The Republican journal., 1901-08-15
THE OTHER BOY.
Swell, This is startling"

with them for week or two. \ letter
had been handed him by the clerk,
which read:
my Dear Bert:-Mr. Harding has
received news of the sudden illness of
his mother and we are obliged to leave
without waiting to see you. am real
perplexed as how to advise you. But
/ think you would better remain at the
hotel until next week, when we will let
you know what our movements are to
be. If we find Mrs. Harding not seri-
ously i'll we shall return; if not, we
hope to be able to plan to have you join
us later. With great regret for any
disappointment this may cause you, 1
am your loving sister"
1t was, certainly, disappointing and
perpleXing, as well as startling. But
all the surroundings were too attractive
to admit of well-grown, healthy boy
feeling much depression. The hotel
fitted with everything which could aid
in attracting them there, and once there
in keeping them amused. Herbert soon
found himself in the society of mum
ber of boys. most OF them older than
himself, feeling much drawn towards
one who seemed a leader among them.
He's such splendid fellow. A clear
cut face and manners that show he's
always kept the best of company. Ex-
actly the kind of young fellow mother
would like me to be with
\ younger boy also drew his attention,
though far less pleasantly. One of
about his own age, but of such slender
build as to justify the lothers in face
tiously naming him Bones Bert
could not at first make up his mind
whether or not he liked or diSliked him
very much, but at length decided on the
latter.
He's too smarty. He thinks there's
nobody but himself in the world"
The boys had made up fishing party
for the day of Bert's arrival, which at
their invitation he gladly joined. There
was tennis tournament for the day
following, and he found that he had
little time to miss his sister.
Come with us" Frank Corwin, the
young fellow who had so excited Bert's
admiration, said to him as evening
came. I've players are to have a little
banquet all to ourselves"
But I'm not one of you," said Bert.
Never mind, We'll be glad to have
you. No Bones, you're not to come"
why not?" said Bones, querulously
oCSduSS Nou NClC up ECdlly Oil las Y
night. | promised your mother I'd
have little lookout over you. It's
rather tough Job, too" he added in a
lower tone to Bert.
81 m coming, anyway insisted the
boy and amid the clamor of different
voices for and against him he followed
the others.
''The little imp always has his own
way one Of the party remarked to
Bert Such fellow ought not to be
here by himself, 1t spoils him."
AS Bert had before observed, the boy
was i'll fair way of being spoiled.
Builied by some of them older than
himself, c0aXed into small ill-doingS by
Others, he strutted and Dragged in a
way which called forth the laughter of
some and the sneers of Others
They egg me on to all kinds of mis-
chief, Bones whispered in triumph
ant aside to Bert. I've been in half a
dozen scrapes already since I've been
here"
There was much lively talk around a
well spread table, but later Bert saw
upon it something he had not expected
to see.
Are they drinking wine?" he asked
III surprise of his next neighbor.
- uol eel lltllO Slllll touCll Jolly Oc-
caslon as this is never complete with
out it, you know
AS the shining bottle came his way
Bert quietly turned down his glass.
''Ho, you're one of the goody sort,
are you:" said Bones, with a most
anger provoking sneer See Corwin.
did you know he had teetotaller
among u.s.
Bert turned toward the older boy, but
did not IN his face see the loOked-for
sympathy with his views.
Every gentleman here is free to do
exactly as he pleases," he said, but the
voice was cold and the suspicion of a
sneer lurked in it,
YOU'RE not to have wine, Harry, ;"
he said, turning to Bones. you're too
much of kid yet
20, | am, am l? Well see about
that. Don't you know I'm up to every
thing just as well as the oldest of you?"
''Bones. you re a regular wicked one, -
some one remarked, and the boy smirk-
ed as If receiving compliment.
The talk became louder and the laugh
more uproarious. AS Bert listened to
the lively chat which usually made
Frank Corwin conspicuous among the
Others he was conscious of a painful
AHdllSC III lllll. Uc Hit lilies Ill UlG
face coarsened and words and voice be-
came less and less like those belonging
to gentleman.
1--WE have jolly trip planned for to-
morrow he at length said "a picnic
to a lake farther down among the noun
tains-"
''On sunday asked Bert.
Yes, a good day for good jaunt.
A lot of folks come out from the city,
and there is always a gay time. Our
wagon will hold just so many, but l
have kept seat for you," he said, turn
ing politely to Bert.
Il am very much obliged to you,''
said Bert, ''but think l must decline
your nvitation.'
''Ho, Why" A clamor of voices
opened on him.
You don't expect to leave?''
No"
Got any other engagement"
''No."
"Well, Of course you'll 60"
You need not count on me-" said
Bert
well, why can't you go?'
Reasons! Reasonsn'
The two boys next him pulled him
roughly to his feet. Hear, hear, now.'
Bert flushed as his eye swept over
the noisy. excited faces All the shy,
Of q how in, c,,aalyi,,r Of Lc