TED IN A HURRY

Northern Advocate, 11 July 1936, Page 6 (Supplement)

TED IN A HURRY

When Uncle Harry came in with a new story-book Ted jumped up to light the gas. He was in such a hurry that the match snapped in his fingers. “Easy does it!” said Uncle Harry. “You remind me of my grandfather and his tinder-box.”

“Oh, do tell me!” said Ted, scenting a story. “I must say I can’t see the connection, though.”

“No?” chuckled Uncle Harry. “Well, it locks as if you have inherited your great-grandfather’s impatience. He was in a tremendous hurry to get a light one morning. He and his brother were going on an excursion to the seaside. Trains were novelties then, very few and far between, and matches had not become very common in his part of the country. “They had to start at five o’clock, and the boys were awake long before daybreak. They had put the tinderbox on a chair by the side of their bed, and Grandfather opened it, struck flint and steel together in the usual way, but failed to get his light.. He struck and struck, and then, utterly disgusted, hurled the box across the room. That didn’t help, for it was pitch dark, and the boys had to go j down on their hands and knees and grope about the floor until they found the precious box.” “Were the flint and steel inside?” adced Ted. “No; but I believe they were close at hand. At any rate, they found them. At last they had the complete outfit, and Grandfather's brother tried his hand at getting a light. He was either more skilful or much luckier, for the welcome spark came almost at once.” “Good!” said Ted. “And did they catch the train?” “Yes. It was only two o'clock! Their excitement had shortened their night’s rest pretty considerably, you see. Grandfather never forgot the incident, and often as he struck a

match to light his pipe he would remember the struggles of the old days when such things as matches were unknown.” , j i ! “I’m glad we have matches,” said Ted. “They are fine when we want a light in a hurry; but I’d like a tinderbox for lighting my camp-fire. Do you think we could get one, Uncle?” “Yes. I’ll fix one up for you,” laughed his uncle. "It will make a good toy for you. but if I am coming to have tea round your camp-fire I shall take care to bring a box of matches with me,” he added with a twinkle.