The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-05-07
Robinson crusoe.o interpolated TrOt-

Robinson Crusoe," interpolated Trot'
| ter.
yes" laughed Van. Don't you think
| II must be a grand thing, Mr.. Hardy. 70
have a sun-mlnd, as Miles calls IT, among
| hosts of dull little-planet people? only
| think how pleased grandfather Wouid
be IL I should turn out Whlte sun
| mindw
"Perhaps," smiled Mr.. Hardy. But
don't make any mistakes. 1t isn't the
greatest intellect that always makes the
best kind OF white sun, in my opinion.
II you are very ambitious, You must
study-what shall say?-an old book on
moral astronomy, where you VIII mo
out about the best kind Of stars the kihd
that are to shine forever and ever.
That's true, sir" said Van, a sweet
reverent look stealing over MS merry
face.
Chicken day, Van" broke In Trotter,
in an ecstacy, having caught lore
glimpse Of the days rations; and the
two boys, with honest boys appetites'
were off for their places.
Mr.. Hardy looked affectionately after
VANS fair hair and dark blue-gray eyes.
What was the magnetism about this
brave. generous boy that drew all hearts
to him?
"He will be somebody surely; he has
those dauntless qualities which belong
TO a natural and irresistible King or
men," he said TO himself. unconsciously
quoting words already applied to a great
leader Of human minds.
But Lambert? A perplexed expression
stole over his face as he looked from one
cousin to the other. They were so sin
gularly alike in figure, complexion and
feature, that they were often mistaken
for each other; but to Mr.. Hardy they
were farther apart than the poles.
81 hope I am not unjust" he acgued
with himself. Lambert is as studious
and brilliant and ambitious as Van.
Why do I always distrust him? Why
do I feel that 1 never see the real boy,
never catch him without his mask
The two boys were kept at school by
their grandfather Vans parents were
both dead, but Lamberts mother was
still living in very impoverished circum-
stances. her whole heart wrapped up In
her son. Grandfather Jones, gruff but
kindly. was trying to find out what stun
was in the boys, and they with endless
ambition and friendly rivalry were try
ing to show him. Till within few
weeks the race had been remarkably
even. but lately there had been a slight
falling off on the part Of Lambert winch
chafed him exceedingly.
"Why are you always such gruo'
yan?" he was saying at this very mo-
mont &C they sat side by side at the
table. There's such fun going on IN 'he
world and YOU are missing every bit or
q. we would let you into it," he added
mysteriousiy, 'lf you were not snch a
baby"
Van looked up wistfully. fun was such
a sweet word to boy.
"sPm afraid / haven't time for IT, ne
said. 81 am so slow at my lessons.
cor course not, unless you would let
your lessons go for one night.
.eWell. | wouldn't" said Van decidedly;
land that have TO end It, l suppose
"Ah yes" said Bert ironically Il heard
Mr.. Hardy's wise saying about the loot
path Of duty leading to the hlghWay OF
, fame. Hoven't you a spark OF Orlslhalty
Aran't Won ever going TO strike out for
yourself? A fine white sun you are going
| ia bei WHY. you haven't any mind worth
sDeaking Of You win always be little
pin-head planet circling around Hardy
Pert rose impatiently. and Van saw him
drawn away into a corner by Collins, one
OF the day-scholars. boy never liked by
/ Vans honest soul.
And now what were they talking about
50 mysteric usly? And had It anything TO
! over Lambert?
! The next twenty-four hours were de-
stined TO bring plenty Of enlightenment.
! Van was a sound sleeper. The mis-
! chevous genii OF the Arabian Nights"
might have carried him away into the
! heart of Africa. and ordinarily he would
have known nothing of it till the proper
| time for awaking in the morning. IL was
! strange experience, then. that very
I -
seriousness, finding himself sitting bolt
upright in bed, a cold wind blowing I'm
upon him from the window. against whose
dim square a human figure was family
! outlined clambering into the room. Vans
hair stood on end. II was n desperate
/ burglar without doubt: but life and honor
should be sold dearly and with one
bound he was in the middle OF the room
( and had caught the villain by the throat.
Hush, Van" cried thick voice. which
at first he did not recognize. let me
breathe, can't you? Don't be such an
! idiot. II is l. Lambert. ] was fastening
! back the shutter. What ais vow? Have
you lost all your common sense?" he said
| bitterly as Van. seriously bewildered, re-
/ leased his hold.
The great clock in the hall was solemn
! ~ striking two.
"But somebody was climbing In through
1 i
I ing 10 collect himself
"You were dreaming you young tigerr'
said Bert. whose teeth were chattering
with cold or something else.
"But you have on your coat and boots. -
| persisted Van.
"Hush"' cried Lambert, "Is that some
! body coming down the half" He was IN
| bed In a moment. with covering drawn
10 his chin. Jump in, Van" he implored
| In a hoarse whisper. land breathe hard
! for heavens sake I will explain by and
/ by"
But the dreaded footsteps Of monitor
or teacher only paused at the door and
went slowly on.
After an interval Van tried TO speak.
but only to be met by an impatient
Hush" and finally he again dropped into
the sound sleep OF healtv youth
! Van was very confused about II all IN
the morning. and not sure at first that he
} had not been dreaming But why did Bert
so persistently avoid his eyes? and why
DID he look so white and sick? and why
did ne 50 carefully try TO screen his
EFFORTS In cleaning a very muddy pair of
boots? There was a mystery somewhere.
but Van was too proud TO ask any more
| questions and the whola Aay c,ss.A a.