Floretty's Musical Contribution

But they're all dead, a hunderd years!" said he.



"Well, there's where you're _mustakened_!"--in reply

They heard Bud's voice, pitched sharp and thin and high.--



"An' how you goin' to _prove_ it!"



"Well, I _kin_!"

Said Bud, with emphasis,--"They's one lives in

Our garden--and I _see_ 'im wunst, wiv my

Own eyes--_one_ time I did."



"_Oh, what a lie_!"

--"'_Sh!_'"



"Well, nen," said the skeptic--seeing there

The older folks attracted--"Tell us _where_

You saw him, an' all _'bout_ him!'



"Yes, my son.--

If you tell 'stories,' you may tell us one,"

The smiling father said, while Uncle Mart,

Behind him, winked at Bud, and pulled apart

His nose and chin with comical grimace--

Then sighed aloud, with sanctimonious face,--

"'_How good and comely it is to see

Children and parents in friendship agree!_'--

You fire away, Bud, on your Fairy-tale--

Your _Uncle's_ here to back you!"



Somewhat pale,

And breathless as to speech, the little man

Gathered himself. And thus his story ran.