The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-12-22

Continued From Last Week.
Something was wrong, but she could
not fathom ii. All her questions failed
20 wiring the direful secret from them.
As a rule, boys secret IS very saie
with his mother but this was different
They were trying, at great pain 10 them
selves 10 spare her feelings. and when
the dog-cart drove up TO the door they
climbed quickly into IL, not even trusting
themselves to kiss their mother good
bye.
you must cheer for me. too, when
Eric does anything wonderful, and tell
him that you will be his mascot were
Mrs. Hiltons parting words.
Il cannot understand what is the mat
ter" she said 10 herself as they drove
down the long avenue. But If she had
only known of the box that was slowed
away under the back seat, and upon
which were centred all their hopes and
fears. she would have understood.
The train came pulling into the station,
and the impatient passengers showed and
pushed their way out IL was really too
trying Just when they wanted 10 be on
time they had been delayed, on account
OF a collision between two freight-trains,
for almost an hour. The game must be
fully half over.
Mr.. Hilton was not at the station 20
meet the boys so John, the coachman,
got a cab and told the man 10 drive 20
the school An quick. too, mind yez.'
he added "This here hain't no funeral.
Willy and Tebby craned their necks
out Of the door. They could hardly con-
troll their nervous impotence, for all
this time Eric was without mascot, and
the ST. John bull-terrier might be win
ming the game.
As they approached the school-grounds
they heard frantic cheering. and their
hearts sank lower and lower, for the
"Rahl rah. rahl ST. John's!' rang out
clearly above the "Ashtonl Ashton"
who's ahead?" asked John, as the
gate opened 20 let them through.
"The St Johns boys-worse luck 70
them" answered the gatekeeper. They
We just finished the first half, and the
scores sixteen TO twelve
'There's Dada" cried Willy. Il see
hint And oh, Teb. look. there he is"
Yes. there he was-the rival, the big
Misunderstanding along with the
bright blue ribbon round his neck. appar-
entity quite aware of his Importance
Tehby clutched his cage more closely TO
him and his heart beat fast. Was IL still
possible for just two little white mice 70
bring the luck back 10 Ashton?
Lets find Eric quick, Dada" he said.
their delay had been all explained. and
Mr. Hilton had told them over again the
sad news Of the first half I'VE must see
Eric before he begins to play again,'
The schoOlboys were swarming all over
the field and crowding round the club
house. and some of them called out when
they saw the trio: Hello. Eric Eric Hill
ton. Here's your father" And in an
other moment the captain OF the junior
team pushed his way through. His ola
canvas suit was dirtier than ever. and
his shock OF hair even wilder; his nose
had been bleeding, too. and there was a
great black bruise over one eye: but he
smiled when he saw the boys. and said
in a would tone: 80 you got
here. after all2 They didn't miss much
did they father? What have you got
there. Teb?''
"Its-it's-it's a mascot" faltered Teb-
by. handing him the precious box: but
Pm afraid it's come too late"
Eric pulled off the paper, and then gave
a long whsle. For. huddled together.
with big red bows tied around their small
necks, were Tebby's own white mice.
There was burst OF laughter from the
crowd. and a dozen boys started forward
10 pull the cage out OF Eric's hands
Let me see themr-"Give them 70 me-"
Guy look at them chase their tails"
"a mascot? what a crazy idea" etc
But Eric held II tight and shook the
grasping hands impatiently off. What
did you bring these for. Tebby?' he ask
ed.
And Willy answered: ITO bring you
luck: cause you wrote that you didnt