KEN'S GOOD DEED

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 35, 4 November 1933, Page 23

KEN'S GOOD DEED

-Now, don’t forget, Ken, half-part five sharp, at our gate.” ~ “Alright, old boy. I’ll set the alarm for 5.15. We want to be out first.” "Yes, before the others are out. Well, don’t forget, Ken. Good-night.” The speaker, Noel Hayden, jumped off bis bike, and wheeled it up the path toward the shed. The next morning he and Ken were to go round with a guy. What fun it would be. He wondered if they would get as much as two shillings, for they needed the money badly. They had been given two-and-six the day before for fireworks, but unluckily they had broken a window and had to pay for Early next morning the sound of the alarm woke Ken, and he sprang out of bed quickly to switch it off. He dressed quietly, then stole down the stairs and let himself out. There was a glorious fresh smell in the air, and Ken was thrilled at the idea of taking round a guy. He broke into a soft whistle and went hurriedly down the street. Suddenly he stopped. Voices were to be heard just round the corner, and Ken realised that they were angry ones. “Very well, Mr. Parker, you will have to deliver the milk yourself this morning. I’m not going to any more. Everybody says, I’m a fool to do so much work, and I refuse to be your asast- , ant,” the angriest voice cried. An elder voice answered pleadingly, “Won’t you just stay until I can find another helper? You know it takes me twice as long alone.” “I utterly refuse,” replied' the other, stonily. And the former assistant walked off. Ken thought hard. Mr. Parker was the nice old man that delivered milk, and suffered sometimes with rheumatism. And now Max Stenner, his helper, refused to work. A good resolve flashed in Ken’s mind, and. he turned the corner quickly. Mr. Parker, with a crutch under one arm, was struggling with the brimming cans of milk. Ken walked boldly up and faced him. “Please, Mr. Parker, if you want a helper, would I do for this morning?” The old man gazed in amazement at the eleven-year-old. “Thanks, sonny,” he said, gratefully. For two hours Ken worked steadily, his hands aching under the weight of the cans. Often and often he whispered to himself: “I wonder how Noel is getting on. Anyway, he might let me watch his fireworks.” Luckily, the

milk-van did not pass Noel, although Ken heard many other boys chanting the familiar Guy Fawkes rhyme. At 7,30 they arrived at the shop. Mr. ParkeA pressed the boy’s hand gratefully, and said: “I don’t know how to thank you enough. Not every boy would give up guy round. Thank you, sonny.” Ken laughed. Oh that’s aU right, Mr. Parker.lm glad I helped you. Now I must go. Goodbye/’ and he hurried home No questions were asked at breakfast concerning the amount of money £ had collected. Mrs. Keen, busy with the boy’s lunch, asked if he had enjoyed himself, and there let the matteKemt’as soon as he reached school, sought out Noel. “How did you get on?” he°asked. “Get much?” But to his surprise and dismay Noel drew himself up and answered coldly. I dont see how it matters much to you, seeing that you were too lazy to get up, sleepy-head,” and he turned away. “But, Noel,” entreated Ken. Listen, I—l got up at a quarter past five, a “Pouf” do you think I believe that,” Noel replied, sarcastically,’ and he walked away. For Noel had not been at all successful, his collection being 63d. Ken spent a miserable day, his only consolation being that he had helped Mr. Parker. When he arrived home at half-past four, Mrs. Keen Said: “Ken, a man called Mr. Parker came here to-day and left me this envelope. He told me what you had done this morning, and said this was a reward for your kindess,’ and she handed him an envelope. Quickly the boy tore it open. Inside lay a 5/- postal-note. “Fireworks!” They whizzed through his mind. Now he could have them in. plenty -but if only Noel would understand. There cage a clattering up the path, and a quick knock at the door. Ken opened it, and on the doorstep stood Noel. “Ken,” he cried, “Mr. Parker told me what you had done, and you’re a good old sport. What does it matter that I only got 6Jd. We can get a few fireworks.” “Look, look, Noel,” cried Ken, excitedly,” waving the postal-note about. “Five shillings, so we’U have a good time to-night.” And indeed they did, and never again wifi Noel think harshly of his friend.— Original,' by ’ “Princess Lilybet” (15), Kelburn, Wellington.