SHORT STORIES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2153, 22 July 1920, Page 1

SHORT STORIES.

An old Scotswoman had, at considerable personal inconvenience, gone a good way to visit a friend who was ill.

“An’ lion ;i%!..vc I lie day, Mi's Crawford?” she inquired, in breathless mixiely. “Oil, I’m nearly well noo, I hank ye, Mrs Graham. ’’ “Nearly Avell!” exclaimed the breathless visitor. “After me coming sue far to see ye, too!” The captain of B company asked his N.C.O.’s to let the men know that on a corlain day an eclipse of the sun would take place, and that he would explain the, phenomenon. The sergeant accordingly posted up the following notice: — “On Tuesday there will he an eclipse of the sun by order of the captain. AVo shall all assemble in the courtyard of the barracks, and the captain will conduct the eclipse in person. If it should rain, the eclipse will take place in the drillhall.” “Footballing again!” exclaimed Tommy’s mother, shaking her hand in Ids face. “Didn’ttell you that I wouldn’t have you playing again! Now, off with those boots, and to bed this minute. There’s no supper for you to-night.” Tommy glanced at the table. “Do you mean to say you did not see me waving my arms and calling you at. the back gate an hour ago, you rascal?” Poor Tommy crept up to hod trying to forget that he had felt hungry. “Bloomin’ hard luck,” he muttered, as he pulled the clothes over him. “Slowed if I didn’t think she was applaudin’ that great goal I scored.” Papa was about to - apply the strap. “Father,” said AVillie, gently, hut ,firmly,- “unless that instrument of chastisement has been properly sterilised I must protest.” The old man gasped. “Moreover,” continued AAillie, “the germs that might be released by the violent impact of leather upon a porous textile fabric but lately exposed to the dust of the streets would be likely to affect you deleteriously.” The strap fell from, a nerveless hand, and Willie fled. Elsie had been a very bad girl. In a violent temper, she had thrown a fork at her little brother Willie, had smashed the teapot, torn her pinafore, and kicked nurse. Where-• fore her mother marched her up*

stairs with the object of administering suitable punishment.

Matters were at their most exciting point when little Willie, attracted by the yells and the chance of seeing some sport, opened the door and peeped in. But this was too much for Elsie. In her prone position across mamma’s knees she managed to twist round-.her head. “Willie,” she cried, “go out! Can’t you see we’re busy!”