New-York tribune., 1901-11-03


which she disappeared. returning again for
blanket which she rolled up in brown paper.
and a small stool, which she took from the
corner
All the rest of that day these sumptuous
preparations went on, and the twins were for
hidden to ask any questions.
Next morning Mr.. Murkle, dressed carefully
/ in his Sunday best with a red tie and pair of
gray gloves thrown in, and telling the children
to be early home from school that afternoon 50
as TO be able to put their best clothes before
his return, departed on his pleasant errand-
few hours later he drove up in a cab. on the
top of which was brand new tin box. painted
yellow and handed out pleasant looking. rosy
checked young woman, who brought with her
refreshing breath of the country and old fash
ioned flowers
Right upstairs my GEL he said, land III
follow with the box"
"And-and-they' be there, Albert. waiting?'
she asked. eagerly.
.Yus-no fear Yern find yer readymade
family all there"
But he was mistaken When they reached the
top floor and opened the door they found only
one very clean little girl. who rose at once and
observed as if she repeating lesson:
Dear farver and stepma, 1 am very
sorry. but I've lost bofe the twins. for when /
bofe gone and l fear theys run TO sea-
Mr. Murkle dropped the tin box on the floor
with a resounding clang.
What he gasped. lost me boys. The bibles
ruined aw'y"'
.'Oh. poor little ladsr' said Mrs. Murkle- Al
bert you'd better go to the school at once and
inquire. and III go with Harriet up the street
she'll show me where they generally play
.Yus." said Harriet, solennly. III show yer
! moo stepma.'
| But the search was Of no avail, although young
Mrs Murkle and Harriet walked half round
London. When they returned, Mr.. MurkIe was
standing by the window. looking out
oh. that's you he said when they came in
.'Arriet. you can go along to Mrs. Samwell's
for a Bit
| When she had gone he came over and slpped
| his arm round his brides ample waist
Don't yer fret, Polly. me girl he said "IYe
| found out suthink-'Arriet's bin and Id them
| and there in the railway arch. which is party
| boarded up down Rupert-st.'
Harriet hid them exclaimed Mrs Murkie
incredulously. oh. Albert that child couldn't
be so deceitful-h her with them trustful eyes
! Oh / couldn't think it of herr
Fact" he replied. with unwilling pride er
never know what that gel amt up TO! Yer see,
that silly Maudie Budd's been talkin' to 'ArTiet
and e.vin'-aud syin'-Oh, you know YIN
| .oy cruel steprnas are. and ali that rot MFs.
! carnweu card 'er as lives below, and Mrs sam
! SOS as 'Arriet's bin on the go since fust thing
| This mornin' a furnishin' the railwy arch, ana
she lest ran quiet and looked in. and there. She
| ~as ir the twins aren't fixed up as cosey as
! souirrels in little nest. But, my word. Pony
! Gel. YOU aren't cryin'. for sure! Why you ought
! n he glad as the impses is found
oh but Albert ! want them TO like me- and
| they run away before l come home:
Come i-tter'n run away after, lass Now
YOU Jest tike yer bonnet off and unpeck ana Il
go round and soon bring em all back ana give
/ Arriet a good idin' for 'er impudence.
oh no. Albert. let me Eo-I know where the
arches are b,cause passed them With ilaiFIeL
You Jest uncord my box there's dear ana |
wont ba long and oh Albert, don say d "oiu
/ to Harriet rlease"
We'll as YOU asks me-hut Lor', l should Ike
TO ave the skinnin' OF 'er, the young weasel.
| And 'er with dear farver and moo s'epiha-
/ And here he slapped his leg and burst into su'h
| q roar of laughter as boded well for the absent
| Harriet's forgiveness
Mrs Murkle meanwhile ran downstairs ana
at the hottom met Mrs Sanwell with baby IN
/ her arms.
welcome YOU to Endcombe-st., that I'm sure
| but my word what come ONE ior yer pore
| thing, Are yer arter the children Nell'
| 'Arriet's Jest run along with some water IN a
lam jar. a pretendin' it's for the sparrers.