Aaron in the Wildwoods

Once upon a time there lived on a large plantation in Middle Georgia a boy who wasknown as Little Crotchet. It was a very queer name, to be sure, but it seemed to fit thelad to a T. When he was a wee bit of a chap he fell seriously ill, and when, man ... Read more

Once upon a time there lived on a large plantation in Middle Georgia a boy who wasknown as Little Crotchet. It was a very queer name, to be sure, but it seemed to fit thelad to a T. When he was a wee bit of a chap he fell seriously ill, and when, many weeksafterwards, the doctors said the worst was over, it was found that he had lost the use ofhis legs, and that he would never be able to run about and play as other children do.When he was told about this he laughed, and said he had known all along that he wouldnever be able to run about on his feet again; but he had plans of his own, and he toldhis father that he wanted a pair of crutches made."But you can't use them, my son," said his father."Anyhow, I can try," insisted the lad.The doctors were told of his desire, and these wise men put their heads together."It is a crotchet," they declared, "but it will be no harm for him to try.""It is a little crotchet," said his mother, "and he shall have the crutches."Thus it came about that the lad got both his name and his crutches, for his fatherinsisted on calling him Little Crotchet after that, and he also insisted on sending all theway to Philadelphia for the crutches.  Less