toy Littte SfoinieY
Manns
Spedol Pag for The Omaha Bae'e IB
i'i
f 5
, i
Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug T. E.
By L. FRANK BAUM.
NOW General Jinjur who, you
will remember, commanded the
Army of Revolt was rendered
very uneasy by the escape of the
Scarecrow from the Emerald City.
She feared, and with good reason,
that if his Majesty and the Tin Wood
man joined forces it would mean dan
ger to her and her entire army; for
the people of Oz had not yet for
gotten the deeds of these famous
heroes, who had passed successfully
through so many startling adventures.
1 So Jinjur sent post-haste for old
Mombi, the witch, and promised her
large rewards if she would come to
the assistance of the rebel army.
Mombi was furious at the trick Tip
had played upon her, as well as at
his escape and the theft of the pre
cious Powder of Life: so she needed
no urging to induce her to travel to
the Emerald City to assist Jinjur in
defeating the Scarecrow and the Tin
Woodman, who had made Tip one
of their friends.
Mombi had no sooner arrived at
' the royal palace than she discovered,
by means of her secret magic, that
the adventurers were starting upon
their journey to the Emerald City;
so she retired to a small room high
up in a tower and locked herself in
while she practiced such arts as she
could command to prevent the return
of the Scarecrow and his companions.
That was why the Tin Woodman
presently stopped and said:
"Something very curiom has hap
pened. I ought to know by heart ev
ery step of this journey, and yet I
lear we have already lost our way."
"That is quite impossible 1" protest
ed the Scarecrow. "Why do you think,
my dear friend, that we have gone
astray? , . '
"Why, here before us great
field of sunflowers and I never saw
this field before in all my life."
At these words they all looked
around, cnly to find that they were
indeed surrounded by a field of tall
stalks, every stalk bearing at its top
a gigantic sunflower, And not only
were these flower almost blinding
in hcir vivid hues of redt and gold,
but each one whirled around upon its
stalk like a miniature windmill, com
pletely datzling the vision of the be
holders and so mystifying them that
they knew not which way to turn.
"It's witchcraftl" exclaimed Tip.
': While they paused, hestitating and
wonderingthe Tin Woodman uttered
a cry of impatience and advanced with
swinging axe to cut down the stalks
before him. But now the sunflowers
suddenly stopped their rapid whirling,
and the travelers plainly saw a girl's
face appear in the center of each
flower. These lovely faces looked up
on the astonished band with mocking
smiles, ard then burst into a chorus
of merry laughter at the dismay thejr
appearance caused.
"Stop! stop!" cried Tip, seizing the
Woodman's arm; "they're alive 1
they're girls T
VAt that moment the flowers began
whirling again, and the faces faded
away and, were lost ia the rapid rev
olutions. :.
?The Tin Woodman dropped his ax
and sat down upon the ground.
-"It would be heartless to chop
down those pretty creatures," said he,
despondently; "and yet I do not know
how else we can proceed upon our
way", f
"They looked to me strangely like
the faces of the Army of Revolt,"
mused the Scarecrow. "But I cannot
conceive how the girls could-have
followed us here so-quickly."
"I believe it's magic," said Tip, posi.
tivcly," and that someone is playing
a trick upon us. I've known old Mom
bi do things like that before. Prob
ably it's t.othing more than an illu
sion, and there are no sunflowers here
at all
."Then let us shut our eyes and walk
forward," suggested the Woodman.
"Excuse me," replied the Scarecrow.
"My eyes are not oainted to shut
Because you happen to have tin eye
lids, you must not imagine we are all
built in the same way."
"And the eves of the. Saw-Horse
are knot eyes,'' said Jack, leaning for
ward to examine them.
. "Nevertheless, you must ride quick
ly forward." commanded Tip, "and
we will follow after you and so try
to escape. My eyes are already so daz
zled that I can scarcely see.
So the Pumpkinhead rode boldly
forward, and Tip grasped the stub tail
of the Saw-Horse and followed with
closed eyes. The Scarecrow and the
Tin Woodman brought up the rear,
and before they had gone many yards
a joyful shout from Jack announced
that the way was clear before them.
Then all paused to look backward,
but not a trace of the field of sun
flowers remained.
More cheerfully, now, they proceed
ed upon their journey; but old Mombi
had so changed the appearance of the
landscape that they would surely have
been lost had not the Scarecrow wise
, ly concluded to take their direction
from the sun. For no witchcraft could
change the course of the sun, and it
was therefore a safe guide.
However, other difficulties lay be
fore them. The Saw-Horse stepped
into a rabbit hole and fell to the
ground. The Pumpkinhead was
pitched high into the air, and his his
tory would probably have ended at
that exact moment had not the Tin
Woodman skillfully caught the
pumpkin, as it descended and saved
it from injury.
, .Tip soon had It fitted to the neck
. again and replaced Jack upr. his feet
But the Saw-Horse did not escape
to easily.1 For when his leg was
;jt:Ilcd from the rabbit holt it was
found to - be broken shor off, and
rcust be replaced or repahed before
h could go a step farther.
This is quite serious," said the
j Tin Woodman. "If there were trees
near by I, might soon manufacture
another leg for this animal; but I
cannot see even a shrub for miles
around."
"And there are neither fences nor
houses in this part of the land of
Oz," added the Scarecrow, discon
solately. "Then what shall we do?" inquired
the boy.
"I suppose I must start my brains
working," replied his Majesty the
Scarecrow; "for experience has
taught me that I can do anything
if f but take time to think it out"
"Let us all think," said Tip; "and
perhaps we shall find a way to re
pair the Saw-Horse."
So they sat in a row upon the grass
and began to think, while the Saw
Horse occupied itself by gazing curi
ously upon its broken limb.
"Does it hurt?" asked the Tin
Woodman, in a soft, sympathetic
voice.
"Not in the least," returned the
Saw-Horse; "but my pride is injured
to find that my anatomy is so brittle."
For a time the little group remained
in silent thought Presently the Tin
Woodman raised his head and looked
over the fields.
"What sort of creature is that which
approaches us?" he asked, wonder
ingly. The others followed his gaze, and
discovered coming toward them the
most extraordinary object they had
ever beheld. It advanced quickly and
noiselessly over the soft grass and
in a few minutes stood brfore the
adventurers and regarded them with
an astonishment equal to their own.
The Scarecrow was calm under all
circumstances.
, "Good morning 1" he said, politely.
The stranger removed his hat with
a flourish, bowed very low, and then
responded: -
"Good morning, one and alt I hope
you are, as an aggregation, enjoying
excellent health. Permit me to pre
sent my card."
With this courteous speech it ex
tended a card toward the Scarecrow,
who accepted it, turned it over and
over, and then handed it with a shake
of his head to Tip.
The boy read aloud:
"Mr. H. M. , Woggle-Bug,' T. E."
"Dear mcl" ejaculated the Pumpkin
head, staring somewhat intently.
"How very peculiar" said the Tin
Woodman.
Tip's eyes were round and won
dering, and the Saw-Horse uttered a
sigh and turned away its head.
"Are you really a Woggle-Bug?"
Inquired the Scarecrow.
"Most certainly, my dear sir 1" an
swered the stranger, briskly. "Is not
my name upon the card?"
"It is," said the Scarecrow. "But
may I ask what 'H. M.' stands for?"
" H. M." means 'Highly Magnified,' "
returned the Woggle-Bug, proudly.
"Oh, I see," The Scarecrow viewed
the stranger critically. "And are you
in truth highly magnified?" i
"Sir," said the Woggle-Bug, "I
take you for a gentleman of judg
ment and discernment. Does it not
Occur to you that I am several thou
sand times greater than any Woggle
Bug you. ever saw before? Therefore
it is plainly evident that I am Highly
Magnifield, and there is no good rea
son why you should doubt the fact."
"Pardon me," returned the Scare
crow. "My brains are slightly mixed
since I was last laundered. Would it
be improper for me to ask, also, what
the T. E.' at the end of your name
stands for?"
"Those letters express my degree,
answered the "Woggle-Bug, with a
condescending smile. "To be more
explicit, the initials mean that 1 am
Thoroughly Educated."
"Ohl" said the Scarecrow, much
relieved.
Tip had not yet taken his eyes off
this wonderful personage. What he
saw was a great, round, bug-like body
supported upon two slender legs
which ended in delicate feet the toes
curling upward. The body of the
Woggle-Bug was rather flat, and,
judging from what could be seen of
it, was of a glistening dark brown
color upon the back, while the front
was striped with alternate bands of
light brown and white, blending to-
? ;ether at the edges. Its arms were
ully as slender as its legs, and upon
a rather long neck was perched its
head not unlike the head of a man.
except that its nose ended in a curl
ing antenna, or feeler, and its ears
from the upper points bore antenna
that decorated the sides of its head
like two miniature curling pig tails.
It must be admitted that the round
black eyes were rather bulging in ap
pearance, but the expression upon
the Woggle-Bug's face was by no
means unpleasant
For dress the insect wore a dark
blue swallow-tail coat with a yellow
jy 7 V
1mHH4HH4HmHmH
To Society Bees
THERE will be many gay little par
ties during the week, as the 14th,
St Valentine's day, is one of the
brightest spots in the year for chil
dren. Many of my little friends are
planning Valentine box parties; the
schools are preparing to have their
parties and little boys and girls are
selecting the pretty valentines to send
to each other.
Stores are filled with heart candies
and decorations and it will not be
necessary to have a birthday this
week to have a party. Send me the
notice and your list of guests and
next Sunday you will see them in the
society section of the Busy Bee page.
Love to you all, MARGARET.
Gladys' Birthday Party.
In honor of her fifth birthday
Gladys Schonfield entertained for a
number of little friends Saturday.
The afternoon was spent at games,
dancing and music, after which lunch
was served, carnations being used for
decorating, .those present
were:
Misses
M Uses-
Grace Johnson,
Wanda Weill.
Elolse Cooper,
Virginia Porter.
Lowene Roth of
Audubon, Ia.
Kathryn Both of
Audubon, Ia.
Mnsters
John Roth of
Audubon, Ia.
Vlnoent Roth of
Audubon, la.
Kenneth Roth of
Audubon, la.
Clifford Fairfield of
Hastings, Neb.
Dlantha Faulkner,
Grace O'Brien,
Helen O Brten,
Nelll O'Brien,
Margaret O'Brien,
Merna Jackson,
Masters
Clifford Johnson,
John O'Brien,
Willi O'Brien,
No rvllla Weill,
Dwtght Faulkner,
DtLson Jackson,
Harry Stafford,
floor" Porter.
Hartford Creas,
Liberty Club.
A group of girls in the. Field Club
district have formed a patriotic club
called the "Liberty Club," and they
spend their time knitting and saving
tinfoil for the soldiers. This club
meets every other Wednesday. The
members are Katherine Alleman, Mar
jorie Foote, Jean MacAdams, Virginia
Tubbs, Edna Tubbs, Janice O'Brien,
Jeanette Driebus, Marion Orloff, Mar
garet Logan and Jean Driebus. A
number of amateur shows have been
given in the neighborhood and the
proceeds turned over to the Red
Cross.
Valentine Party,.
Little Misses Frances and Eliza
beth Robison were hostesses at a
Valentine party 4t their home Friday.
Valentines o.' all shapes and sizes
decorated the house and the fifteen
guests spent the afternoon playing
games.
Campfire Girls.
Troup 2 of the Campfire Girls held
a meeting to decide where they would
spend their three weeks' vacation this
summer. A site near Benson was
favorably discussed.
Magic Sword.
A playlet, the "Magic Sword," is
being rehearsed by the Junior Dra
matic club. This club, composed of
Osilk lining and a flower in the button
hole; a vest of white duck tnat
stretched tightly across the wide
body; knickerbockers of fawn-colored
plush, fastened at the knees with gilt
buckles; and, perched upon its small
head, was jauntily set a tall silk hat.
Standing upright before our amazed
friends the Woggle-Bug appeared to
be fully as tall as the Tin Woodman,
and surely no bug in all the Land of
Oz had ever before attained so
enormous a size.
"I confess," said the Scarecrow,
"that vour abruot appearance has
caused me surprise, and no doubt has
startled my companions. I hope,
however, that this circumstance wilt
not distress you. We shall probably
get used to you in time.
"Do not apologize. I beg of you!"
returned the Woggle-Bug, earnestly.
"It affords me great pleasure to sur
prise people; for surely I cannot be
classed with ordinary insects and am
entitled to both curiosity and admira
tion from those I meet"
"You are, indeed," agreed his Ma
jesty. "If you will permit me to seat my
self in your august company," con
tinued the stranger, "I will gladly re
late my history, so that you will be
better abh to comprehend my unusu
al may I say remarkable? appear
ance." "You may say what you please,"
answered the Tin Woodman, briefly.
So the Woggle-Bug sat down upon
the grass, facing the little group of
wanderers, and told them the follow
ing story.
- (Continued Next Sunday.)
GOOD AT FIGURES.
The Adjuunt (to prospective or
derly clerk) Well. Blithers, you say
you're good at figures. Now. if there
were four flies on this table and 1
killed one how many would there be
left?
Blithers One, sir the dead 'un.
Sketch
, ly3I C7 W sf u
NOTE Busy Bees will please W
send their society items to Mar
garet ShotwelL Busy Bee so
ciety editor, care Bee Office
O-H-H-K-K : -l I i ! ! i :
five little girls, presented in splendid
fashion the "Scarlet Bonnet" in De
cember. These plays are given for
charity, and the players are Charlotte
McDonald, Dorothy Guckert, Dor
othy Sherman, Polly Robbins and
Maud Brown.
Jack Davies' Party.
Mrs. John Davies, sr., entertained
Saturday afternoon in honor of the
fifth birthday of her little grandson,
Jack Davies.
The afternoon was spent in guess
ing games.
A birthday cake, with five little
candles, was the center of attraction
as the kiddies entered the dining
room, where a luncheon was served.
Jack's guests were:
Ruth Davtee, Dean Hokanson,
Marraret Jackaon, Margaret Smith.
Virginia Snyder, Helen Hokanaon,
Harold White, Bernard White,
Jeanne Holke, Ellen Forehead.
Tricks for Red Cross.
Since the appearance of Thurston
at the Boyd theater groups of boys
in town have been studying and prac
ticing his tricks. Friday night Sat
urday afternoon and Saturday night
three boys, Bobbie Hall, Bennie Cot
ton and Jack Porter, gave benefit per
formances for the Red Cross. They
charged 15 and 25 cents and cleared
several dollars.
High Cost
of Living
Gladys Schonfield
does her own
laundry work
and keeps her
dolts clean as
any babies.
Mist Cooper's Masque Party.
Valentines, pretty, witty and comic,
were represented at the Valentine
masque given by the dancing classs
of Miss Mary Cooper at the Black
stone Saturday afternoon. More than
200 children enjoyed the Zass band
and frolicked in true Valentine spirit.
The roof garden was used for refresh
ments and the old-fashioned valen
tines mingled with the modern
rhymes, all under the supervision of
Master Cupid.
Martin Children and "Tom Sawyer."
"Tom Sawyer" is as well known to
the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Frank T. B.
Martin as any really trully playmate,
and Francis, George and Charles all
Too Late
The following letters were re
ceived too .late for publication. V
We appreciate them and regret
our inability to print them along
with others:
Cora, Hart, Grand Inland.
Paul Schmlnke, Nebraalui City.
Irma Nnrqulet, Oaeeola.
Marion Walter, Omaha.
Mary Johnao, Fordyca.
Marietta Hemming, AToea, la.
:ther Page, llarrtabnrg.
Alice- B. Croaa, Hairlnborg.
Ague Holden, Petersburg.
1oulM Jurgennon, Omaha.
Florence Boetteher, Columbus.
F.vclyn I.ure, Omaha.
Pauline Wisdom. Omaha.
William Ronin, Omaha.
Arlln Ploprr. Pender.
Mercedes Golllgtee, Fremont,
Ionard Oangan, Kearney.
Lola Snddlok, Woodbine, la.
(lenn Huryta, Kavenna.
RoMimary Mlddlemlaa, Omaha.
Mildred Johnson, Holdrege.
$ A
Arnold Boetteher, Colombo.
S Mange Hoekman, Holdrege.
Marian Miner, Wayne.
4 Mclla Burgemn, Holdrege.
Y Kthel Ireland, Tekamab.
Robert Mctiarfln, David City.
"J Itora Dlerks, Bennington.
Y Mabel Johnson, Waterloo.
Y Oeraldlne Cadwell, Malvern, la.
Y Otllla Caeth, Gresham.
Y IUibI Ryan, Herman.
Y l.enna Boetteher, Columbus.
Y Kvelyn Edlund, AxtoU.
T Harold Banff. Carson, la.
Oretchen Oolllglee, Fremont.
Florence Hann, Orand Island.
Mbble Brabee, Clarhaoa.
Ida Canfel, Clarksoa.
Cameron Mans, Kearney,
PhyUss Broun, Wahoo.
tlm. Ktti.,k4n4lb RMfiln4ill
X Erna Pungan, Kearney.
X Kllen Young, Rosalie.
J. Helen Crabb. 4A1A N. S4th St.. Omaha.
Virginia Ann Shrlmpton, Alnsworth.
Alma Frerirhs, Talniage.
Kits Speekmann. Ashland.
Eldoa Hubbert, Stromsburg.
Betty Watklns, 15U Georgia Art.,
Omaha.
Portia Jeffrey, Islington.
Ruth Palmer, Uncoln.
Vera Bradley, 101 Center St, Omaha.
Handless
Hans
Draw a hand upon
Bill's arm. Some
body has done him
harm.
Here is a dandy
chance to learn
how to do a real good
turn.
t 1 .
J.
i
HJ i
- W - WHWH - MH - MHi
A Hostess
Ann Pearsall's Party.
Ann Pearsalf entertained ar a Val
entine party Saturday afternoon at
her home at 3214 Center street. The
afternoon was spe..t in games, after
which refreshments were served to
the eighteen little girls.
Those present were
Misses
Misses
Ann Toung,
Polly Robblna.
Dan Robbins.
Dorothly St. Claire,
Elinor Ryner.
Elizabeth Ryner,
Evelyn Knobba,
Pauline Parmelee.
Helen Cox,
Helen Krug.
Margery Corey,
Marion Hoerner,
Florence Brown.
Rath Richmond.
Margaret Shotwell,
Jane Horton,
Lola Brown,
Helen Edwards.
went to see Jack Pickford take the
role of Tom at the Strand Tuesday,
The Martin boys knew just what was
coming "next" and told their dad all
the pranks that were left out of the
play, as well as those that were put in.
Little Alfred Martin, who is 3lA years
old, thinks "Huckelberry Finn" "nicer
est." Alfred has the true Huckleberry
spirit. He went shopping all by him
self Wednesday and crossed the street
car tracks right in front of auos and
other dangerous things, and bought 2
cents worth of candy. His mother
found him on his way home, very
proud of his first purchase.
At the Concert.
One of the interesting box parties
at the Tuesday Musical club concert
represented the junior musical talent
of Omaha. Nancy Hulst, Ann Axtell,
Ellanore Baxter and Katherine Baxter
were the guests of Mrs. W. F. Bax
ter. Little Ainthe Stone sat spell
bound while her mother sang, and
Emma Hoagland, Stuart Summers
and George Hoagland were very
proud of their gifted "Aunt Helen."
Busy Bee Personals,
Dorothy Guckert, on Thirty-eighth
avenue, is knitting for the soldiers.
Margaret Shotwell has just re
ceived new autographed photos from
Geraldine Farrar and Lou Tellegan.
Charlotte McDonald has finished a
khaki sweater and will send it to
France during the week. Christmas
she sent a box containing muffler and
wristlets.
Billy Connor is anxiotlsly awaiting
his twelfth birthday, which is only a
few months away, as he will then
join the Boj Scouts. In the mean
time he is studying their work and
drills.
Harriet Fleishman, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Harry Fleishman of North
Platte, is visiting her grandparents,
Rev. and Mrs. E. Fleishman. Harriet
is having a fine time and enjoying
many little parties in Omaha.
Emma and Junior Nash are in the
house this week letting "it take."
They were both vaccinated and feel
like the Sammies who have to be vac
cinated for the army. Emma is very
glad she only has to do it once.
Charles Battelle. jr., says he is go
ing to grow up like "Tom Sawyer"
and play pirate and go barefooted, too.
He took his father to see the picture
and wanted to see it all over again,
and he asked right out loud if Tom
had ever been a Boy Scout. When
Mr. Battelle promised to read the
story out of Mark Twain's book
Charles, jr., finally consented to go
home.
yv j
hi
Little taries By Little Flks,
.5H-H-M (PRIZE)
War Saving Stamps
By Esther Hahn, Aged 13 Years,
David City, Neb. Red Side.
As May was going to buy some
candy
(For she always had a quarter
handy),
There was a sign that she looked
at more
Than she had ever looked at be-
fore.
i
There was
a hand holding
light,
And it was
shining, ohl
so
hriffht!
T There was a picture of soldier
camps,
And was the name, War Saving
Stamps.
"I'd like to know more about
them," she said.
As she quickened her step and
bent her head,
And all the way along to the
candv short
The sign came to her mind and f
wouia never tiop.
And
here was the candy,
for
which she did Dine!
And here oh here, was the War f
Saving sign.
"Just take a quarter and you can
buy ;
A War Saving Stamp," was its
humble cry.
She resisted the temptation and
boueht a stamp.
To save some boy in some sol
dier camo.
' And now when you see her raise
her hand
YouH know she's the proudest
owner in the land.
(Honorable Mention)
War Saving Stamps.
By Rose Vranek, Aged 14 Years, 1711
South Eleventh Street
Dear Busy Bees: It was a very cold
day; the ground was snow covered,
and the bitter wind blew very hard
all day. Not one person was seen on
the street; because the people that
were to go to church received notice
the day before, that no services were
to be held.
It was about 6 o'clock and a small
girl came trotting down the street
crying. Some kind people looking
out of the window noticed the little
firl and went outdoors to mtet her.
hey soon brought her in and let her
warm herself by the fire. A tew hours
later, after the girl was warm and
given something to oat, they ques
tioned her. They found out that the
girl's name was Mae and that her
parents were both dead, but she stay
ed with her neighbors. They had not
been very friendly with Mae's par
ents but took care of the girl, for
she did not have any relations at all.
She also told them that they some
times made her go to bed early and
without anything to eat
Many days passed by and the lady
told Mae she would take her back
from where she came, because she
ought to be glad they had taken care
of her. Mae begged the lady very
much to let her stay and promised
her she would mind her and also
work, such as washing ard wipe
ing the dishes, sweeping, and helping
a little around the stove. The lady
was pleased with this and consented.
At the end of the first week the
lady was very happy, and pleased with
the girl. She gave Mae 20 cents for
the work she did during the week and
told Mae she could .go to the show
or buy herself some candy.
Mae soon was dressed and went to
the store. She brought herself some
candy and the storekeeper gave her a
small booklet. When she came home
she read it through and saw that a
person could purchase one thrift
stamp for 25 cents. She then thought
to herself that from that day she
would save every cent she would get
and buy thrift stamps until she had
enough to make a baby bond. Every
week the lady gave Mae 20 cents and
soon Mae had 16 thrift stamps, which
she exchanged for a war savings
stamp or a baby bond by adding 12
cents to make it $4.12. After Mae was
18 years of age she left the lady's
home and thanketl her very much
for her kindness. At the age of 20
she was in love with a young man
About four years later they were mar
ried. They lived in a beautiful, neat,
home and invited the lady who was
then very old to live with them. They
all lived here until the end of their
days. This is my first letter to the
LBusy Bees, and I wish to join the
Blue bide.
A New Member.
By Alice Quigley, Box No. 123, Cozad,
Neb.
Dear Busy Bees: This is the first
time I have written to you.
I ant jroing to tell you about my
cousin's little dog, his name is Fritz.
One evening they left him in when
they were going to the picture show.
When thev came back they could not
find him. When they were going to
bed they turned back the covers and
there he was sound asteep. One of
the neighbors has two little cats. One
day he chased them up a tree, after
that the cats always hated the dog.
The otf'er day he ran out on the
road bark' g at a car that came along
and ran over him. My, but they felt
bad, but they said they hoped they
would get another dog like Fritz. I
am 11 years old and in the fifth grade.
My teachers' names are Mrs. Merd-
Rules far Young
Writers
1. Wrlle plainly an one side of the
paper only and number tbs pages
i, rse pea and Ink, not pencil.
S. Short and pointed article will be
gtTrn prsrerenee. Do not uso otct Z50
words.
4. Original stories or letters only will
bo used.
5. Writ your name, ago and address
at the top of the first page.
A priie book wUl be given each week
for the best oontrlbation.
Address all eommank-ation to ChU-di-en's
Department, Omaha Bee, Omaha,
Neb.
rickson, Mrs. Busboom and Mist
Tompson. We are having a new
school house built here. They hope
to have it fiinished after Christmas
vacation. Well, I will close as my let
ter is getting pretty long.
I hope Mr. Wastepaper Basket ii
out visiting when my letter comes.
A Letter.
By Cameron Maus, Aged 10 ears
412 East Lincoln Way, Kearney.
Neb.
Dear Busy Bees: This is my f.rst
letter to you.
I am in the Fifth grade and go to
the Emerson school.
I am sending you a story I wrote m
school. The teacher thought it good,
so I am sending it to you.
The Story of a Potato.
I grew out in a back yard.
One day when I was sleeping some
one loosened the soil and I was dug
up. The light hurt, my eyes because
it had been so dark where I was. I
was dropped into a pail and carried
to the house. The woman put me
into some nice cool water and
scrubbed me hard. My, but it seemed
nicel The water was very dirty after
I was washed in it.
I was put into an oven. It was so
hot I didn't know what would become
of me. I hope I don't have to go
again. Finally they took me out
and put me on a platter and set me
on the table. The woman rang the
dinner bell and the whole family came
in and drew up their chairs.
I was on the very bottom.
My brothers and sisters soon be
gan to disappear. I don't know what
became of them.
Soon dinner was all over and I was
still on the plate. Everybody had
left the table but Johnny, who ran
his fork into me and put me on his 4
plate. He pulled off my jacket and
tfit butter and salt on me. Just as
he was going to eat me he heard his
mother say, "Hurry up or you will
be late for school 1 I think I hear
the last bell ringing"
Johnny jumped down from his chair,
got his hat and ran to school.
So I am still lying on Johnny's
plate. I don't know what will become
of m. Goodby.
I hope to see my story in print.
Vera's Home.
By Rose Krejci, Aged 11 Years,
Schuyler, Neb., Blue Side.
Once there lived a little girl, her
name was Vera. She had no mother
or father.
She lived with her aunt, who was
very cross and made Vera work very
hard. -
Once little Vera (she was 9 years
old), was going home from the store
with some milk. She slipped anl
spilled the milk and hurt her arm.
Her aunt was very angry because she
spilled the milk. Vera was so badly
hurt that she had to go to the
hospital.
The nurses were very kind to her.
As she had her hand bandaged then,
she did not have to stay in bed. She
would go to visit the sick. In one of
the rooms that Vera visited was an
old lady. She was kind. She said to
Vera I am rich but sad for I am
lonely. I have no one. Please stay
with me. She asked Vera where she
lived and Vera told her she had no
parents and lived with her aunt. When
the lady got well and was going home
she begged Vera to go with her. Vera
said she could not go unless she could
get her aunt's consent.
This old lay who was Mrs. Smith
drove over with Vera to her aunt.
Her aunt consented to leave her go.
Vera was sent to school and was'
treated good and they lived very
happy together.
Dick.
By Margureette Smith, Aged 1-'
Years, Pilger, Neb. Blue Side.
Dick, or Richard W. Meade, was
a small boy 12 years of age. His
father, Richard Meade, sr., had to go
to war to help Uncle Sam. The day
his father was to leave Dick's mother
broke down. She sobbed and nearly
went into hysterics. But Dick thought
his father looked real brave and hand
some in his khaki suit and brass bv
tons. '
At the station Dick's father took
his wife and Dick into his arms.
"Dick, my boy," he said, "take care
of your mother and always be good
to her." "Alright," responded Dick,
though his voice was choked with
tears. The next moment his father
was gone and his mother, completely
crushed, was sobbing in his arms.
Then and there Dick resolved to take
care of his mother and be her brave
little man.
His father's business gave them a
considerable income, so neither Dick
nor his mother had to work.
Dick continued his schooling and
Mrs. Meade seemed somewhat rec
onciled to her grief. But this was
only a pretense to deceive Dick. He
didn't know how often of an evening
her pillow was wet with tears. At
the end of the war Dick s father re
turned with an empty sleeve and a
twisted leg. But Mrs. Meade did not
think him one whit less handsome.
Dick was rewarded for being so good
to his mother in this way. His father
gave him a beautiful Swiss watch.
"Kaiser BilL" ,
By Margaret Crosby, Aged 15 Years
Sutherland, Neb. Red Side.
Old Kaiser Bill." who cares for hlmt
Since the war begun lie's very dim;
If all he can do to keep out ot oar
Because if we catch him he's sure to e'.uy.
MI tell you what he's gettin" thin
And now on his face in no broad grin;
He' about scared to death of us
And to get away he'll fly In a bus.
I'll tell you what without a doubt
He' likely now to get on a pout:
He didn't know how well we fought
But now I'm sur that he is taught
He says to his men. "Go right ahead:
We'll get those Americans alive or dead "
But well show him what la right
,And Just how and when to fight.
He saya. "By Joy, they're hard to lick
But I'U fight and fight to try to ntlck ."
Yes. he may stfck. but say.
He'll never live to see tbat da
Bo we must float our banner high
And let Its glorious colors fly.
The Red. White and Blue, for what do
they stand?
Why. America," so true, who la always on
hahtf