Bolax, Imp or Angel—Which?

by Lester Chadwick

  CHAPTER VIII.

  THE COAL MAN.

  Whistling and with a roll of music under his arm, Bolax turned out ofhis way to go the woods. "It's Saturday," thought he, "and Professor waspleased with my lesson, so I'll just take a holiday." As he was turningoff the bridge he heard some one say: "Well, young man, where are youbound for?" Looking up he saw Mr. O'Donnel, the coal man. "Where are youtaking such a big load?" said Bolax. "Oh, about three miles out on theWhite Road." "That's the most beautiful road in the country; please letme go with you."

  "You seem to know a great deal about roads." "Oh, yes; I often take longrambles with Papa when he is at home; he is so fond of wild flowers. Sois Mamma; she calls the woods 'God's own garden,' and while there is awild flower to be had, from the arbutus and hepatica in early Spring tothe golden rod in the autumn, we gather them for our little Chapel. MyPapa knows the name of every flower and shrub and tree that grows in theUnited States, and never tires telling me about them."

  "Well," said Mr. O'Donnel, "I'll let you come along with me if you canclimb up; you're a mighty knowing sort of little chap, and I like tohear you talk."

  The day was an ideal one. A clear sky, a bright October sun and apleasant breeze all combined to make Bolax enjoy his drive, although onewould suppose he felt anything but comfortable perched on the hard seatof a coal cart.

  The road stretched out for nearly a mile, white as its name indicated,and as well cared for as if it were the driveway into a gentleman'sprivate demesne. On each side, it was bordered by immense sycamoretrees; their beautiful branches meeting overhead, and their smoothshining trunk resembling pillars in the aisle of some grand Cathedral.

  "This," said Mr. O'Donnel, "reminds me of roads I saw in the North ofFrance, only there you would be sure to see an altar or a cross erectedby the pious people, many a time I saw men, women and children kneelingbefore these shrines." "Are you a Catholic?" asked Bolax. "Indeed, and Iam, thank God. Are you?" said Mr. O'Donnel. "Of course, I am," answeredBolax, with a rising inflection as though he felt injured at anyonequestioning his religious belief. "Can't you see in my face I'm aCatholic; you ought to hear me stand up for my religion. I knocked thestuffing out of Reddy Smith last week for saying the priest walkedpigeon-toed." "Ha! Ha!" laughed Mr. O'Donnel, "more power to you, mylittle man, always stand up for your faith and respect the priests;there's nothing like keeping faithful to your religion; it will be agreat comfort to you all through life. I remember what a comfort it wasto me when I came near dying on the battlefield in South Africa." "Oh!"exclaimed Bolax "you don't mean to say you were in Africa?"

  "Did you fight the Boers? I've heard so much about them, and Mamma andPapa took sides with them, and we all felt so sorry for the poorpeople."

  "And so did I and every Irish soldier; in fact, I deserted the Englishranks, and with many others tried to help the brave Boers. They are goodpeople. I could tell you stories that would fill a book about them, andthey are religious according to what they know of religion. After thedisaster at Colesburg, the Boers helped to bury the British dead; theyprayed and sang hymns over the graves, and some of the leaders madeimpressive speeches, expressing their horror of the war, regretting thelosses on both sides, and making supplication to the Heavenly Fatherthat the war would soon end. Oh, it is fine Catholics they would make,but strange to say, I never heard of a Catholic missionary being amongthem."

  "When I'm a man," said Bolax, striking his knees to emphasize his words,"I'll be a priest and go among those good people and teach them the truefaith." "God bless your innocent heart. I wonder if you'll remember yourride with the coal man when you are a priest; your Ma may scold when sheknows of it."

  "My mother teaches me to respect all respectable people, and I am sureyou are very respectable, because you are a good Catholic."

  "Thank you for an out and out little gentleman," said Mr. O'Donnel, "andGod prosper you and your good mother. Here we are at our journey's end;suppose you get down at the gate, my little man, and run up to the houseand ask to have the cellar window opened for me; it will save time. Hereis the ticket; you might get it signed. This is Carpenter Mansion."

  Bolax ran off glad to oblige his friend and show his appreciation of theride.

  It happened that Miss Devine had called for Amy, after Bolax left thehouse that morning and they were just now paying a visit to this family.Amy had never seen the beautiful place, and was delighted to becomeacquainted with the young ladies, and one little girl of her own age.While they were entertaining their company the maid called Mrs.Carpenter to say the key of the coal cellar was not to be found. Goinginto the kitchen, the lady saw a handsome little boy with frowsy goldencurls encircling his head like a wreath and a very smutty face, who, hatin hand presented the ticket to be signed and asked to have the cellarwindow opened; after saying this the boy bowed. Mrs. Carpenter was quiteastonished at such gentlemanly manners, and smiling and patting the boyon the head she asked his name. "Bolax," said he, with another bow."What an odd name," said Mrs. Carpenter, and going to the door, she sawthat the coal-man was of respectable appearance, and apparently abovehis present occupation. Thinking to please him, she complimented him onthe good manners of his little boy. "Yes, ma'am," said Mr. O'Donnel, "heis a good sort of little chap, every one likes him." Miss Nellie, one ofthe young ladies, came into the kitchen to look after the caramels,which were cooling on the window sill. Bolax stood at the door; MissNellie offered him some candy, but he excused himself, saying: "Thankyou; I like caramels, but my hands are not fit to eat with." "Oh,indeed; well since you are such a polite little boy, I want you to havesome candy."

  Ellen gave him a towel and soap and water. Bolax gladly made himselfclean so as to enjoy the caramels. Miss Nellie went back to the parlorand gave a description of the coal-man's son, with such extraordinarygood manners; Sam and Charlie, her brothers rushed out to get a look atthe little chap and have some fun with him.

  As soon as they sighted Bolax with his face half washed, his mouth allsticky; they laughed and made his acquaintance immediately. "Fine candy?isn't it," said Sam. "You bet," said Bo, "haven't had any for a goodwhile, 'cause I wouldn't practice." Miss Devine heard Bo's voice, andlistening for a moment said, "Let me see that boy." On going to thekitchen door she made an exclamation which brought all the ladies on thescene. Then she laughed heartily, all caught the infection of her mirth,although they did not exactly understand why she was so amused. Amy,however, soon enlightened them, when, with a severe frown, shereproached Bolax for his appearance.

  "Why, who is he?" asked Mrs. Carpenter. "Oh," said Miss Devine stilllaughing, "he is my little friend Bolax, Amy's brother. Don't be angry,Amy." "I can't help being angry! It is too disgraceful; just look at hisclothes, and the smear on his face."

  Bolax looked crest-fallen and took out his pocket handkerchief to wipeoff the smear, but only succeeded in adding two more black streaks, for,without his perceiving it, the handkerchief was filled with coal dust.

  Sam and Charley while bursting with laughter tried to console the boy,inviting him to look at their Pony. Bo forgot his sister's displeasurewhile with the boys, and began to talk about his pets, his school, etc.

  "Where do you to go school?" asked Charlie. "I have just been up at St.Thomas' for two weeks; they didn't want to take me because I'm not oldenough, but Mamma begged the President, so he admitted me."

  "Do you like the fellows up there?" said Sam.

  "Yes, pretty well, but my Mamma was mistaken when she said they were allgentlemen; they don't bow and take off their hats when a priest speaksto them. And yesterday Father Clement was playing marbles 'for keeps'with some boys, and he picked up an agate, and what do you think, one ofthe boys snatched it and caught hold of Father Clement's arm, and hewasn't struck dead!" "Struck dead!" exclaimed Sam. "What do you mean?""Why my Mamma told me a priest was more holy than the 'Ark of theCovenant,' and once long ago, two men were struck dead just for puttingtheir hands on the Ark. So I thought for sure, a boy that snatched amarble from a holy
priest ought to be struck dead, but he wasn't." Samand Charlie were inclined to laugh at this story, but restrainedthemselves, on seeing the awed expression on the little boy's face,showing that he innocently believed disrespect towards a priest shouldbe punished with death.

  "Well," said Sam, assuming a serious air, "perhaps our Lord forgave theboy this time, that in future he may learn to be more respectful."

  "The lawn of the College," continued Bolax "is kept so smooth and green;they have signs all around, 'Keep off the Grass,' but the boys pay noattention and actually walk on the nice lawn, when the poor Brothershave such work to keep it nice. I went behind a big fellow that was onthe grass and I pushed him off, and asked him if he didn't see thesign." "What did he say to you?" laughed the boys. "Oh, he called me afusty kid, and said, 'I'd get my eye teeth cut after awhile, if I stayedlong enough at College.' But, Ma says I cut my eye teeth when I was twoyears old." "Is that so? Let me see," said Sam, opening Bo's mouth."Yes, I really believe you have."

  "Are the priests kind to you?"

  "You bet they are. Why there's one, oh, he is so beautiful, but the poordear is lame. He stays in his room most of the time. Day beforeyesterday he asked me to come up to see him, and he showed me pictures,and told me a story of a soldier--and, oh, I just know he is an angel,because he has a closet full of guns."

  Such a reason for being considered an angel struck the boys as so funny,that they laughed outright. Sam patted the little fellow on the head,and gave him a boy's greatest compliment: "You certainly are a jollygood fellow, Bolax."

  By this time the coal had been deposited in the cellar, so Bolax wantedto go away. "Oh, come in," said Sam, "and say Good-bye, but first let mewipe your face; there is just a speck of black on the end of your nose."Bo was very thankful to be made somewhat presentable and entered theparlor, taking leave of the ladies in a most dignified manner, whichill-assorted with his begrimed appearance.

  "You're not going to ride home on the coal cart?" said Miss Devine.

  "I'm not fit to get into your carriage," said Bo.

  "Never mind, come with me; we'll excuse you this time."

  "But I must say 'good-bye' to Mr. O'Donnel, and get my roll of music; itis on the seat of the cart and might get lost." Amy was ready to cry atBo's escapade, but the young ladies and their brothers enjoyed the jokeimmensely. As the carriage drove away the boys called out: "Come againlittle coal-man; you're a regular brick."

  Bolax was delighted to hear this and turning to Amy, said: "Now, MissStuck-Up, the Carpenters like me even if I do ride with the coal man,and I know Mamma will say it don't matter if my clothes are dirty, so Ikeep my soul clean." "My darling little brother," said Amy, throwing herarms around Bo's neck, "forgive me if I have hurt your feelings. Yourfamily knows how clean your soul is, but strangers only judge by outwardappearances." "Dear Amy," said Miss Devine, "don't take things so toheart." Then in a lower voice, "for my part, I would not give our littleflutterbudget, with his innocent mischief, for all the daintily-dressedboys in the country."

  When the carriage stopped at their gate, the children bid "au revoir" toMiss Devine; then she recommended Amy not to say much about Bo'sadventure.

  Aunt Lucy was standing on the porch. Bo did not wait to be questioned,but began immediately to give an account of his day, for he had beenaway since luncheon. "Oh, Aunt Lucy, Mr. O'Donnel is such a kind man!he has a mouth like a frog, and I always observe that men with mouthslike frogs are kind to children."

  "Indeed," said Aunt Lucy laughing, "I never noticed that. I have nodoubt your friend, Mr. O'Donnel meant kindly in allowing you to ridewith him, but he did not think of the danger there was for a stumpylittle fellow, with short legs, perched so high. If the cart had lurchedyou might have fallen under the horses' feet and been killed. So dearchild, never try that again."

  "Well, Aunty, I won't, but may I talk to Mr. O'Donnel? his heart wouldbe hurt if I passed him without speaking." "Of course, dear; you mayspeak to the good man. Never willfully hurt the feelings of anyone."

  January 15, winter began in "dead earnest," as the boys say, although noone expected a blizzard, but by 2 P.M. the roads were impassable.

  The wind blew a terrible gale--no one could venture out, and the fourday scholars were obliged to stay at the College all night.

  The President telephoned to Mrs. Allen, not to worry; that Bo should bewell cared for, and could remain with him until the roads were cleared,if it took a week. Mrs. Allen thanked the good priest and hoped her boywould give no trouble.

  The novelty of going to bed in a dormitory pleased Bolax, and thePrefect in charge gave him a night robe; then tucked him in bed asdeftly as if he had been a woman, for the good man had a tender spot inhis heart for all children.

  Everything being quiet--the gas was lowered and the Prefect retired forthe night. Suddenly Bolax gave a scream, "two rats! Two rats, two rats!"cried he. In a second of time the whole dormitory was astir.

  The Prefect hearing the commotion rushed upstairs and was greeted with:"Rats! Mr. Royal, Rats!" There were sixteen boys in the room; so you canimagine how such an unusual chorus sounded.

  "Rats!" said Mr. Royal; "where did they come from?"

  "There were two in a large trap in the lavatory," said Harry Dunn, "buthow did they escape?" "Did any of you touch that trap?" asked thePrefect.

  "Yes, sir;" answered Bo, "I did. I felt sorry for the poor things; Iwas just looking at them when the door of the trap opened somehow, andout they jumped, one struck my face as I leaned over."

  "My dear boy," said Mr. Royal, "you ought not to have gone near thetrap, suppose that rat had bitten you."

  "Well now, all that is to be done is to catch them." A dozen voicesexpressed their owners' willingness to go on the hunt, but Mr. Royalpreferred calling up one of the men.

  In a few minutes, Alex, the gardener, came into the dormitory with"Happy Hooligan" and "Vixen," two Scotch terriers. All the doors wereshut, and the hunt began; the rats did not keep together, but ran indifferent directions. As Alex would plunge under a bed, broom in hand,some one would scream out: "Oh, here he is, up at this end."

  The boys calling to the dogs, set them wild, so they did not know whichway to run. Such laughter! It appeared to be great fun for theyoungsters, just because it was silence hour.

  At last the beasts were killed, and order was once more restored. Mr.Royal requested strict silence.

  "I won't stay to watch you; I know you will all obey, so I trust to yourhonor." And all did obey, for they loved and respected Mr. Royal, whoalways appealed to their honor.

  The next morning the whole college heard of Bo's rats, and had a goodlaugh at the description of the hunt.

  Bolax made great strides in his studies under the kind care of histutor, Father Anthony, and his reports delighted his father and mother.At Easter he received a beautiful picture of the Sacred Heart, as aprize for Catechism.