
mingled and romped together n
concord. Some day they would di
vide. each to his own kind. each
walking his own path Truly gig.
antic task for Uncle Sam. trying
10 mould people OF different eli.
mes into monument OF Ameri-
canism.
CHANGING through the railing OF
the long porch. Agnes could see
two little chubby brown hands
clasping the long iron pole extend
ing from the corner OF the veranda
TO the side walk. placed there 10
keep the children from cutting
across the lawn II did net serve
the purpose. however. for the old
er bows jumped over il. and the
smaller ones used It for a swing.
Agnes did not mind. and SO the
grass grew thin and worn, much
TO Nonie's disgust.
What can you do. living in a
poor class neighborhood' she cri-
ed in vexation.
Agnes would smile and Monte
would grow more annoyed.
Soon the little hands left the
iron pole and a chubby boy with
dan Ing brown eyes and crisp curl
ing black hair emerged from
around the tangled mass OF shrub
berry.
Four year old Junior Jones was,
so far. the only colored child In
the neighborhood and to Agnes
mind he had the most engaging
personality Of any youngster that
played in Center Park. His small
round face with cheeks like ripen-
ing peaches and his sturdy, fat
legs made him the picture OF boy
ish handsomencss.
As Junior neared the curb on
Wiltshire al Center Park. a large
truck turned the corner Agnes
cried out in alarm.
wait Junior" she called.
Junior stcpped back on the side
walk as quick as his plump legs
would allow him to and the biz
.ruck numbered by pust as Agnel
ran down the steps.
Junior laughed displaying a
row OF pretty baby teeth as Agnes
shook a reproving finger at him.
Haven't | told you. Junior,
never to cross the street until
snu've looked out both ways for
lGiNmobilesg
Junior stood mute ani eyed
tenes with smail by wAacl as
ddd d head p,aple often
s4y OF children on they don't am
d,ssaud aua find 10 thcir dismH
tley understand too we'll
Chldrcn learn carly 10 appraise
the erown-ups They can read the
meaninp behind friendly smile.
'thoy can separate the false from
the true. having a sense Of deduc-
tion that is almost uncanny
Junior recognized the sincere in
tcrest in Miss Aggie's" gentle re-
proof To quote Junior. lie liked
Miss Aegies
Arncs took Juniors band AMI
with words OF CHEEKY tenderness
plotted him across She wide street
She watched him as ne bounded
away with a whoop OF ay The old
er children accepted him with a
Tolerant air. ana The Younger ones
with Come on Junior and he
nit
They loved 10 have Junior play
tag with them Ills little tat legs
made running problem. and
then. Junior liked being at
laughing In boyish triumph when
he managed. by careful maneuver-
ing to touch one of his playmates
As Agnes went back across the
street she saw her sister standing
in the door way. She could tell
Monte was displeased.
Hello Monte, How ia the boy
friend" Agnes called cheerfully
Il didn't know you were home"
Monte ignored this CHEEKY greet
ing.
For heavens sake Agnes. why
do YOU take up so much time with
that Negro child? | should think
you'd have more pride. and Monies
voice was resentful
Il like him. guess that's the
answer" Arncs spoke quietly a.
She settled herself comfortably IN
Tho porch swing. arranring the
pillows into little mound at her
back.
Nonie looked incredulous.
Like him." she echoed well
wouldn't boast OF II II were
you"
why not?" and Agnes eyes
flashed warning signal that
Monte had learned to heed. for the
quiet. demure little nurse had a
temper and Monte feared TO gel
in It's path.
when she spoke again II was In
more modified tone. but II car.
, ried an aggrieved air.
Excuse II please. as the teie-
phone operator would say. I for
got that was one Of your pet
peeves."
"It Is not n peeve." Agnes answ-
cred CURLY, "Just a simple matter