Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 January 1886 — Sorry for the Old Man. [ARTICLE]

Sorry for the Old Man.

Arkansaw school teacher to boy—- “ Why didn’t you come to school yesterday?” Boy—“ Pap wouldn’t let me.” Teacher—“ Why ?” Boy—“ ’Cause mam was sick.” Teacher—-“ Wanted you to wait on her, I suppose.” Boy—“No; Wanted me to wait on him. Mam alius does.” Teacher—“ Does he need much waiting on?” Boy—“ Yes, a power of it.” Teacher—“Of what does the work consist?” Boy—“Lightin’ his pipe an’ totin’ {whisky. Bap ain’t very well and kain’t htir round much. Wtyen he’s well he drinks till he gits sick, an’ then he keeps on a drinkin’ till he gits well.” { A scholar enters excitedly aud tells the boy that his father is dead. Boy.to teacher—“ Wall, mister, reck - [on I’ll iog along home. Pap was alius mighty particular ’bout me bein’ at |home when anvthing was the matter. ’Maybe I’ll come Lack, an’ mayle I won’t.” - Teacher, sympathetically—“l am very sorry for you and your mother.” Boy—“I ain’t, but you bet I’m sorry for the old'man.”