JUNIOR KING’S BUSINESS edited, by Martha S. Hooker
W . Davis Fronte’s
story
with a Swiss
setting
Something for Joseph
S omething is different about our boy,” Mama Diener told Papa. “ Ever since the day he wan dered so far from home and came back looking so sad.” “Now, now,” Papa said, patting his good wife’s shoulder, “ Franz is all right. But I think he is lonely, just a little. His Uncle Paul will fix that when he comes today. He told me he is bringing a surprise for the boy.” Mama threw up her hands. “ Oh, not another toy from the village. His room is so crowded now. Be sides, Paul will be spoiling our Franz.” Papa shrugged his shoulders. “ I cannot tell him not to love our son when he has no son of his own as yet for whom to buy toys. But wait, Mama. Soon Paul will marry and then he will have to spend all his money on his wife.” Mama put her hands on her hips and made a shocked face and Papa pretended to be frightened of her and ran, laughing, out into the morning sunshine. He found Franz sitting quietly, gazing out across the beautiful Alps mountains which they called home. Papa sat down beside his son in silence.
“ Papa,” said Franz at last. “ Yes, my boy.” “ I have made a new friend.” “ That is good,” said Papa. “Did you meet him on your travels the other day when Mama scolded you
for going so far from home?” “ Yes. His name is Joseph. He is— he is blind. His clothes are all patch es.” Franz looked down at his own warm brown trousers and his strong shoes. “ I have been wanting to take him something of mine, one of my toys. But—which one could a blind boy play with? The ball would roll away. M y new carving knife—no, he would cut himself. M y skis are no good to him. M y drawing pen cils . . . .” Papa rubbed his chin thoughtful ly and just then Uncle Paul was seen coming up the path, carrying a basket, and his cheery voice filled the air with a happy yodel. How he could sing! thought Franz, as he jumped up and ran toward the house. “ Hello! Hello, Uncle Paul! What’s in the basket?” “ Before I show you I must ask your mother first what kind of boy you have been lately,” he laughed, and Mama, hearing him, came run ning Out of the little mountain cabin to meet her handsome and pleas antly noisy brother. “ I have made dumplings and they are ready!” she announced. At the word dumplings, Uncle Paul set the basket down and hugged
$1 prize
AFR ICA When I was praying beside my bed, "Go to Africa,” to me Jesus said. I started preparing the very next day. I knew God would help me all the way. The government gave me my visa to go; I told them I was going so others might know. Soon I was sailing the big ocean blue. Jesus would care for me, I always knew. When I arrived I went to language school. The Word of God was my sharpest tool. I taught the people the Word of God So the path of sin they would no more trod. Now most of the people are Christian there— I wish it were that way every where. I shall still preach the Bible to other lands And put it in their wanting hands. — Kay Oliver, age 10, Dallas, Tex.
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