Cowboy Kim

By Ida Stewart Peay

(Previous chapter)

Chapter 12.

Then Mrs. Carson ran over to fetch Peter and Mabel Sloan to witness the wonderful progress of Kim and Wallie.

“You know,” she confided to Aunt Mabel before they entered the room where the boys were playing, “I used to try to force Wallie to practice a half an hour a day but it seemed impossible to get any work out of him at all; now that he is interested in the orchestra, where he has to compete with the little Drake girl who plays part of the time, and, now that he is co-operating with Kim on these duets, he practices an hour every day. Sometimes he even puts in two hours. Isn’t it amazing? I wondered why he was working so hard but I never dreamed about the duets; I was completely surprised.”

“So am I; and I think it’s remarkable te way the boys are trying,” Aunt Mabel returned proudly.

When they had heard the duet Aunt Mabel and Uncle Pete expressed their surprise and pleasure enthusiastically and insisted upon hearing it again and again. Professor McCree was thanked profusely for his interest and labor, it did him good to know that his work was appreciated. The boys received the generous praise accorded them with pleased smiles. Indeed, it was a happy neighborhood. Kim told himself that night when he went to bed in his clean, tidy little room that maybe he would not go back to the ranch for a long, long time. There were so many interesting things to learn in town.

Early in November when the days were getting chilly and the scholars of all the schools were content to sit indoors and warm their shins and tell stories and sing songs, Professor McCree made a startling announcement. he said he was going to give a grand concert and operetta for Christmas. It was thrilling news. Every person of school age in town was delighted. Professor McCree had already ferreted out hidden talent in every quarter; many a child who had never taken part I public before had been discovered and brought into the lime light. Now with hilarious joy they all anticipated places on the Christmas Program.

There were very few, if any, disappointed. Never before did so many take part I one entertainment. The combined bands of the different schools performed; also, the combined orchestras and the combined choruses. Then there were solos, duets, quartettes, readings, ballet dancing, pantomimes, and the grand climax – an operetta.

Professor McCree’s most masterly stroke was giving opportunity for expression to so great a number. His task in getting ready for the unusual event was gigantic. he could not have accomplished it except for th splendid co-operation he received from all the teachers of the city as well as from all the students. Miss Sawyer, efficient and forceful and the little First Grade teacher, understanding and kindly, one talented n music and the other in dramatic expression, both put in hours of their own time drilling and training their little charges for the coming affair; and all the other instructors, according to their usefulness, did the same. The way they called each other from room to room to admire the progress of the different performers evidenced the fact that they were enjoying the advancement of the young people immensely. They all felt pleased when summoned by the Music Supervisor to observe and make suggestions at a general rehearsal. Thus the good work progressed with great rapidity and pleasure to all.

The parents, too, partook of the excitement and entered into the trying task of making costumes with willing and jocular spirits. There was much running back and forth of neighbors to ascertain what material should be used for the different suits and how they should be made.

Mrs. Carson, greatly perturbed, hurried in to see Mrs. Sloane one day. “Wallie is to be a nobleman and I don’t know what kind of stuff to get for his suit. It’s supposed to be velvet,” she said, her deep interest in the approaching event apparent in her voice and manner.

“I think outing flannel will do,” Aunt Mabel ventured. “Kim, you know, is to be the king and I thought I’d get outing flannel for his sit. But I suppose I ought to have velvet for the cloak.”

“That just reminds me,” cried Mrs. Carson, her eyes sparkling, “I have a whole chest full of old gowns and capes; I wouldn’t be surprised but that I could find enough velvet to make cloaks for both of our boys. And – oh, I’m so glad I thought of it – there are two heavy satin dresses among those old duds that would, perhaps, make Pattie mcCree’s costumes.”

“I certainly hope so,” responded Aunt Mabel warmly. “Mrs. McCree was just in saying she didn’t know what to do for satin, she’s used up all her old finery long ago for her little girls.”

“Come with me and we’ll look through my trunk for the velvet; then we’ll take the dresses over to Mrs. McCree,” anyone could see with the half of an eye that Mrs. Carson was overjoyed to be of assistance to her friends.

A similar drama was being enacted in every part of town among neighbors. Closets were ransacked and old chests gave up their treasures for the Christmas carnival. As the much heralded festival drew near and the people contributed liberally of their time and from their substance the townfolks began to realize that a new spirit had come over them. It was the Christmas spirit of giving and helping; also, the spirit of trying to make the tender little hearts of children happy and joyous. Old hearts, too, were remembered, for an afternoon performance was planned for the aged and inform.

As fast as the time flew for Professor McCree who had so much to accomplish it dragged too slowly to suit the excited children. However, the greatly anticipated day rolled around at last. The weather was propitious – the air being frosty and exhilarating while the ground was dry. Although large clouds hung low overhead old Sol was able to peep through the greater part of the time which he did as if interested in seeing the strangely costumed figures flit at intervals through the quiet streets.

A half an hour before the afternoon performance was to begin Wallie Carson and Kim Selman emerged from their respective homes. Both boys were resplendent in plumed hats, velvet cloaks, knee-breeches and dangling swords. They came out almost simultaneously and gravitated toward each other.

“Gee, you look funny!” giggled Wallie looking Kim over, no doubt hoping to detract attention from himself as he labored along trying o keep out of te way of his sword.

“So do you,” grinned Kim, a little of the pink of self-consciousness glowing in his cheeks.

The boys met at Kim’s gate and dallied there a while, guying each other good naturedly. They loitered so long that Mrs. Carson presently opened her door to call:

“Wallie, why don’t you hurry on?”

“I am,” was the boy’s promise in spite of the fact that he did not seem to be doing so.

Then Aunt Mabel tapped on the window and motioned Kim to make haste and he nodded brightly as much a to say he wagging as fast as he could. All of a sudden it became apparent why both boys had unconsciously lingered. Pattie McCree came along bewitching in her satin robes and dark shining curls and Kim and Wallie, a trifly awed, followed in her wake.

“Gee but you look great, Pattie,” gasped Wallie in open admiration.

“Sure do,” echoed Kim. he opened wide his big gray eyes at the pleasing beauty of his little friend then he gallantly offered to carry her bundle. Pattie was not too ready to part with the bulky package as she fancied that it sort of covered her and helped her to hide the confusion she felt in her brilliant attire. However, the three children soon forgot themselves in talking about their parts and reciting their lines. Before they reached the school house they met many others who were taking part and everybody had to be noticed and admired. Slender Jorg was dazzling as King’s page while Bob Simmons, togged out as court jester, made all his school mates laugh without saying a word, there was nothing more fun inspiring than his comical, good natured grin. The walk in the pale winter sunshine, the gay costumes, and the merry fellowship made of this such a thrilling occasion that few of the children ever forgot it – and surely not Kim.

But even all this and the immediate prospect of appearing on the stage could not lessen interest in the morrow which was Christmas, the greatest day of the year, and the children were soon asking each other what Santa Claus was going to bring them or at least what they wanted him to bring them. Someone put these questions lightly to Jorg and Kim felt a sharp pain in his heart as the small fellow replied simply: “Santa Claus won’t bring me anything this year; I’ve had enough already so I don’t want anything.”

“You don’t want anything?” several voices gasped at once.

“What ’ud be the use?” replied the little chap, smiling. His manner was entirely without resentment; in fact, he was gay and happy, for today was to be his Christmas, or, at least, his good time for the holidays and he meant to enjoy it to the fullest.

Many thought no more of his words but Kim, who had a tender feeling for this little hero, remembered them; and that was not all that he did about it, either.

The afternoon performance went off with fine success. Several elderly men and quite a few trembling little old ladies lived over again the glorious days of their youth as they watched the glowing races, and the winsome grace and listened to the sweet voices of their children’s children.

The evening performance was equally well rendered by the performers and equally enjoyed by the proud parents and brothers and sisters. The remarkable ability of Kelly McCree was lauded on every side. He had won an enviable place for himself in the hearts of all who saw the results of his tireless efforts. Pattie and Kim and Wallie and Jorg each made a lasting impression on the audience as clever interpreters; and bob Simmons was a roaring success as a comedian.

The best thing about the Christmas Program was that it cemented in a new and closer friendship the neighbors in the different sections of town. Thereafter, they extended one to another a little more appreciation, sympathy and love. Because in their work together they had come to know more of each other’s difficulties and more of each other’s desires to be helpful and to do right.

The proceeds of the grand concert were used for a monster community Christmas tree. It was set up in the biggest hall in town Christmas morning, and through the co-operation of the store keepers was laden by afternoon with a worthwhile present and some sweetmeats for every child in the surrounding territory. Neighbor McCree took the part of Santa Claus and he must have been full of mischief for he did many curious things. For instance, when Jorg Hanson put in an appearance the jolly old Santa found two beautiful presents for him and two for his pale little sister besides the ones which were on the tree. And when Kim and Wallie and Pattie and Belle, who were somewhere in the crowd breathlessly watching, saw little Jorg’s face light up with joy and with that lovely smile of gratitude that was Jorg’s distinctive feature, they all felt fully paid for sharing their own gifts with him and the timid little sister who also had endured more than one child’s share of poverty and neglect. But even a wonderful Christmas like this ends and slips into the happy past, there to rest under the golden glow of memory where its gentle glamor brings pleasure at every backward glance.

Then came the last day of school and the promotions. In a way this was the best day of all. Every pupil – it is to be hoped there was no one excluded from this privilege – had taken a great step forward. A step which brought them into the new life of a higher grade; and to a place from where they could look back upon a period of accomplishment.

Bright and early upon this day two neighbor boys could be seen busily blackening shoes and brushing clothes in their respective back yards. For some reason or other they did not look at each other. Presently one boy went skipping along the grassy streets in the direction of the Webster. When he arrived at the school house steps he took out a real watch and scanned its face with a business-like air. The hands were moving around very slowly, just before they registered five minutes to nine the other one of the two neighbor boys, who had set out upon the streets a few seconds after the first, jumped excitedly upon the steps and the two lads faced each other grinning broadly. Of course it was Kim and Wallie and the time of their wager was up.

“I thought maybe you’d be late this morning,” snickered Wallie, not having thought any such a thing but wishing to be light and jocular.

“Not on your life!” laughed Kim.

The boys gazed at their watches a few seconds with beaming countenances, then, after each lad had proudly pocketed his own precious time piece they shook hands.

“I’m glad I didn’t win your watch,” said Wallie.

“And I didn’t want yours,” vowed Kim.

“It has been a great game,” Wallie declared, adding, “Gee, I had fun!”

Thus the wager ended. Neither boy had been tardy during the entire school year. But they were not the only ones who had achieved this perfect record. There were many others and they all received cards from the superintendent commending their punctuality.

When school was over Kim received a great surprise. One day when he was playing aimlessly around the old sand pile trying to plan what he would do for the summer, Pattie came running out of the McCree home apparently wildly excited.

“Oh, Kim,” she cried, her dark eyes dancing, “guess what is going to happen? We’re going to move!”

“Are you glad?” asked Kim startled by the news but able to see at once how he would miss these dear friends.

“I’m kind of glad and I’m a little sorry, too,” Pattie acknowledged, for she had enjoyed her young play fellow from the Dear Run hugely. “But Mother is so happy! You see its this way – since Daddy has been well he has been doing work in the city and now someone has resigned or something an’ he’s been ’pointed a Judge –”

“A Judge!” Kim marveled, and then remembering that Mr. McCree was a lawyer he added in an understanding tone, “Oh!”

“Yes, a Judge!” declared Pattie, “and we’ve got to move to the city. And Kelly’s going to the University and so is Sister, and we’re all going there to school when we’re old enough an’ – won’t that be grand?” the little girl finished breathlessly, and Kim who was beginning to see the fine possibilities ahead said hearty, “I should say it will.”

It was only a week or two until all the “good-byes” had been said and the friendly neighbors on the north had taken their departure. Although Kim missed the mcCree family dolefully, their going away filled him full of vague but delightful fancies – and life was not worth much to the little ranch boy unless he was dreaming great dreams. Now he conceived the glorious scheme of going to the university in the city when he should grow up. He looked forward to it as something he would have to achieve himself. Thus he set his little brain to work upon how it could be accomplished. he told his Uncle and Aunt of his desires; they commended his ambition and began to help him sketch ways and means. Many an evening was spent talking about the future and projecting schemes which would open up the way for Kim to get an education.

As the days and weeks went by and Kim found that he was filling a place in the Sloane household similar to the one he occupied in his own cherished home down on the Deer Run, he became deeply content. Not that he ever forgot his lost loved ones or ceased to miss them, and not that life could ever have quite the same romantic flavor it had in his early childhood on the big, wild ranch; but to be loved and appreciated again after a period of loneliness and despair, to feel that those around him were interested in him, that they loved to praise and sympathize with him added zest and joy to life.

Thus it was that although he still planned to earn money to buy back the Deer Run he wished it now for a summer home, a place to spend vacations where he could renew his acquaintance with Allasandro and perform for recreation the stunts of his childhood days.

One evening when Mr. Sloane was watching Kim practice he was almost shocked to perceive how tall and broad the boy was growing and how different form the small ranch boy of two years ago. The man half sighed.

“I fear his cowboy days are over,” he remarked to Aunt Mabel.

“Yes,” smiled his wife, “he’ll never call himself ‘Cowboy Kim’ again. In a way it’s sort of sad – he was such a darling little cowboy!”

“And couldn’t he ride!” reminisced Uncle Peter. “I’ll never forget his magic performance on that handsome race horse.” Uncle Peter was warming to his subject but he said no more, just blew his nose and wiped his eyes.

Aunt Mabel asked the boy to give them her favorite song. Then Kim drew his bow and in his shaky, uncertain way, played for them an old familiar tune while in his big gray eyes loomed visions – glorious visions of the great future.

(The End)