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Laa diagrammas suivants Nhistrant to m4thoda. 12 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 ••aocorr mwuition tbt chart (ANSI and BO TEST CHART No. 2) A -^PPUEp IIVHGE inc 1653 Cost Main StrMt Rochy»t«f. Nm York 14809 US* (716) 482 - 0300 - Phoiw (716) 268 - 5989 - Foil ^/^Lk^i^u^J S^:*: /I, MBS. WIGG8 OF THE CABBAGE PATCH MBS. WIGG8 OP THE CABBAGE PATCH Br ALICE CALDWELL HEGAN ■^ "^^^iiiif* ^^^ ,^i&^'' ' PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM BRIGGS TORONTO . . MCMII ;/ PS 3535- f 144572 Copyright, 1901, by The CaitTUBT Ca IN THI UNino tTATM tv THE M VINNE MEM. I THIS LITTLE STOBY IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED TO MY MOTHER, WHO FOB YEABS HAS BEEN THE GOOD ANGEL OF "THE CABBAGE PATCH" ■ir; CONTENTS CHAPTKB I Mb& Wioos's Philosophy .... '""'"a n Ways and Means ••.... in ni The "Christmas Lady" IV The Annexation op CJuby ..... 45 V A Reminiscence VI A Theater Party vn "Mr. Bob" . g4 VIII MRa WiGos AT Home .... * gg K How Spring came to the CabbIoe xMTCH .... X Australia's Mishap ...... 123 XI The Benefit Dance ....... 139 MBS. WIGG8 OP THE CABBAGE PATCH N I ! ME8. WIGGS OF THE CABBAGE PATCH CHAPTER I MRS. WIQQS'S PHILOSOPHY "In the mud and scum of things Something always, always sings ! " |Y, but it 's nice an* cold thismomin'I The ther. mometer »s done fell up to zero I'* — -^^— « Mrs. Wiggs made the statement as cheerfully as if her elbows were not sticking out through the boy's I coat that she wore, or her teeth chatter- I mg m her head like a pair of castanets. \ But, Ihen, Mrs. Wiggs was a philoso- pher, and the sum and substance of her I philosophy lay in keeping the dust off 3 Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch her rose-colored spectacles. When Mr. Wiggs traveled to eternity by the alco- hol route, she buried his faults with him, and for want of better virtues to extol she always laid stress on the fine hand he wrote. It was the same way when their little country home burned and she had to come to the city to seek work; her one conmient was: "Thank God, it was the pig instid of the baby tha^ was burned 1** So this bleak morning in December she pinned the bed-clothes around the children and made them sit up close to the stove, while she pasted brown paper over the broken window-pane and made sprightly comments on the change in the weather. The Wiggses lived in the Cabbage Patch. It was not a real cabbage patch, but a queer neighborhood, where ram- shackle cottages played hop-scotch over Mrs. W%gg8*8 Philosophy the railroad tracks. There were no streets, so when a new house was built the owner faced it any way his fancy prompted. Mr. Bagby's grocery, it is true, conformed to convention, and presented a solid front to the railroad track, but Miss Hazy's cottage shied off sidewise into the Wiggses' yard, as if it were afraid of the big freight-trains that went thundering past so many times a day; and Mrs. Schultz's front room looked directly into the Eichoms* kitchen. The latter was not a bad ar- rangement, however, for Mrs. Schultz had been confined to her bed for ten years, and her sole interest in life con- sisted in watching what took place in her neighbor's family. The Wiggses' house was the most im- posing in the neighborhood. This was probably due to the fact that it had two front doors and a tin roof. One door 5 Mrs. Wiggs of t he Cabbage Patch was nailed up, and the other opened out- doors, but you would never guess it from the street. When the country house burned, one door had been saved. So Mrs. Wiggs and the boys brought it to the new home and skilfully placed it at the front end of the side porch. But the roof gave the house its chief dis- tinction; it was the only tin roof in the Cabbage Patch. Jim and Billy had made it of old cans which they picked up on the commons. Jim was fifteen and head of the fam- ily; his shoulders were those of a man, and were bent with work, but his body dwindled away to a pair of thin legs that seemed incapable of supporting the bur- den imposed upon them. In his anx- * ious eyes was the look of a bread-winner who had begun the struggle too soon. Life had been a tragedy to Jim: the tragedy that comes when a child's sen- 6 Mrs. Wigg8*8 Philosophy sitive soul is forced to meet the respon- sibilities of manhood, yet lacks the wis- dom that only experience can bring. Billy Wiggs was differently coMti- tuted; responsibilities rested upon him as lightly as the freckles on his nose. When occasion or his mother demanded he worked to good purpose, with a te- nacity that argued well for his future success, but for the most part he played and fought and got into trouble with the aptitude characteristic of the aver- age small boy. It was Mrs. Wiggs 's boast that her three little girls had geography names; first came Asia, then Australia. When the last baby arrived, Billy had stood looking down at the small bundle and asked anxiously: "Are you goin' to have it fer a boy or a girl, mat" Mrs. Wiggs had answered: "A giri, Billy, an ' her name 's Europena I » ' 7 '•'^"♦''^-^■•-'•K <»»-»— »v.,v..^,. 'I l' i i : i ^ra. Wigga of th e Cabbage Patch On thif particalar Sunday morning Mn. Wiggi bnttled about the kitchen in unusual haste. /'I am goin' to make you aU some nice Insh pertater soup fer dinner," »he said, as she came in from the parloV, where she kept her potatoes and onions! "The boys '11 be in soon, an' we 'U have to hurry and git through 'fore the childem begin to come to Sunday- school.'" ^ For many years Sunday afternoon had been a trying time in the neighbor- hood, so Mrs. Wiggs had organized a Sunday-school class at which she pre- sided. "If there don't come Chris an' Pete a'readyl" said Asia, from her post by ^e stove,. "I bet tiiey 've had their dumer, an' jes' come early to git some of oursi" ' * Why, Asia ! ' ' exclaimed Mrs. Wiggs, 8 Mrs. Wigg8*8 Philoaophy '*that ain't hospit'le, an* Chris with one leg, tool 'T ain't no trouble at all. AU I got to do is to put a little more water in the soup, an' me and Jim won't take but one piece of bread." When Jim and Billy came in they found their places at the table taken, so they sat on the floor and drank their soup out of tea-cups. *'Geel" said Billy, after the third help, "I 've drinkei so much that when I swallers a piece er bread I can hear it splash I" **Well, you boys git up now, an' go out and bring me in a couple of phnks to put acrost the cheers fer the childem to set on." By two o'clock the Sunday-school had begun; every seat in the kitchen, avail- able and otherwise, was occupied. The boys sat in the windows and on the table, and the girls squeezed together on 9 J--^».*T^4 .f. ■1 ^• ^rs, Wiggs of the Cab bage Patch the improvised benches. Mrs. Wiggs stood before them with a dilapidated hymn-book in her hand. **Now, you all must hush talkin', so we kin all sing a hymn; I '11 read it over, then we m all sing it together. 'men upon life's biUers you are tempert tossed, When you are discouraged thinkin' M is lost, Count yer many ble«.in's, name 'em one b^l, An »twiU surprise you what the Lord hath done!- Clear and strong rose the childish voices m different keys and regardless of time, but with a genuine enthusiasm that was in itself a blessing. When they had sung through the three stanzas Mrs. Wiggs began the lesson. "What did we study 'bout last Sun- day?" she asked. No response, save a smothered giggle from two of the little girls. "Don't you all remember what the Lord give Moses up on the mountain?" 10 IS-- *.n»i.*ntiavf %i^' i Mrs.Wiggs's Philosophy A hard went up in the comer, and an eager voice cried; "Yas'm, I know I Lord give Moses ten tallers, an' he duveled 'em.»' Before Mrs. Wiggs could enter into an argument concerning this new ver- sion of sacred history, she was hit in the eye with a paper wad. It was aimed at BiUy, but when he dodged she became the victim. This caused some delay, for she had to bathe the injured member, and during the interval the Sunday! school became riotous. "Mith Wiggs, make Tommy thop tfipittin' terbaccer juice in my hat!'* "Miss Wiggs, I know who hit youl" "Teacher, kin I git a drink?" It was not until Mrs. Wiggs, with a stocking tied over her eye, emerged from the bedroom and again took com- mand that order was restored. 11 -K ^-^.^.^ Mrs- Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch "Where is Bethlehem?*' she began reading from an old lesson-paper. **You kin search me/" promptiy an- swered Chris. She ignored his remark, and passed to the next, who said, half doubtfully: "Ain't it in Alabama!" "No, it 's in the Holy Und," she said. A sudden commotion arose in the back of'the room. Billy, by a series of skilful manoeuvers, had succeeded in removing the chair that held one of the planks, and a cascade of small, indig- nant giris were tobogganing sidewise down the incline. A fight was immi- nent, but before any further trouble oc eurred Mrs. Wiggs locked Billy in the bedroom, and became mistress of the situation. "What I think you childem need IS a talk about fussin' an' fightin'. 12 C5A:;'t«.rt»,-rr.T Mrs. Wiggs^s Philosophy There ain^t no use in me teachin' what they done a thousand years ago, when you ain*t got manners 'nough to listen at what I 'am sayin'. I recollect one time durin* the war, when the soldiers was layin* 'round the camp, tryin' they bes* to keep from freezin' to death, a preacher come 'long to hold a service. An* when he got up to preach he sez, 'Friends,' sez he, 'my tex' is Chill- blains. They ain't no use a-preachin' religion to men whose whole thought is set on their feet. Now, you fellows git some soft-soap an' pour it in yer shoes, an' jes' keep them shoes on till yer feet gits well, an' the nex' time I come 'round yer minds '11 be better prepared to receive the word of the Lord.' Now, that 's the way I feel 'bout this here Sunday-school. First an ' f o 'most, I am goin' to learn you all manners. Jes' one thought I want you to take away, 13 ^'■«- ^[m of the Cabbage Patch an' that is, it 's sinful to fuss! Ma Me' keep the peace an' do 'way with the scraps. Now, what do I want yon aU to rememberf" j' ""uio "Don't fnssi" came the prompt an- swer. '^ *^ "" "That 's right; now we 'U sing 'Pull ler the shore.' " s uu TOen the windows had ceased to rat- tle from the vibratious of the lusty chorus, Ifrs. Wiggs lifted her han* lor silence. "0 Lord!" she prayed earnestly, help these here childem to be good an' faud to each other, an' to their mas an their pas. Make 'em thankful fer whatever they 've got, even if it aiu't bnt a little. Show us all how to Hve like you want us to live, an' praise God from whom all blessin's flow. Amen " As the last youngster scampered out 14 Mrs. Wiggs*s Philosophy of the yard, Mrs. Wiggs turned to the window where Jim was standing. He had taken no part in the singing, and was silent and preoccupied. "Jim," said his mother, trying to look into his face, "you never had on yer overcoat when you come in. You ain't gone an' sold it!" "Yes,'» said the boy, heavily; "but 't ain't 'nough fer the rent I got to figger it out some other way." Mrs. Wiggs put her arm about his shoulder, and together they looked out across the dreary commons. "Don't you worry so, Jimmy," said she. ' ' Mebbe I kin git work to-morrow, or you '11 git a raise, or somethin'; they '11 be some way." Little she guessed what the way was to be. 15 CHAPTER n WAYS AND MEANS They are weary ere they run ; ^ mi^7 kTu ''*'" *^" "^^"•' »<» the glory Which i« brighter than the auny '""^'^'y JHE cold wave that was ushered in that Decem- ber morning was the be- ginning of a long series . ^^ ^7B that vied with each other as to which could induce tiie mercury to drop the lowest. The de- scent of the temperature seemed to have a like effect on the barrel of potatoes and the load of coal in the Wiirirses' parlor. ** Mrs. Wiggs's untiring efforts to find employment had met with no success, 16 Ways and Means and Jim's exertions were redoubled- day by day his scanty earnings became less sufficient to meet the demands of the family. On Christmas eve they sat over the stove, after the little ones had gone to bed, and discussed the situation. The wind hurled itself against the house in a very frenzy of rage, shaking the icicles from the window-ledge and hiss- mg through the patched panes. The snow that sifted in through the loose sash lay unmelted on the sill. Jim had a piece of old carpet about him, and coughed with ahnost every breath. Mrs Wiggs's head was in her hands, and the tears that trickled through her crooked fingers hissed as they fell on «ie stove. It was the first time Jim had ever seen her give up. "Seems Uke we '11 have to ast fer help, Jim," she said. "I can't ast fer « 17 r ^ra. Wigga of th e Cabbage Patch credit at Mr. Bagby'sj seems Uke I 'd never have the courage to puU agin a debt What do you think? I guess-it looks like mebbe we 'II have to apply to the organization.'' Jim's eyes flashed. *«Not yet, mal" he said, firmly. -It 'ud be with us Uke It was with the Hombys; they did n't have nothin' to eat, and they went to the organization an' ihe man asted 'em i« they had a bed or a table, an' when they said yes, he said, *Well, why don't you sell 'emf No, mal As long as we 've got coal I 'U git the vittles some wayl" He had to pause, for a violent attack of coughing shook him from head to foot. "I think I can git a night job next week; one of the market-men comes in from the country ever' night to git a early start nex' momin', an' he ast me if I *d sleep in his wagon from three to six an' keep his vegetables from bein' 18 Wapa and Means stole. That 'ud gimme time to git home an' git breakfast, an' be down to the factory by seven." "But, Jimmy boy," cried his mother her voice quivering with anxiety, **you never could stan' it night an» day tool -No, I '11 watch the wagon; I '11- »» A knock on the parlor door inter- mptedher. She hastUy dried her eyes and smoothed her hair. Jim went to tne door. "I Ve a Christmas basket for youl" cned a cheery voice. ''Is this Christmasf" Jim asked dully. ^ The giri in the doorway laughed. She was tall and slender, but Jim could only see a pair of sparkling eyes be- tween the brim of the hat and her high fur collar. It was nice to hear her laugh, though; it made tilings seem warmer somehow. The colored man be- 19 Mrs, Wigga of the Cabbage Patch hind her deposited a large basket on the doorstep. "It *8 from the church," she ex- plained; "a crowd of us are out in the omnibus distributing baskets." "Well, how *d you ever happen to come heret" cried Mrs. Wiggs, who had come to the door. "There is one for each of the mission- school families; just a little Christmas grating, you know.'* Mrs. Wiggs 's spirits were rising every minute. "Well, that certainly is kind an* thoughtful like," she said. "Won't you— " she hesitated; the room she had just left was not in a condition to receive guests, but Mrs. Wiggs was a KentucMan. '*Come right in an' git warm," she said cordially; "the stove 's died down some, but you could git thawed out." "No, thank you, I can't come in, 20 ft Wajfs and Means ■aid the young lady, with a side glance at Jim, who was leaning against the door. "Have you plenty of coal T'» she asked, in an undertone. **0h, yes'm, thank you," said Mrs. Wiggs, smiling reassuringly. Her tone might have been less confident, but for Jim's warning glance. Every fiber of his sensitive nature shrank from asking help. ^ The girl was puzzled; she noticed the stamp of poverty on everything in sight except the bright face of the little woman before her. "Well," she said doubtfully, "if you ever want-to come to see me, ask for Miss Lucy Olcott at Terrace Park. Good night, and a happy Christmas I»» She wat gone, and the doorway looked very black and lonesome in con- sequence. But there was the big basket to prove she was not merely an appari- 21 Mrs. Wigga of the Cabbage Patch tion, and it took both Jim and hit mother to carry it in. Sitting on the floor, they unpacked it There were veg- etable!, oatmeal, fruit, and even tea and coffee. But the surprise was at the very bottom I A big turkey, looking so com- ical with his legs stuck in his body that Jim Uughed outright. "it »s the first turkey that 's been in this house fer many a dayl" said Mrs. Wigjjs, deKghtedly, as she pinched the fat fowL *'I 'spect Europena '11 be skeered of it, it 's so big. My, but we 'U have a good dinner to-morrow I X 'll git Miss Hazy an' Chris to come over an' spend the day, and I 11 carry a plate over to Mrs. Schultz, an' take a little 0' this here tea to ole Mrs. Law- son." The cloud had turned inside out for Mrs. Wiggs, and only the silver lining was visible. Jim was doing a sum on 22 Ways and Meatis the brown paper that came over the basket, and preeenUy he looked up and said slowly: "Ma, I guess we can't have the tur- key this year. I kin sell it fer a dollar seventy-five, and that would buy us hog- meat fer a good while.'' Mrs. Wiggs's face fell, and she twisted ber apron-string in silence. She had pictured the joy of a real Christmas dinner, the first the youngest children had ever known; she had already thought of half a dozen neighbors to whom she wanted to send **a little snack." But one look at Jim's anxious face recalled their circumstances. "Of course we '11 seU it," she said brightly. "You have got the longest head fer a boy! We '11 sell it in the momin', an' buy sausage fer dinner, an' I '11 cook some of these here nice vegetables an' put a orange an' some 23 Mrs, Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch candy at each plate, an' the childem '11 never know nothin' 'bout it. Besides," she added, "if you ain't never et turkey meat you don't know how good it is." But in spite of her philosophy, after Jim had gone to bed she slipped over and took one more look at the turkey. "I think I would n't 'a' minded so much," she said, wistfully, ' herself against the door; her face was distorted, and her voice came in gasps. "You said I was to come if I needed you. It 's Jimmy, ma'am— he *s deadl" It may be experience of suffering makes one especially tender to the heart-aches of others; at any rate, the article th^t Lucy Olcott wrote for the paper that 41 ..I '1^ »» The ** Christmas Lady" butions for the Wiggs family. Money had arrived from all over the State, and from every class of society. Eich- enstine Bros, sent fifty dollars, and six ragged newsboys came to present thirty cents. A lavender note, with huge moragram and written in white ink, stated that some of the girls of the "Gay Burlesque Troupe" sent a few dimes to the * * kid 's ' * mother. The few dimes amounted to fifteen dollars, ^frs. Van Larkin's coachman had tc ..ait with her not^ while Lucy answered the questions of a lame old negro who had brought a quarter. "Maria done tole me what was writ in de papah *bout dat pore chile," he was saying. * * I sutenly do feel sorry f er he*s maw. I ain*t got much, but I tole Maria I guess we could do without somethin' to gib a quahter." So it continued. Old and young, rich 48 ,h 1 - '» , * 4V - •> I M li ' ll Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch and poor, paid their substantial tribute^ of respect to Jimmy Wiggs. Lucy counted up the long line of fig- ures. "Three hundred and sixty-five dollars I" she exclaimed; "and food, clothes, and coal enough to last them a yearl** It was like a direct answer to her prayer, and yet this poor little sup- pliant, instead of being duly exalted, put her head on the desk and wept bit- terly. Now that the need of the Wiggs family had been met, another appeal, silent and potent, was troubling her heart. Bedding had neither come nor writ- ten, and she was beginning to realize the seriousness of their misunderstanding. 44 >J^*<»»«»r?te..«».rf»)wi^ mmutrj-m-*^.- CHAPTER IV tx;e annexation of gxtby " They well deserve to hare, That know the rtrongest and rarett way to get." iMOST a year rolled over the Cabbage Patch, and it was nearing Christmas again. The void left in Mrs. Wiggs's heart by Jim's death could never be filled, but time was beginning to soften her grief, and the necessity for steady employment kept her from brooding over her trouble. It was still needful to maintain the strictest economy, for half the money which had been given them was in Miss 45 Mrs, Wigga of the Cabbage Patch Oloott's keeping as a safeguard against another rainy day. Mrs. Wiggs had got as much washing as she could do; Asia helped about the house, and Billy did odd jobs wherever he could find them. The direct road to fortune, however, according to Billy»s ideas, could best be traveled in a kindling-wagon, and, while he was the proud possessor of a dilapidated wagon, sole relic of the late Mr. Wiggs, he had nothing to hitch to it Scarcely a week passed that he did not agitate the question, and, as Mrs. Wii^s often said, "When Billy Wiggs done set his head to a thing, he *s as good as got it I" So she was not surprised when he rushed breathlessly into the kitchen one evening, about supper-time, and ex- claimed in excited tones: "Ma, I Ve got a horse I He was havin» a fit on the commons an* they was goin' to shoot 46 The Annexation of Cuhy him, an* I ast the man to give him to mel" "My land, Billy! What do you want with a fit-horse t*' asked his mother. " 'Cause I knowed you could cure him. The man said if I took him I 'd have to pay fer cartin* away his car- cass, but I said, * All right, I '11 take him, anyway.* Come on, ma, an* see himl** and Billy hurried back to his new pos- session. Mrs. Wiggs pinned a shawl over her head and ran across the commons. A group of men stood around the writhing animal, but the late owner had departed. "He 's *mo8t gone,** said one of the men, as she came up. "I tole Billy you *d beat him fer takin* that ole nag offen the man's ban's." "Well, I won't,** said Mrs. Wiggs, stoutly. *'Billy Wiggs *s got more sense than most men I know. That 47 Mrs, Wigga of the Cabbage Pakh hoM's oaroass is worth somethin*; I 'spect he 'd bring 'bout two dollars dead, an* mebbe more livin'. Anyway, I 'm goin' to save him if there 's any save to him I'' She stood with her arms on her hips, and critically surveyed her patient. **I *U teU you what 's the matter with him," was her final diagnosis; "his Ughts is ria. BUly, I 'm goin' home fer some medicine ; you set on his head so 's he can't git up, an' ma '11 be right back in a minute." The crowd which had collected to see the horse shot began to disperse, for it was supper-time, and there was nothing to see now but the poor suffering ani- mal, with Billy Wiggs patiently sitting on its head. When Mrs. Wiggs returned she car- ried a bottle, and what appeared to be a hirge marble. "This here is a calo- 48 The Annexation of Cuhy melpill,** she explained. ^'Ijes'roUed the calomel in with some soft, light bread. Now, you prop his jaw open with a little stick, an» I '11 shove it in, an' then hole his head back, while I pour down some water an' tarkentine outen this bottle." It was with great difficulty that this was accomplished, for the old horse had evidently seen a vision of the happy hunting-ground, and was loath to return to the sordid earth. His Umbs were al- ready stiffening in death, and the whites of his eyes only were visible. Mrs. Wiggs noted these discouraging symp- toms, and saw that violent measures were necessary. "Gether some sticks an* build a fire quick as you kin. I Ve got to run over home. Build it right up clost to him, Billy; we 've got to git him het up." She rushed into the kitchen, and, tak- 4 49 Mr$, W%gg$ of ike Cabbage Patch ing leyeral oakei of tallow from the shelf, threw them into a tin bucket Then she hesitated for a moment The kettle of Bonp was steaming away on the stove ready for snpper. Mrs. Wiggs did not believe in saorifioing the present need to the future comfort She throw in a liberal portion of pepper, and, seiz- ing the kettle in one hand and the bucket of tallow in the other, staggered back to the bonfire. "Now, Billy," she commanded, *'put this bucket of tallow down there in the hottest part of the fire. Look out ; don 't tip it— there! Now, you come here an* help me pour this soup into the bottle. I 'm goin' to git that ole boss so het up he '11 think he *s havin* a sunstroke! Seems sorter bad to keep on peptering him when he *s so near gone, but this here soup '11 feel good when it once gits inside him." 60 ..* , , V -* " ^ The Annexation of Cuby Whan the kettle was empty, the lonp WM ImpartivJly diitributed over Mm. Wiggs and the patient, but a goodly amonnt had *'got inside," and already the hone was losing his rigidity. Only once did Billy pause in his work, and that was to ask: "Ma, what do you think I »d better name himt" Giving names was one of Mrs. Wiggs's chief accompUshments, and iwnaUy required much thoughtful con- sideration; but in this case if there was to be a christening it must be at once. "I 'd like a jography name," sug- gested Billy, feeUng that nothing was too good to bestow upon his treasure. Mrs. Wiggs stood with the soup drip- ping from her hands, and earnestly contemplated the horse. Babies, pigs, goats, and puppies had drawn largely on her supply of late, and geography 51 Mrs, Wigga of the Cabbage Patch II names especially were scarce. Sud- denly a thought struck her. "I '11 teU you what, Billyl We 'U call him Cubyl It 's a town I heared 'em talkin' 'bout at the grocery." By this time the tallow was melted, and Mrs. Wiggs carried it over by the horse, and put each of his hoofs into the hot liquid, while Billy rubbed the legs with all the strength of his young arms. ii That *s right," she said; "now you run home an' git that piece of carpet by my bed, an' we '11 kiver him up. I am goin' to git them fence rails over yonder to keep the fire goin'." Through the long night they worked with their patient, and when the first glow of morning appeared in the east, a triumphant procession wended its way across the Cabbage Patch. First came an old woman, bearing sundry pails, 52 The Annexation of Cuhy kettles, and bottles; next came a very sleepy little boy, leading a trembling old horse, with soup aU over its head, taUow on its feet, and a strip of rag! carpet tied about its middle. And thus Cuba, like his geographical namesake, emerged from the violent or- deal of reconstruction with a mangled constitution, intc -nal dissension, a de- cided preponderance of foreign element, but a firm and abiding trust in the new power with which his fortunes had been irrevocably cast CHAPTER V A BEMINISCE17CE " It is easy enongh to be pleMut When life flows along like a song, B^e man worth while is the one who will smile when eyeiything goes dead wrong." |HEN Miss Hazy was awakened early that moming by a resonaD? neigh at the head of her _ bed, she mistook it for the tramp of doom. Miss Hazy's cot- tage, as has been said, was built on the bias in the Wiggses' side yard, and the little lean-to, immediately behind Miss Hazy's bedroom, had been pressed into service as Cuba's temporary abiding- place. 54 A Reminiscence After her first agonized fright, the old woman ventured to push the door open a crack and peep ont. "Chris,'* she said, in a tense whis- per, to her sleeping nephew— "Chris, what on airth is this here hitched to our shutter!" Chris, usually deaf to all calls less emphatic than cold water and a broom- stick, raised a rumpled head from the bed-clothes. "Where atV* he asked. "Right herel" said Miss Hazy, still in a terrified whisper, and holding fast the door, as if the specter might attempt an entrance. Chris did not stop to ad- just his wooden leg, but hopped over to the door, and cautiously put an eye to the opening. "Why, shucks, 't ain't nothin' but a boss!" he said, in disgust, having nerved himself for nothing less than a 55 • V>. ^« ta,«4 Mrs, Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch rhinoceros, such as he had seen in the circus. "How »d he git theret'» demanded Miss Hazy. Chris was not prepared to say. AU through breakfast Miss Hazy was in a flutter of excitement. She had once heard of a baby being left on a door- step, but never a horse. When the limit of her curiosity was about reached, she saw Mrs. A^iggs coming across the yard carrying a bucket. She hastened to meet her. ' * Momin ', » ' called Mrs. Wiggs, bright- ly, in spite of her night's vigil; "ain»t we got a fine boss?'* Miss Hazy put the ash-barrel between herself and the animal, and hazarded a timid inspection, while Mrs. Wiggs made explanations, and called attention to Cuba's fine points. ** Can't you come in an' take a 56 i i ■ ' I Trairy ) A Reminiscence warm!'' asked Miss Hazy, as she con- eluded. "WeU, I b'Ueve I wiU," said Mrs. Wiggs. *'I ain't been over fer quite a spell. The childem Mn clean up, bein» it 's Saturday." From seven to nine in the morning were the favorite call- ing-hours in the Cabbage Pateh. Mrs. Wiggs chose the chair which had the least on it, and leaned back, smiling aflFably as she remarked: **We 're used to bosses; this here *a the second one we Ve had." "Myl" said Miss Hazy, "you muster been well to do I" **Yes," contiimed Mrs. Wiggs, "we was-up to the time of the fire. Did I ever tell you 'bout how Jim brought our other boss to town?" Miss Hazy had heard the story a number of times, but she knew the du- ties of a hostess. 57 '"^"i^'Ss^ ■^5^¥r » ■ ii ^rs, Wigga of the Cabbage Patch *'li was this a-way,»' went on Mrs. Wiggs, drawing her chair closer to the fire, and preparing for a good, long talk. I' You see, me an' the childem was corn- in' on the steam-car train, but ther' was n't no way to git the hoss here, 'ceptin' fer somebody to ride him. Course Jim said he 'd do it. Poor Jim, always ready to do the hard parti" She paused to wipe her eyes on her apron, and Miss Hazy wept in sym- pathy. "Never min'. Miss Wiggsj don't cry. Go on an' teU me what you done next" "Well," said Mrs. Wiggs, swaUow- ing the lump in her throat, "Jim said he 'd go. He never had been to the city, an' he was jes' a Uttle shaver, but I Imowed I could trust him." "I don't see how you could stand to risk it I" exclaimed Miss Hazy. *'0h, I reckon whatever you got to 58 «*n>#'i. .a A Reminiacence do, you kin do. I did n* see no other way; so one mornin patch quilt over t I put a old fo*- hoss, tied a bucket of oats on behin', an* fixed some vit- tles fer Jim, an' started *em off. It was a forty-mile ride to the city, so I calkerlated to start Jim so 's he 'd git to Dr. White's 'bout nightfall." "Dr. White was your old doctor, was n't he?" prompted Miss Hazy. "Yes'm, he used to 'tend Mr. Wiggs before we moved over into Bullitt County. You know Mr. Wiggs was a widow man when I married him. He had head trouble. Looked like all his inflictions gethered together in that head of hisn. He uster go into reg'lar transoms!" Miss Hazy was awe-struck, but more dreadful revelations were to follow. "I guess you knew I killed him," continued Mrs. Wiggs, cahnly. "The 69 ^1 hi i ■m»»iSmmi*'*1* ***"**■***" ••1r»»»-^'*»«'" i ! i t ^B' ^ra. Wigga of the Cabb age Patch doctor an» everybody said 80. He waa jes' gitten over typhoid, an' I give him pork an' beans. He was a wonderful manl Kept his senses plumb to the end. I remember his very his' words I was settin' by him, waitin' fer the doctor to git there, an' I kep' sayin', *0h, Mr. Wiggsl You don't think you are dyin', do you?' an' he answered up jes' as natural an' fretful-like, 'Gk)od lan',Nan<^I How do I know f I ain't never died before.' An' tiiem was the very las' words he ever spoke." "Was he a church member, Miss WiggsT" inquired Miss Hazy. "WeU, no, not exactly," admitted ^^- Wiggs, reluctantly. "But he was what you might say a weU-wisher. But, as I was teUin' you. Dr. White was a old friend, an' I pinned a note on Jim's coat tellin' who he was an' where he was goin', an' I knowed the 60 ^sjeoB A Reminiaeenee ■} doctor would have a eye on him when he got as fur as Smithville. As f er the rest of the trip, I was n't so certain. The only person I knowed in the city was Pete Jenkins, an' if there was one man in the world I did n't have no nse fer, it was Pete. But when I don't like folks I try to do somethin' nice fer 'em. Seems like that 's the only way I kin weed out my meanness. So I jes* sez to Jim, *You keep on astin' till you git to No. 6 Injun House, an* then you ast fer Pete Jenkins. You tell him,' sez I, *you are Hiram Wiggs's boy, an* as long as he done so much harm to yer pa, mebbe he 'd be glad to do a good turn by you, an' keep you an' the boss fer the night, till yer ma comes fer you.' Well, Jim started off, lookin' mighty lit- tle settin' up on that big boss, an' I waved my apron long as I could ; then I hid behin' a tree to keep him from 61 I ih ^rs. WijgaoftheCahhage Patch Beein'mecry. He rode aU that day, an' 'bout sundown he come to Dr. White's Pore little feller, he was so tired an' stiflF he could n't hardly walk, but he tied the boss to the post an' went 'round to the back door an' knocked real easy. Mrs. White come to the door an' sez real cross, 'No, doctor ain't here,' an' slammed it shut agin. I ain't meanin' to blame her; mebbe her bread was in the oven, or her baby cryin', or some- thin', but seems to me I could n't have treated a dog that a-wayl **Pore Jim, he dragged out to the road agin, an' set there beside the hoss, not knowin' what to do nex'. Night was a-comin' on, he had n't had no sup- per, an' he was dead beat. By an' by he went to sleep, an' did n't know nothin' till somebody shuck his shoul- der an' sez, *Git up from here I What you doin' sleepin' here in the road?' 62 mm A Reminiscence Then he went stmnblin' 'long, with somebody holdin' big ann, an' he was took into a big, bright room, an' the doctor was lookin' at him an' astin* him questions. An' Jim said he never did know what he answered, but it must 'a' been right, fer the doctor grabbed holt of his hand, an' sez: *Bless my soull It 's Uttle Jimmy Wiggs, all the way fromCurryvillel' "Then they give him his supper, an' Mrs. White sez: * Where '11 he sleep at, Doctor? There ain't no spare bed.' Then Jim sez the doctor frowned like ever'thin', an' sez: 'SleepT Why, he '11 sleep in the bed with my boys, an' they orter be proud to have sech a plucky bedfellerl' **Jim never did fergit them words; they meant a good deal more to him than his supper. "Early the nex' momin' he sfarted 63 1 ' h lit ' I 'I m i V, ir I' ■if m Mrs, Wigga of tKe Cabbage Paich oat agiiif the doctor pointin' him on the way. He did n»t git into the city till 'long 'bout four o'clock, an' he eez he never was 80 mixed in all his life. All my ohildem was green abont town? it made ever' one of 'em sick when they first rode on the street-cars, an* Enro- pena was skeered to death of the news- boys, 'cause she thought they called *Babies,' 'stid of *Papers.' Jim kep' right on tlie main road, like he was tole to, but things kep' a-happenin' 'round him so fast, he said he could n't do no more 'n jes' keep out the way. All of a suddint a ice-wagon come rattlin' up behin' him. It was runnin' off, an' 'fore he knowed it a man hit it in the head an' veered it 'round towards him; Jim said his boss turned a clean somer- set, an' he was th'owed up in the air, an'-»» "Ma!" called a shrill voice from the 64 A Reminitcence Wiggnet' porch, "Awtralia 'i in the rain-barrel!" Mrs. Wiggs looked exasperated. "I never was havin' a good time in ny uto that one of my childem did n t g;. iu that rain-barrel T' "WeU, go on an» finish," mui UI^b Hazy, to whom the story har lost uofb^ ing by repetition. "Ther» ain't much more," said Mr?. Wiggs, picking up her bucket <'Oux boss had two legs an' his neck bioke, but Jim never had a scratch. A police- man took him to No. 6 Injun House, an' Pete Jenkins jes' treated him like he »d been his own son. I was done cured then an' there fer my feelin' aginst Pete." **MaI" again came the warning cry across the yard. "AH right, I 'm comin'I Good-by, Miss Hazy; you have a eye to Cuby till • 66 I ii . t Jll'*"— « !1. I ii Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch we git our shed ready. He ain't 89 sperited as he looks. * * And, with a cordial hand-shake, Mrs. Wiggs went cheerfully away to admin- ister chastisement to her erring off- spring. I h. 66 CHAPTER VI A THEATEB PABTY " The play, the play *» the thing I » ITLLY'S foreign policy proved most satisfac- tory, and after the an- nexation of Cuba many additional dimes fomid their way into the tin box on top of the wardrobe. But it took them aU, besides Mrs. Wiggs's earnings, to keep the fam- ily from the awful calamity of "pulling agin a debt" One cold December day Billy came in and found his mother leaning wearily on the table. Her face brightened as he entered, but he caught the tired look in her eyes. 67 i!M III i. ^«. ^ms^fJheCdbhage Patch **What '8 the matter?" he asked. "Ain't nothin' the matter, Billy,'* she said, trying to speak cheerfuUy; 1 m jes' wore out, that 's all. It '11 be with me like it was with Uncle Ned's ole ox, I reckon; he kep' a-goin' an' a-goin' tiU he died a-standin' up, an' even then they had to push him over " She walked to the window, and stood gazing absently across the commons. Do you know, Billy," she said sud- denly, "I Ve got the craziest notion in my head. I 'd jes' give any thin' to see tiie show at the Opery House this week." If she had expressed a wish for a dia- mond necklace, Billy could not have been more amazed, and his counte- nance expressed his state of mind. Mrs Wiggs hastened to explain: "Course, I ain't really thinkin' 'bout gom', but them show-bills started me to A Theater Partp •tudyiii' tout it, n' I got to i^iun' me aa' you could fo." ''I doB't 'ipect it '» much when you git iMide," said Billy, trying the rf- fects of negative coawlatioa. "Yes, 't ig, Billy Wiggs," mommn^ his mother, impressively. "You aint never been inside a theayter, an' I have. I was there twict, an' it was gxaml! You ort«a- see the ligjbts an' fixin's, an' all the fine ladies an' th^ beamx. First time I went tl^y was a mm in skin- tights a-walMn' on a rojjt h'iated 'way up over ever 'body's head." "What '8 skin-tights?" aated Billy, thrttled in spite of himself. "It 's spangles 'round yernmt, an' shoes without no heels to 'en. Yon see, the man could n't wear maay clothes, 'cause it would make him tav heavy to stay up there in the air. The band plays all the time, an' fcdfa sing an' 69 $ ■ ^n- Wigg, of t he Cabbage Patch •PeecUfy, „. ever'body laughs an' lus jo^ time. It 's jes' grand, I tell Billys brows were puckered, and he i.t unu««Uly quiet for a while, looking at^ mother. KnaUy he said: "You •n>*t take my snow-money from las' week." Mrs. Wiggs was indignant "Why BiUy Wiggs!" she ezdai^d, "do you awk I 'd tri» an' go to a riiow, when A«a an ' Autralia ain >t got a good shoe to their backs? '^ BiUy said no more about the &eater bnt that afternoon, whtn he was out with the kindling, he pondered th« mat- ter deeply. It was qnite cold, and some- tunes he had to pnt the reins between his knees and shove his hands deep klUf his pockets to get the stiffness out of them. It really seemed as if everybody liad just laid in a supply of kindling, 70 il ii A Theater Partff and the shadowy Uttle plan he had been fonning was growing more shadowy all the time. "I 'spect the tickets cost a heap,*' he thought ruefully, as he drew himself up into a regular pretzel of a boy; "but, then, she never does have no fun, an' never gits a thing fer herself." And because Billy kaew of his mother's many sacrifices, and because he found it very hard to take Jim's place, a lump lodged in his throat, and gave him so much trouble that he forgot for a while how cold he was. About this time he came within sight of the Opera House, and tantalizing posters appeared of the "Greatest Ex- travaganza of the Century. ' ' He pulled Cuba into a walk, and sat there absorb- ing the wonders depicted; among the marvels were crowds of children dressed m butterftes, beautiful ladies march- n iVi .■ IK ii ^'•«- Wisigs of the Cabba ge Patch ing in line, a man balancing a t>arrel on his feet, and-yes, there was the man in "skin-tights" walking on the rope I A keen puff of wind brought Billy back to his senses, and as his longing eyes turned from the gorgeous show- bills they encountered the amused look of a gentleman who had just come out from tiie Opera House. He was so taU and fine-looking that Billy thought he must own flie show. "Some kindlin*, sirf " The gentleman shook his head. The posters still danced before Billy's eyes- if his mother could only see the show I The last chance seemed sUpping away. Suddenly a bold idea presented itself He got out of the wagon, and came up on the step. "Could n't you use a whole load, if I was to take it out in tickets?'* 72 A Theater Party The man looked puzzled. **Take it out in ticketsf " he repeated. *' Yes, sir," said Billy, "theayter tick- ets. Don't you own the showT** The gentleman laughed. "Well hardly,- he said. " What do you want with more than one ticket T" There was a certain sympathy in his voice, in spite of the fact that he was still laughing, and before Billy knew it he had told him aU about it "How many tickets could yer gim- me fer the loadt" he asked, in con- elusion. The gentleman made a hurried calcu- lation. "You say you have three sis- ters ?'» he asked. "Yep,'» said BiUy. "Well, I should say tiiat load was worth about five tickets." "Gee whizi" cried the boy; "that 'ud take us all!" 73 Mrs, Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch He followed the gentleman back to the ticket-office, and eagerly watched the man behind the Uttle window count out five tickets and put them in a pink en- velope. "One for you, one for your mother, and three for the kids,*' said his friend, BB Billy buttoned the treasure in the in- side pocket of his ragged coat He was so excited that he aUnost for- got Ms part of the bargain, but as the gentleman was turning away he remem- bered. "Say, mister, where must I take the kindlin' toT" "Oh, that »s all right; you can sell it to-morrow," answered the other. Billy's fa<^ fell instantly. '«If you don't take the kindlin', I 'U have to give yoo bMk the tickets. Ma don't 'low us to take nothin' that way." "But I don't need the kindling; I have n't any phice to put it" 74 A Theater Party "Ain't you got no home!" askcrd Billy, inorednlonsly. "No," anawered the man, shortly. The idea of any one, in any walk of life, not having nse for kindling was a new one to BiUy. But he had no time to dwell on it, for this new complica- tion demanded all his attention. "Ain't there nobody you could give it tot»» he asked. The gentleman was growing impa- tient "No, no; go along; that 's aU right" But Billy knew it would not be aU right when he got home, so he made one more effort "How 'd you Uke to send it out to Miss Hazy?" he inquired. "WeU, Miss Hazy, not having the pleasure of my acquaintance, might ob- ject to the delicate attention. Who is shef" "She »8 Chris's aunt; they ain't had no fire fer two days." ^^'' Wigga of the Cab bage Patch *'0h!'» said the man, heartily, "take It to Miss Hazy, b7 all means. Tell her It '8 from Mr. Bob, who is worse off than she is, for he has n't even a home." An hour later there was wild excite- ment under the only tin roof in the Cabbage Patch. Such scrubbing and brushing as was taking place I "It 's jes' like a peetrified air-cas- tle," said Mrs. Wiggs, as she pressed out Asia's best dress; "here I been thinkin' 'bout it, an' wantin' to go, an' here I am actually gittin' ready to go! Come here, child, and let me iron out yer plaits while the iron 's good an' hoi" This painful operation was performed only on state occasions; each littie Wiggs laid her head on tiie ironing- board, a wilUng sacrifice on the altar of vanity, while Mrs. Wiggs carefuUy ironed out £tj plaits on each head. 76 A Theater Party Europena was the only one who ob- jected to being a bnrnt^ffering, bnt when she saw the frizzled looks of the others, her pride conquered her fear, and, holding tight to Billy's hand, shj bent her chubby head to the trying ordeal. ^^ "Now, Billy, you run over to Mrs. Eichom's an' ast her to loan me her black cr§pe veil. Mrs. Krasmier bor- rowed it yesterday to wear to her pa's funeral, but I guess she 's sent it back by this time. An', Billy-BiUy, wait a mmute ; you be sure to tell »em we are goin'totheshow." Mrs. Wiggs vigor- ously brushed her hair with the clothes- brush as she spoke. AustraKa had thrown the hair-brush down the cistern the sunmier before. "Asia, you go git the alpaca from be- hind the chest, an' sorter shake it out on the bed." 77 Miaocxm nsoumoM nn chart (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2) 1.0 1.1 18 Itt 111 |4J 2.5 2.2 2.0 1.8 J:25 iU 1.6 ^ /APPLIED M/GE Inc 1653 Eotl Main StrMt Rochtstw. Nm York I4S09 USA (716) 482 -0300- PtH)n, (716) 288 -5989 -Fox Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch * * Who *s goin ' to wear it, ma f " The question came in anxious tones, for the blue alpaca had been sent them in a bun- dle of old clothes, and though it failed to fit either of the girls, the wearing of it was a much coveted privilege. "Well, now, I don't know,'* said Mrs. Wiggs, critically surveying the chil- dren; "it won't button good on you, and swags in the back on Australia." "Lemme wear it, ma!" "No, lemme!" came in excited tones. Mrs. Wiggs had seen trouble before over the blue alpaca; she knew what anguish her decision must bring to one or the other. "It really looks best on Asia," she thought; "but if I let her wear it Aus- try '11 have a cryin' spell an' git to holdin' her breath, an' that '11 take up so much time." So she added aloud: "I 'U tell you what we '11 do. Asia, 78 A Theater Party you kin wear the skirt, an' Austry kin wear the waist." But when she had pinned the skirt over one little girl's red calico dress, and buttoned the blue waist over the clean apron of the other, she looked at them dubiously. ''They do look kinder mixed," she admitted to herself, ''but I reckon it don't matter, so long as they 're both happy." Just here Billy came in, with the veil in one hand and a bunch of faded car- nations in the other. "Look, ma I" he exclaimed, holding up his trophy, "I swapped 'em with Pete fer a top an' a agate. He got 'em outen a ash-barrel over on the avenue." "Well, now, ain't that nicef" said Mrs. Wiggs; "I »11 jes' clip the stems an' put 'em in a bottle of water, an' they '11 pick up right smart by the time we go. I wisht you had something to 79 i l/f ' 1 tl . 3f «. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch fix up in, Billy," she added; "you look as seedy as a raspberry." Billy did look rather shabby; his el- bows were out, and two of the holes in his pants were patched and two were not. Mrs. Wiggs was rummaging in the table drawer. "I wisht I could find somethin' of yer pa's that would do. Here »s his white gloves he wore that time he was pall- bearer to ole Mr. Bender. Seems to me they do we^r white gloves to the theay- ter, but I disremember. " "Naw! I ain't a-goin' to wear no gloves," said Billy, firmly. Mrs. Wiggs continued her search. "Here 's yer grandpa's watch-fob, but I 'm skeered fer you to wear it, you might lose it. It 's a family remnant- been handed down two generations. WTiat about this here red comforter T It would sorter spruce you up, an* keep 80 ¥.n A Theater Party i\ you warm, besides; you know you Ve had a cold fer a week, an' yer pipes is all stopped up.'» So it was decided, and Billy wore the comforter. At seven o'clock they were ready, and, the news having spread abroad that the Wiggses were going to a show, many of the neighbors came in to see how they looked and to hear how it hap- pened. *'Some of you all shake down the stove an' pull the door to fer me. I am jes' that skeered of hurtin' Mrs. Eichom's veil I 'm 'fraid to turn my head," Mrs. Wiggs said nervously, as she stepped off the porch. The little procession had left the rail- road tracks far behind, when Mrs. Wiggs stopped suddenly. * ' Fer the land 's sakes alive I Do you know what we 've gone an' done! We have left the theayter tickets to home!" • 81 Il 1 1' V8( I'li' If ^"- ^*m of the Cabbage Patch At this Australia began to cry, and a Kloom settled upon the party JB.ll^ your™ back, fast as yer legs *^ carry you. an' look in that tin can Jehmd the clock, an' we -11 wait right he« fer you." Mrs. Wiggs wrapjd Enropena ,n her shawl, and tried to keep up the spirits of the party as they huddled on the curbing to await Billyl "Look how pretty it looks, aU the lights a-streamin' out the winders on he snow. Looks like a chromo ma used to nave." But the young Wiggses were in no frame of mind to appreciate the pictor- esqueness of the scene. It was very cold, and even the pros- Pect of the show was dimmed by the present discomfort. By and by Austni- Ua s sobs began anew. **What 's the matter, honey? Don't 82 A Theater Forty ciy; Billy »11 be back in a little while, an* then we '11 git in where it 'a good an' warm." "I want my supper 1" wailed Aus- tralia. Then it dawned on Mrs. Wiggs for the first time that, in the excitement of preparation, supper had been entirely overlooked. "Well, if that don't beat all I" said she. "I had jes' 'bout as much idea of supper as a goat has of kid gloves I" But when Billy came flying back with the tickets, and the party had started once more on the long walk to the Opera House, the enticing posters began to ap- pear, and supper »nd the cold were for- gotten. 83 CHAPTEK Vn (( MB. BOB »i !'r " K hia heart at high floods Swamped his brain now and then, 'T was but richer for that When the tide ebbed again." LARGE audience as- sembled that night to witness "The Greatest Extravaganza of the Century. '» The Opera House was a blaze of light and color. From the rp cesses of one of the boxes, Redding made a careful survey of the faces beneath him. First nights usu- ally found him there, with the same restless, eager look in his eyes. To- night he evidently failed to find what he sought, and was turning Ustlessly 84 "Mr, Bob** away when he stopped suddenly, bent forward, then smiled broadly. He had caught sight of Billy's red comforter. The boy's hair was plastered close to his head, and his face was transformed by soap and happiness. Redding glanced quizzically at the rest of the party— at the mother's radiant counte- nance beaming from the dusk of her crepe veil, at the three little girls in their composite costumes, at the carna- tions pinned on each bosom. Then he deliberately turned his back on "The Greatest Extravaganza of the Cen- tury," and centered his attention on the parquet group. It was a singularly enthusiastic thea- ter party, oblivious of surroundings, and lost in wonder at the strange sights. Billy's laugh rang out frequently, with refreshing spontaneity. Their enjoy- ment was so evident that Redding was 85 ill V I ^'•«- Wiggs of the Cabba ge Patch surprised, at the cloae of the first act to see them put on their wraps and march solemnly out of the theater. He hastened to the lobby, and touched Billy on the shoulder. "Bid n»t you like the show?- he asked. . "Yo^betl" said Billy, his eyes shin- ing and his cheeks flushed. Mrs. Wiggs was hopelessly entangled m the crepe veil, but her ideas of eti- quette were rigid. She disengaged one hand and said, with dignity: -I »low this IS Mr. Bob, Billy's friend. Happy to meet yer acquaintance. Asia, speak to the gentleman-Australia-Euro- Penal" with a commanding nod at each. Three small hands were thrust at Bedding simultaneously, and he accom- modated them all in his broad palm. "But why are you going home!" he asked, looking from one to the other. 86 tt Mr. Bob** "Where else would we go to? '» asked Mrs. Wiggs, in amazement ''Why not stay and see the play out! That was only the first act.*' **Is there some more, mat" askea Asia, eagerly. "Why, of course," explained Red- ding, "lots more. Now, go back, and stay until everybody has left the theater, and then you will be certain it »s over." So back they went, furnishing an amusing entr*acte for the impatient au- dience. After the curtain descended on the final tableau. Redding waited in the lobby while the stream of people passed. The Wiggses had obeyed instructions, and were the very last to come out. They seemed dazed by their recent glimpse into fairy-land. Something in their thin bodies and pinched faces made Redding form a sudden resolve. 87 li' I;! il ii li I ! Mrs. Wigpsofthe Cabbage Patch '•Billy,*' he said gravely, "can't you and your family take supper with meT'» Billy and his mother exchanged doubt- ful glances; for the past three hours everything had been so strange and un- usual that they were bewildered. '•You see, we will go right over to Bond's and have something to eat be- fore you go home," urged Redding. Mrs. Wiggs was in great doubt, but one of the little giris pulled her skirt and said, in pleading tones: "Ma, let 's do I" and Billy was already casting longing eyes at the big restaurant across the way. She had not the heart to re- fuse. As they were crossing the street, Asia stopped suddenly and cried: "Ma, there 's the 'Christmas Lady' gittin' in that hack! She seen us! Look!" But before they could turn the car- riage door had slammed. 88 **Mr. Bob*' Redding took them into a small apart- ment, curtained off from the rest of the caf 6, so that only the waiters commented on the strange party. At first there was oppressive silence; then the host turned to Europena and asked her what she liked best to eat. A moment of torture ensued for the small lady, during which she neariy twisted her thumb from its socket, then she managed to gasp: "Green pups I" Mr. Bob laughed. "Why, you little cannibal 1" he said. "What on earth does she mean?'* "Cream puffs," explained Mrs. Wiggs, airily. * * She et 'em onct at Mrs. Reed's, the Bourbon Stock Yard's wife, an' she 's been talkin' 'bout 'em ever sence." After this the ice, while not broken, at least had a crack in it, and by the time the first course was served Red- 89 ^rs, Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch while Redding lifted Europena in be- side her. "We Ve seed a good time fer onct in our Uvea,- said Asia. It was the first time she had spoken since they left the theater. "Lemme ride up on top, mal»' de- manded Billy, eagerly. "Lemme, too, lemmel*' came from the sleepy Australia, who did not know what new attraction was being offered, but was resolved not to miss anything! ''AH right, Billy; but, Austry, you must stay with ma. Good-by, Mr. Bob, and thanks-thanks fer one an» alll" Redding stood on the comer where they had left him, and the smile died out of his face. Within a block was a jolly crowd and a hearty welcome; across the street was the big apartment house where his dark and cheerless win- dow promised him nothing. Foramo- 96 ^••^.^t^.^,;;^.'. *'Mr. Bob** ment he stood irresolute. "There is certainly nobody to care where I go," he thought gloomily; then suddenly the smile came back. "But if I »m to be Billy Wiggs's model, I guess I 'd better go to bed." He ran lightly across the street, and up the broad stone steps. i Iff lit ' 97 iiMr.:»» ; -T CHAPTER Vm MBS. WIOQS AT HOME "She had a guniiy nature that sought, like a flower in a dark place, for the light." |N Christmas day Lucy Olcott stood by the li- brary window, and idly scratched initials on the frosty pane. A table full of beautiful gifts stood near, and a great bunch of long-stemmed roses on the piano filled the room with fragrance. But Lucy evidently found something more co genial in the dreary view out- side. She was deep in thought when the door opened and Aunt Chloe came in with a basket and a note. The old darky grinned as she put the 98 Mrs.Wiggs at Home basket on the floor. "You might 'a* knowed it wuz fum dem Wiggses," she said. Lucy opened the note and read: "Dear miss Lucy the bMket of cloths and vittles come. We or so mutch obliged, and asia wore the read dreu to the soshul and enjoyed her selph ao. Much I wish you could a went. Billy liked his hock and ladar and romcandons. Me and the childem want to send you a crismas mess of some of all we lade in for to Uve on. They is pertaters 2 kines, onions, ter- maters, a jar vineger and a jar perservs. I boughten the peeches last sumer, they was gitting a little rot- ting so I got them cheep. Hope you wiU Enjoy them. I send some of aU we got but Cole and Flower. Thankes thankes to you for your kind fealings. " From yours no more "MB8.W1GO8." "Bless her old heartl" cried Lucy; "that 's the biggest widow's mite I ever saw. Put the basket there with my other presents, Aunt Chloe; it 's worth them aU." She went over to the fire, and held her hands to the friendly blaze j there 99 ii< Mrs, Wigga of the Cabbage Patch was a restless, discontented look in her eyes that proved only too plainly that her Christmas was not a happy one. "I wish it was night," she said. "I hate Christmas afternoon I Mother is asleep; it 's too eariy for callers. I believe I '11 go down to the Cabbage Patch." Aunt Chloe stuck out her lip and rolled her eyes in deprecation. *'Don' you do it, honey. What you wanter be foolin* 'round wif dat po' white trash fer? Why don' you set heah by de fiah an' bleach yer ban's fer de party to-night T" "Bother the old party I" said Lucy, impatiently. She had begun disobeying Aunt Chloe when she was a very little girl. Fifteen minutes later she was tramp- ing through the snow, her cheeks glow- ing and her spirits rising. TheWiggsee, 100 Mrs, Wiggs at Home while always interesting, had of late ac- quired a new significance. Since seeing them in the theater lobby with Robert Redding she had found it necessary to make several visits to the Cabbage Patch, and the chief topic of converaa- tion had been Mr. Bob: how he had taken them to the show; had made Billy his office-boy; had sent them a barrel of apples, and was coming to see them some day. To which deluge of infor- mation Lucy had listened with outward calmness and inward thrills. To-day, as she entered the Wiggses' gate a shout greeted her. Billy let him- self down from the chicken-coop roof, and ran forward. "Them Roman candles was n't no good I" he cried. "One of 'em busted too soon, and 'most blowed my hand off." "Oh, no, it did n't, Miss Lucy!" said 101 Mrs. Wigga of the Cabbage Patch ) Mrs. Wiggg, who had hastened out to meet her. '*Them Roman candons was fine. Billy's hand was n't so bad hart he could n't shoot his gum-bow shooter and break Miss Krasmier's winder- pane. I »11 be glad when to-morrow comes, an' he goes back to the office! Come right in, ' ' she continued. * * Asia, dust off a cheer fer Miss Lucy. That 's right; now, lemme help you off with yer things." "Lemme hold the muff I" cried Aus- tralia. "No. me— me I" shrieked Europena. A center rush ensued, during which the muff was threatened with immediate annihilation. The umpire interfered. "Australia Wiggs, you go set in the comer with yer face to the wall. Euro- pena, come here I" She lifted the wail- ing little girl to her lap, and looked her 102 ^ Mra.Wiggs at Home eternly in the eye. "If you don't hush this minute, I Ul spank your dolll" The awful threat was sufficient Mrs. Wiggfs had long ago discovered the most effectual way of punishing Europena. When peace was restored, Lucy looked about her. In each window was a piece of holly tied with a bit of red calico, and on the partly cleared table she saw the remains of a real Christmas dinner. *'We had a grand dinner to-day," said Mrs. Wiggs, following her glance. "Mr. Bob sent the turkey; we et all we wanted, an* got 'nough left fer the rest of the week, countin' hash an' soup an' all. Asia says she 's goin' to hide it, so as I can't give no more away. By the way, do you notice what Asia 's doin't" Lucy went to the window, where Asia was busily working. This taciturn lit- 103 1 Mrs, Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch tie girl, with her old, solemn face and clever fingers, was her favorite of the children. "What are you making?" she asked, as the child dipped a brush into one of three cans which stood before her. "She 's ppintin' a picture," an- nounced Mrs. Wiggs, proudly. "Looked like she was jes' crazy 'bout picture . painting, an' I said, 'Well, Asia, if you have made up yer mind to be a artist, guess you '11 have to be one.' Seems like when folks kin do planner playin' an' picture paintin' it ain't right to let 'em wash dishes an' clean up all the time. So I went to a store an' ast fer son- 3 paint to make pictures with, and they wanted seventy cents fer a little box full. Ain't that a mighty heap. Miss Lucy, jes' fer plain paint, 'fore it 's made up into flowers an' trees an' things! Well, anyway, I could n't git 104 Mrs.Wiggs at Home it, but I come home an' got me three tin cans an' took 'em 'round to Mr. Beck- er's paint-shop, an' he poured me a lit- tle red an' yaller an' blue, an' only charged me a nickel, an' throwed in a brush. Asia 's painted a heap with it. I '11 show you some of her things." It was not necessary, for in every direction Lucy looked her eyes were greeted with specimens of Asia's handi- work. Across the foot-board of the bed was a spray of what might have passed for cauliflower, the tin boiler was en- circled by a wreath of impressionistic roses, and on the window-pane a piece of exceedingly golden goldenrod bent in an obliging curve in order to cover the crack in the glass. "It 's perfectly wonderful!" said Lucy, with entire truthfulness. "Ain't it?" said Mrs. Wiggs, with the awed tone one uses in the presence 105 'I 1 Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch of genius. * ' Sometimes I jes * can 't be- lieve my eyes, when I see what my chil- dem kin do 1 They inherit their educa- tion after Mr. Wiggs; he was so smart, an* b 'longed to such a fine fambly. Why, Mr. Wiggs had real Injun blood in his veins; his grandpa was a squaw —a full-blood Injun squaw I" Lucy made a heroic effort to heep a solemn face, as she asked if Asia looked like him. ' ' Oh, my, no I " continued Mrs. Wiggs. "He was a blunette, real dark com- plected. I remember when he fus* come a-courtin* me folks thought he was a Dago. Pa was n't to say well off in those days." Mrs. Wiggs never ap- plied superlatives to misfortunes. "He had a good many of us to take keer of, an' after Mr. Wiggs had been keepin' company with me fer 'bout two weeks he drove up one night with a load of 106 Mrs. Wiggs at Home coal an' kincllin', an' called pa out to the fence. 'Mr. Smoot, ' sez he, ^as long as I am courtin' your daughter, I think I orter furnish the fire to do it by. Ef you don't mind,' sez he, *! '11 jes' put this wagon-load of fuel in the coal- house. I 'spect by the time it 's used up Nance '11 be of my way of think- in'.' An' I was!" ;*dded Mrs. Wiggs, laughing. Ordinarily Lucy found endless diver- sion in listening to the family reminis- cences, but to-day another subject was on her mind. "How is Billy getting along!" she asked. "Jes' fine!" said Mrs. Wiggs; "only he comes home at night 'most dead. I give him money to ride, but ever' day last week he et up his nickel." * * Who— who has charge of him now I ' ' Lucy blushed at her subterfuge. 107 (: I Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch ■' i V'U t I "Mr. Bob," said Mrs. Wiggs; **he 's the gentleman that took us to supper. He *s got money. Asia said he give the nigger waiter a quarter. Billy is jes' crazy 'bout Mr. Bob; says he 's goin' to be jes' like him when he grows up. He will, too, if he sets his head to it I Only he never kin have them big brown eyes an' white teeth Mr. Bob 's got Why, when Mr. Bob smiles it jes' sort of breaks up his whole face." Lucy's eyes were fixed on the mam- moth butterfly upon whose iridescent wings Asia was putting the finishing touches, but her thoughts were far away. "I jes' wish you could see him!" went on Mrs. Wiggs, enthusiastically. "I wish I could!" said Lucy, with such fervor that Mrs. Wiggs paused on her way to answer a knock at the out- side door. 108 Mrs, Wiggs at Home There was a scraping of feet in the passage. "I have been driving all over the country looking for you," said a man»s voice. "I have some Christmas traps for the kids." Lucy rose hastily, and turned just as Kedding entered. "Mr. Bob, this is Miss Lucy," an- nounced Mrs. Wiggs, triumphantly; *'she was jes' 'lowin* she 'd like to see you." If a blue-eyed angel straight from the peaks of paradise had been presented to him, Redding could not have been more astounded nor more enraptured. But to Lucy it was a moment of in- tense chagrin and embarrassment. Dur- ing the long silence of the past year she had persuaded herself that Redding no longer cared for her. To be thrust upon him in this way was intolerable. All 109 ' %i\ Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch > ' ; i I the .jiood in her veins rushed to her face. **Do you know where my muff is, Mrs. Wiggs? '' she asked, after a formal greeting. "Oh I you ain*t a-goin't** asked the hostess, anxiously. "I wanted you all to git acquainted." "Yes, I must go," said Lucy, hur- riedly, "if you will find my muff." She stood nervously pulling on ner gloves, while Mrs. Wiggs searched for the lost property. There was a deafen- ing tumult in her heart, and though she bit her lips to keep from laughing, the tears stood in her eyes. " Austry 's under the bed," announced Europena, who had joined in the quest "I ain't!" came in shrill, indignant tones, as Mrs. Wiggs dragged forth the culprit, and restored the muff. "May I drive you over to the ave- 110 Mrs, Wiggs at Home nueT I am going that way." It was Bedding^s voice, but it sounded queer and unnatural. "Oh, no! No, thank you," gasped Lucy, hardly knowing what she said. Her one idea was to get away before she broke down completely. Redding held the door open as she passed out. His face was cold, cahn, inscrutable; not a quiver of the mouth,' not a flutter of the lids, but the light went out of his eyes and hope died in his heart. Mrs. Wiggs stood watching the scene in perplexity. "I dunno what ailed Miss Lucy," she said, apologetically; "hope it was n't the toothache." ', t I Ul iii t ij CHAPTER IX HOW SPBINO CAME TO THE CABBAGE PATCH "The roads, the woods, the heayens, the hills Are not a world to-day— But just a place Ood made for us In whioh to play." |HEN the last soow of the winter had melted, and the water was no longer frozen about the comer pump, the com- mons lost their hard, brown look, and a soft green tinge appeared instead. There were not many ways of tell- ing when spring came to the Cabbage Patch; no trees shook forth their glad little leaves of welcome, no anemones and snow-drops brought the gentle mes- 112 How Spring came to the Cabbage Patch sage, even the birds that winged their way from the South-land hurried by, without so much as a chirp of greeting. But the Cabbage Patch knew it was spring, nevertheless; something whis- pered it in the air, a dozen little signs gave the secret away; weeds were springing up in the fence comers, the puddles which a few months ago were covered with ice now reflected bits of blue sky, and the best token of all was the bright, warm sunshine that clung to the earth as if to love it back into beauty and life again. One afternoon Mrs. Wiggs stood at her gate talking to Redding. It was the first time he had been there since Christ- mas day, for his first visit had been too painful for him to desire to repeat it "Yes, indeed, Billy kin go," Mrs. Wiggs was saying. '*I »m mighty glad you drove him by home to git on his • 113 'i ! II Mrs, Wigga of the Cabbage Patch 'i u '( (1 !' n H f good coat He never was to the fair grounds before; it »11 be a big treat How *s Mr. Dick to-dayt** "No better," said Redding; "he coughed all night" "He was takin' a nap o' sleep when I went to clean up this mominV' said Mrs. Wiggs, "so I did n*t disturb him. He ain't fer long, pore feller I" "No, poor chap," said Redding, sadly. Mrs. Wiggs saw the shadow on his face, and hastened to change the sub- ject "What do you think of Asia's fence?" she asked. "What about it t" "She done it herself," said Mrs. Wiggs. "That an' the pavement, too. Mrs. Krasmier's goat et up her flowers las' year, an' this year she 'lowed she 'd fix it different. Chris Hazy, that boy over yonder with the peg-stick, helped 114 ^^ Spn ng came to the Cabbage Patch her dig the post-holes, but she done the rest herself. »» **Well, she is pretty clever I" said Kedding, almost incredulously, as he ewmined the fence aiid sidewalk. "How old is she?*' ''Fourteen, goin' on to fifteen. Asia, come here." The girl left the flower-bed she was — ....- How Spring came to the Cabbage Patch the way into the kitchen. "Hina an' BiUy have jes' left, goin' out !o the fair grounds. Mr. Bob 's jes* natTiri.lly the best man I ever set eyes on, Miss Lucy! Got the biggest heart, an* al- ways doin* something kind fer folks. Jes» now talkin' 'bout gittin' Asia a place at the tile factory. I don't see how you missed 'em! If he 'd a sawn you with them vi'lets in yer belt, an' them roses in yer cheeks, I bet he would n't 'a' went." "Oh, yes, he would!" said Lucy, em- phatically. "My roses don't appeal to Mr. Bob." "Well, he likes yer eyes, anyway," said Mrs. Wiggs, determined to carry her point. "Who said so!" demanded Lucy. "He did. last him. I said they was regular star-eyes, jes' shining blue with them black eyelashes rayin' out all 119 Hr n I ll N Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch 'round, an' he said yes, that was the right name fer *em— star-eyes." There was a mist over the star-eyes as Lucy turned away. ''That 's right; set right down there by the winder. It 's so pretty out to- day it makes you feel good clean down yer back." "I believe you always feel that way," said Lucy, pulling off her gloves. ** Don't you ever worry over things?" Mrs. Wiggs grew serious. *'I 'm lonesome fer Jimmy all the time," she said simply. ''Some folks goes right under when trouble comes, but I carry mine fur an' easy." "I don't mean grieving," said Lucy; "I mean worrying and fretting." ''Well, yes," admitted Mrs. Wiggs, taking a hot iron from the stove, "I 've done that, too. I remember onct last winter I was tooken sick, an' I got 120 L. How Spring came to the Cabbage Patch to pesterin' 'bout what the childem 'ud do if I died. They was n't no money in the house, an' they did n't know where to git none. All one night I laid there with my head 'most bustin', jes' worryin' 'bout it. By an' by I was so miserable I ast the Lord what I mus' do, an' he tole me." There was abso- lute conviction in her tone and manner. **Nex' momin'," she went on, ''soon 's I could I went over to the 'spensary an' ast fer the chief doctor. "'Doctor,' I aez, 'don't you buy corpses?' " 'Yes,' sez he, lookin' kinder funny. " 'Well,' sez I, 'I want to sell mine.' "Then I tole him all 'bout it, an' ast him if he would n't take my body after I was gone, an' give the money to the childem. " 'Will you put it in writin',' sez he. " 'Yes,' sez I, 'if you '11 do the same.' 121 r*. M ■ I 'A 11; (i if '■(■-'. Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch 1 "So he drawed up the papers, an* we both signed, an' a man with a spine in his back an' a lady with the rheumatiz ' witnessed it. So you see," concluded Mrs. Wiggs, **I did n't die; you mark my words, it ain't never no use puttin' up yer umbrell' till it rains I" Lucy laughed. "Well, you certainly practise what you preach." "Not always," said Mrs. Wiggs. "I 'm 'feared I use' to worry some over Mr. Wiggs. T 'words the last he uster pretty often-" Here Mrs. Wiggs tipped an imaginary bottle to her lips, and gave Lucy a significant wink. Even in the strictest confidence, she could not bear to speak of the weakness of the late lamented. "But no matter how bad he done, he always tried to do better. Mr. Dick sorter puts me in mind of him 'bout that." 122 Jiow SpH ng came to th e Cabbage Patch **Wlio is Mr. Dick!" "He '8 Mr. Bob's friend. Stays at lus rooms sence he was took down." "Is Mr. Redding sick?" asked Lucy, the color suddenly leaving her face. "No, it »8 Mr. Dickj he 's con- sumpted. I clean up his room ever* momin*. He coughs all the time, jes' like Mr. Wiggs done. Other day he had a orful spell while I was there. I wanted to git him some whisky, but he shuck his head. 'I »m on the water- cart,' sez he. 'Bob 's drivin' if He ain't no fatter 'n a knittin '-needle, an' weaker 'n water. You orter see him watch f er Mr. Bob I He sets by the win- der, all propped up with pillars, an' never tecks his eyes offen that comer. An' when Mr. Bob comes in an' sets down by him an' tells him what 's goin' on, an' sorter fools with him a spell, looks like he picks up right off. He 123 V n Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch ain't got no folks nor nothin'— jes, Mr. Bob. He shorely does set store by him — jes' shows it ever' way. That 's right, too. I hold that it 's wrong to keep ever 'thing bottled up inside you. Yer feelin's is like ras 'berry vineger: if you 're skeered to use 'em an* keep on savin' 'em, first thing you know they 've done 'vaporatedl" Lucy's experience had proved the contrary, but she smiled bravely back at Mrs. Wiggs, with a new tenderness in her face. * * You have taught me lots of things I ' * she said impulsively. **You are one of the best and happiest women I know." "Well, I guess I ain't the best by a long sight, brt I may be the happiest. An' I got cause to be : four of the smart- est childem that ever lived, a nice house, fair to middlin' health when I ain't got the rheumatiz, and folks al- 124 How Spring came to the Cabbage Patch ways goin' clean out of the way to be good to me I Ain't that 'nough to make a person happy! I '11 be fifty years old on the Fourth of July, but I hold there ain't no use in dyin' 'fore yer time. Lots of folks is walkin' 'round jes' as dead as they '11 ever be. I beUeve in gittin' as much good outen life as you kin— not that I ever set out to look fer happiness; seems like the folks that does that never finds it. I jes' do the best I kin where the good Lord put me at, an' it looks like I got a happy feeUn' in me 'most all the time. ' ' Lucy sat silent for a while, gazing out of the window. Mrs. Wiggs's philos- ophy was having its effect. Presently she rose and untied the bundle she held. ''Here is a dress I brought for Asia," she said, shaking out the folds of a soft crepon. * * Umph, umph I Ain 't that grand I ' ' 125 il 7U Mrs, Wxggs of the Cabbage Patch i • f exclaimed Mrs. Wiggs, coming from behind the ironing-board to examine ii ''It does seem lucky that your leavings jes' fits Asia, an' Asia's jes' fits Ans- try; there ain't no symptoms of them bein' handed down, neither! We all model right after you, but it looks like Asia 's the only one that ketches yer style. Oh, must you go f " she added, as Lucy picked up her glomes. ''Tes; I promised Mrs. Schultz to read to her this afternoon." "Well, stop in on yer way back~I '11 have a little present ready fer you." It was an unwritten law that no guest should depart without a gift of some kind. Sometimes it was one of Asia's paintings, again it was a package of simflower seed, or a bottle of vinegar, and once Lucy had taken home four gourds and a bunch of paper roses. "I declare I never will git no work 126 U. iMfa How Spring came to the Cabbage Patch done il this weather keeps up I" said Mrs. Wiggs, as she held the gate open. "If I was n»t so stove up, an* nobody was n't lookin', I »d jes» skitter 'round this here yard like a colt I" k^ 11 127 CHAPTER X austbalia's mishap <«>T is one thing to be tempted, Another thing to fall." IHROUGH the long, suiiSy afternoon Mrs. Wiggs sang over her ironing, and Asia worked diligently in her flower-bed. Around the comer of the shed which served as Cuba's dwelling- place, Australia and Europena made mud-pies. Peace and harmony reigned in this shabby Garden of Eden until temptation entered, and the weakest fell. " *T ain't no fun jes* keepin' on makin' mud-pies," announced Austra- 128 JbU Awtrt^ia'a Mishap lia, after enough pastry had been manu- factured to start a miniature bakery. "Wish we could make some white cakes, like they have at Mr. Bagby's," said Europena. "Could if we had some whitewash. I 'U tell you what 's let do I Let 's take some of Asia's paint she 's goin' to paint the fence with, an* make *em green on top." *'Ma would n't Uke it," protested Europena; "besides, I don't want my little pies green." "I 'm goin' to," said Australia, be- ginning her search for the paint-can. "It won't take but a Uttle teeny bit; they '11 never miss it." After some time the desired object was discovered on a shelf in the shed. Its high position enhanced its value, giving it the cruel fascination of the unattainable. » 129 I -«aa^*v- . ■1 i i Mrs, Wiggs of ihe Cabbage PaUh *' Could yon stand up on my 8oldien» like the man at the showf demanded Australia. "I 'd fall off/' said Europena. " 'Fraid-oat!" taunted her sister, in disgust. * ' Do you reckon you could hoi * the chair while I climbed up on the backT»» "It ain't got no bottom." ^'Well, it don't need to have no bot- tom if I 'm goin' to stand on its back," said Australia, sharply. Leaders of great enterprises must of necessity turn deaf ears to words of discouragement. **You might git killed," persisted Europena. " 'T would n't matter," said Austra- lia, loftily; '♦ 't would n't be but the seventh time. I got three more times to die. 'Fore you was homed I was drownded out in the country, that was one time ; then I fell in the ash-bur '1 and 130 Australia'a Mishap was dead, that *8 two times; an'—an' then I et the stove-poUsh, that 's foar times; an* I can't 'member, but the nex' time will be seven. I don't keer how much I git killed, till it 's eight times, then I 'm goin' to be good all the time, 'cause when you are dead nine times they put you in a hole an' throw dirt on you!" Australia had become so absorbed in her theory of reincarnation that she had forgotten the paint, but the bottomless chair recalled it "Now, you lay 'crost the chair, Euro- pena, an' I 'U climb up," she com- manded. Europena, though violently opposed to the undertaking, would not forsake her leader at a critical moment. She had uttered her protest, had tried in vain to stem the current of events ; noth- ing was left her now but to do or die. 131 Mrs, Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch She valiantly braced her small body across the frame of the chair, and Aus- tralia began her perilous ascent Cuba looked mildly astonished as the plump figure of the little girl appeared above his feed-box. "I *ve 'most got it!*' cried Australia, reaching as high as possible, and get- ting her forefinger over the edge of the big can. * At this juncture Cuba, whose nose had doubtless been tickled by Austra- lia 's apron-string, gave a prodigious sneeze. Europena, feeling that retribu- tion was upon them, fled in terror. The ballast being removed from the chair, the result was inevitable. A crash, a heterogeneous combination of small girl, green paint, and shattered chair, then a series of shrieks that resembled the whistles on New Year's eve I Bedding was the first to the rescue. 132 i ! Australia's Mishap He had just driven Billy to the gate when the screams began, and with a bound he was out of the buggy and rushing to the scene of disaster. The picture that met his eyes staggered him. Australia, screaming wildly, lay in what appeared to his excited vision to be a pool of green blood; Europena was jumping up and down beside her, call- ing wildly for her mother, while Cuba, with ears erect and a green liquid trickling down his nose, sternly sur- veyed the wreck. In a moment Red- ding had Australia in his arms, and was mopping the paint from her face and hair. "There, there, little sister, you are n't much hurtf*' he was saying, as Mrs. Wiggs and Asia rushed in. The damage done proved external rather than internal, so after assuring herself that no bones were broken Mrs. 188 ^1 Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch Wiggs constituted herself a salvage corps. "Take off yer coat out here, Mr. Bob, an' I '11 take off Austry's dress. Them 's the worst, 'ceptin' her plaits. Now, we '11 all go up to the kitchen, an' see what kin be did." Now, Fate, or it may have been the buggy at the gate, decreed that just as they turned the comer of the house, Lucy Olcott should be coming up the walk. For a moment she stood bewil- dered at the sight that greeted her. Bedding, in his shirt sleeves, was lead- ing Australia by the hand: the little girl wore a red-flannel petticoat, and over her face and hands and to the full length of her flaxen braids ran sticky streams of bright green paint. Involuntarily, Lucy looked at Red- ding for explanation, and they both laughed. 134 AitstrcUia's Mishap "Ain't it lucky it was the back of her head 'stid of the front?" said Mrs. Wiggs, coming up; "it might »a' put her eyes out. Pore chile, she looks like a MoUygrawI Come right in, an' let 's git to work." Billy was despatched for turpentine; Lucy, with an apron pinned about her, began operations on Australia's hair, while Redding sat helplessly by, wait- ing for Mrs. Wiggs to mp.ke his coat presentable. "I am afraid her hair will have to be cut," said Lucy, ruefully, as she held up a tangled snarl of yellow and green. "All right," Mrs. Wiggs said promptly. "TVTiatever you say is all right." But Australia felt differently; her sobs, suppressed for a time, broke forth afresh. "I ain't goin' to have my hair cut 135 J .(■■ Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch off!'' she wept. " Jes' leave it on this a-way." Mrs. Wiggs commanded and Lncy entreated in vain. Finally Redding drew his chair up in front of the small girl. "Australia, listen to me just a mo- ment, won't you! Please!" She uncovered one eye. "You wduld n't want green hair, would you?" A violent shake of the head. "Well, if you wiU let Miss Olcott cut off all that ugly green hair, and give the pretty curls a chance to grow back, I '11 give you— let 's see, what shall I give youf" "A doll-buggy an' dishes," sug- gested Europena, who was standing by. "Yes," he said, "doll-buggy and dishes, and a dollar besides!" Such munificence was not to be with- 136 Australians Mishap stood. Australia suffered herself to be shorn, in view of the future temperinir of the wind. "You orter been a hoss-trainer, Mr Bob,»» said Mrs. Wiggs, admiringly* when the deed was accompUshed; *'yer voice jes' makes folks do thingsl'* "Not everybody, Mrs. Wiggs," he said grimly. "Where do you suppose Billy's went witii the turkentine? I declare that boy would be a good one to send after trou- blel Oh, you ain't g-n' to try an' wear it this a-way?" she said, as Red- ding insisted on putting on his coat As he turned to the door, a light hand touched his arm. Lucy unfastened the violets at her belt, and timidly held them toward him. "WiU you take them-to Dickt" she faltered. He looked at her in amazement For 137 Mrs. Wigga of the Cabbage Patch a moment neither spoke, but her eyes made the silence eloquent; they told the secret that her lips dared not utter. There are times when explanations are snperfluons. Bedding threw discretion to the winds, and, regardless of Wiggses and consequences, took the "Christmas Lady'* in his arms, and kissed away the year of grief and separation. It was not until Mrs. Wiggs saw their trap disappear in the twilight that she recovered her speech. "Well, it certainly do beat mel" she exclaimed, after a fruitless effort to re- construct her standard of propriety. "I Ve heard of 'painters* colic,* but I never knowed it to go to the head be- fore!** 138 CHAPTER XI THE BENEFIT DANCE *Tho«e there are whose hearts have a slope southward, and are open to the whole noon of Nature." OTWITHSTANDING the fact that calamities seldom come singly, it was not until the Fourth of July that the Cab- bage Patch was again the scene of an accident. Mrs. Wiggs had been hanging out clothes, and was turning to pick up the empty basket, when Billy precipitated himself into the yard, yelling wildly: "Chris Hazy 's broke his leg I" Mrs. Wiggs threw up her hands in 139 ) '1 ™ / Mrs, Wigga of the Cabbage Patch ;i (^ horror. ' * Good lands, Billy I Where 's he att" "They »re brrngin' him up the rail- road track." Mrs. Wiggs msiied into the house. "Don't let on to Miss Hazy till we git him in,'' she cautioned, snatching up a bundle of rags and a bottle of lini- ment. * * Pore chile I How it must hurt him! I 'H run down the track an' meet 'em." She was breathless and trembling from excitement as she turned the cor- ner at Mrb. Schultz's. A crowd of boys were coming up the track, trundling a wheelbarrow, in which sat Chris Hazy, the merriest of the lot, waving a piece of his wooden leg in the air. Mrs. Wiggs turned upon Billy. "I never lied, mat I said he broke his leg," the boy gasped out as best he could for laughing, "an' you never ast 140 The Benefit Dance which one. Oh, boys! Oit on to the rags an* amiky!*' Such a shout went up that Mrs. Wiggs laughed with the rest, but only for a moment, for she spied Miss Hazy tot- tering toward them, and she hastened forward to relieve her anxiety. "It 's his peg-stick!" she shouted. "P-e-g-stickl" This information, instead of bringing relief to Miss Hazy, caused a fresh burst of tears. She sat down on the track, with her apron over her face, and swayed backward and forward. '^ Don't make much difference which one 't was," she sobbed; "it would be 'bout as easy to git another sure-'nough leg as to git a new wooden one. That las * one cost seven dollars. I jes * sewed an' saved an' scrimped to git it, an' now it 's-busted!" The boys stood around in silent sym- 141 J' Mrs, Wigga of the Cabbage Patch < pathy, and when nobody was looking Chris wiped his eyes on his coat sleeve. Miss Hazy's arrival had changed their point of view. Mrs. Wiggs rose to the occasion. "Boys/' she said, and her voice had an inspiring ring, "I '11 tell you what let 's do I Let 's give a benefit dance to-night, an' buy Chris Hazy a new peg-stick. Every feller that 's willin' to help, hoi' up his hand." A dozen grimy hands were waved on high, and offers of assistance came from all sides. Mrs. Wiggs saw that now was the time to utilize their en- thusiasm. "I '11 go right back to the house, an' git Asia to write out the tickets, an' all you boys kin sell ten apiece. Miss Hazy, you kin come over an' help me git the house ready, an' we '11 put Chris to cleanin' lamp-chimbleys." 142 The Benefit Dance Under this able generalship, the work was Boon under way; the boys ^ere de- spatched with the tickets, and the house was being put straight-at least the par- lor was. It would have required many days to restore order to the chaos that habituaUy existed in the house of Wiggs. "Asia, you help me roll these here barrels out on the porch, an' I '11 mop up the floor, ' ' said Mrs. Wiggs. ' ' Miss Hazy, you look 'round in the kitchen, an' see if you can't find a taller candle. Seems like I put one in the sugar-bowl -that 's it I Now, if you '11 jes' cut it up right fine it '11 be all ready to put on the floor when I git done." When the floor was dry and the can- dle sprinkled over it, Australia and Eu~ ropena were detailed to sUde upon it until it became slick. "Would you ast ever'body to bring 143 Mrs, Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch A obeer, or wonld yoa have 'em already heref " asked Mrs. Wiggs. ''Oh, le' 's bring 'em ourselves!" in- sisted Asia, who had been to a church social. So a raid was made on the neighbor- hood, and every available chair bor- rowed and ranged against the parlor walL > By noon the boys reported most of the tickets sold, and Mrs. Wiggs re- ceived the funds, which amounted to six dollars. It being a holiday, everybody was glad to come to the dance, especially as the proceeds were to help little Miss Hazy. At one time there threatened to be trouble about the music; some wanted Uncle Tom, the old negro who usually fiddled at the dances, and others pre- ferred to patronize home talent and 144 The Benefit Dance have Jake Schulb whow accordion could be heard at all hours in the Cab- bage Patch. Mrs. Wiggs effected a compromise. *'They kin take turn about," she ar- gued; **when one gits Ured, the other Wn pick up right where he left off, an» the young folks kin shake the»r feet till they shoes drop off. Uncle Tom an» Jake, too, is a heap sight better than them mud-gutter bands that play 'round the streets." "Wisht we could fix the yard up some," said Asia, when there was noth- ing more to be done in the parlor. "I got a Japanee lantern," suggested Miss Hazy, doubtfully. "The very thingi" said Mrs. Wiggs "We '11 hang it in the front door. Billy 's makin ' a Jack o ' lantern to set on the fence. Fer the land's sake! what 's •John Bagby a-bringin' in here?" w 145 11 'il Mrs, Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch The grocery boy, staggering under the weight of an ice-cream freezer and carrying something wrapped in white paper, came np the path. "It *s fer you," he said, grinning broadly. John was cross-eyed, so Miss Hazy thought he looked at Mrs. Wiggs, and Mrs. Wiggs thought he looked at Miss Hazy. However, the card on the freezer dis- pelled all doubt: *'Fer mrs Wiggs on her 5C Birthday compelments of The Naybors." Under the white paper was a large, white iced cake, with a "W in cinna- mon drops on top. "How 'd they ever know it was my birthday?" exclaimed Mrs. Wiggs, in delight. * * Why, I *d even forgot it my- self ! We *11 have the cake fer the party 146 The Benefit Dance to-night. Somehow, I never feel like good things h*\ong to me till I pass 'em on to somebody else." This necessitated a supply of saucers and spoons, and friends were again called upon to provide as many as pos- sible. The Wiggses were quit© busy until seven o'clock, when tb t stopped to make their toilets. "Where 's Europenat" asked Asia. Nobody had seen her for some time. Search was made, and she was discov- ered standing on a chair in a comer of the parlor, calmly eating the cinna- mon drops off the birthday cake. Fin- gers and mouth were crimson, and the first stroke of the **W** was missing. Billy was so indignant that he insisted on immediate punishment. '^No, I ain't a-goin' to whip her on my birthday, Billy. She 's sorry; she 147 Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch 'i i! says she is. Besides, the cake ain't spoiled; it *s jes* a *N' now, 'stid of a *W,' an* N stands fer Nancy jes' as good as W stands fer Wiggs I" The first guest to arrive was Mr. Krasmier; he had paid ten cents toward the refreshments, and proposed to get his money's worth. Mrs. Eichom came early, to^, but for a different reason; she was very stout, and her happiness for the evening depended largely upon the size of the chair she secured. Half the spectators had arrived be- fore the hostess appeared. Her delay was caused by the loss of her false curls, which she had not worn since the memorable night at the Opera House. They were very black and very frizzled, and had been bought at a reduced price from a traveling salesman some ten years before. Mrs. Wiggs considered them absolutely necessary to her toilet 148 The Benefit Dance on state occasions. Hence consternation prevailed when they could not be found. Drawers were upset and boxes emptied, but with no success. When hope was about abandoned, Asia suddenly darted out to the shed where the children kept their play- things. When she returned she trium- phantly displayed a battered doll, arm- less and footless, but with a magnificent crowning glory of black, frizzed hair. Mrs. Wiggs waited until all the guests assembled before she made her speech of thanks for the cake and cream. It was a very fine speech, having been written out beforehand by Mr. Bagby. It began, "Ladies and gents, it gives me pleasure—" but before Mrs. Wiggs got half through she forgot it, and had to tell them in her own way how grate- ful she was. In conclusion she said: "Could n't nobody be more obliged than M* 149 Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch what I ami Looks like nice things is always comin' my way. Hope God *11 bless you all I The musicianers have come, so we '11 begin the party with a Virginer reel." The young people scampered to their places, and when Mr. Eichom made a bow to Mrs. Wiggs she laughingly took her place ^at the head of the line, and at the first strains of * * Old Dan Tucker ' * she went down the middle with a grace and spirit that flatly contradicted the little red fifty on the birthday cake. ''Swing yer pahtners, balance all, Swing dat gal wid a water-fall. Skip light, ladies, de cake 's all dough, Nebber min' de weather, so de win' don't blow." Old Uncle Tom was warming up to his work, and the fun waxed furious. Asia, looking very pretty in her new crepon, cast shy glances at Joe Eichom, who had been "keeping company" of 150 The Benefit Dance late. Billy, for whom there was no room in the reel, let off his energy in the comer by a noisy execution of the "Mobile Buck." Australia and Euro- pena sat in the window with Chris Hazy, and delightedly clapped time to the music. When the dance ended, Mrs. Wiggs went to the door to get cool. She was completely out of breath, and her false front had worked its way down over her eyebrows. "Look— comin', ma I" called Billy. When Mrs. Wiggs saw who it was she hastened down to the gate. "Howdy, Mr. Bob; howdy, Miss Lucy ! Can 't you git right out an * come in! We *re havin* a birthday party an* a benefit dance fer Chris Hazy's leg." "No, thanks," said Redding, trying in vain not to look at Mrs. Wiggs 's 161 Mrs, Wigga of the Cabbage Patch head. "We just stopped by to tell yon the good news/' " 'Bout Asia's positiont" asked Mrs. Wiggs, eagerly. "Yes, about that, and something else besides. What would you say if I told you that I was going to marry the prettiest, sweetest, dearest girl in the world!" , "Why, that 's Miss Lucy!" gasped Mrs. Wiggs, more breathless than ever. Then the truth flashed upon her, and she laughed with them. "Oh, sure *noughI Sure 'noughl I *m jes» pleased to deathi'* She did not have to tell them; her eyes, though suffering a partial eclipse, fairly beamed with joy and satisfaction. "An* so," she added, "it was n't the paint, after all!" When they had driven away, she lin- gered a moment at the gate. Music 152 The Benefit Dance and langhter came from the hoiue be- hind her, as she stood smiling out across the moonlit Cabbage Patch. Her face still held the reflected happiness of the departed lovers, as the sky holds the rose-tints after the sun has gone. "An' they 're goin' to git married," she whispered softly to herself; "an' Billy 's got promoted, an' Asia 's got a place, an' Chris '11 have a new peg- stick. Looks like ever 'thing in the world comes right, if we jes' wait long enough!" 153