New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-20

with gifts. an expression OF disappointment dark
Look here answered Robin in an undertone,
about Santa Claus there isn't such person really.
but I've brought you some proVender' Oe' you
The sight of the mince Pies and st more pre-, sub
stana roll seemd a n 700 goH Se 10 Tavenoasy
with reelected sensation of satisfaction The
look of gratitude on Joey's face.
y thought had spent a pretty bad Chrtstm mas
even a harder time Of it WITH that old dragon
downstairs The worst Of it is She looks SO hon
wouldn't have a chance against hertz
form to that chill place Of despair proved almost
too much for Joey. He fancied he must be dream
ing, he choked back his rising tears
How did you come here?" he quered. Aren!
you frightened of her? Is your mother dead too
Robin explained his presence in q few WORDS IN
stantiy forming resolve. , ,.
Christmas meant good fare festivities and the CIV
ing and receiving of gifts. He wasn't going to see
especially a weakly little chap like Joey. ,,.
The spirit of adventure was still strong In Kooin,
despite the strange and thrilling events OF TINS
Already he was planning a way of escape, by
which he could deliver the young captive from 'he
1T isn't good enough TO stay and be i'll treated by
a brutal creature like Mrs. Belloway, Robin
whispered, convincingly. Haven't you ever
thought OF running away?' .
know where to run to. and was afraid shed eaten
well. look here" continued Robin, y have
you. Suppose cut off at daybreak and make LOT
the railway station? There is sure to be an early
train to BotchWorth, and III take YOU nome I'm
me. My mother is real good sort, she VIII ADVISE
You what to do
The delirous prospect almost turned poor joey 5
head. He would have jumped up and danced ROUND
the only he was so very sum from NlFs be4-
lOWay'S beatingS.
The conspirators slept little that night, for Joey
bed had the poorest clothing, and the colo kept
both boys awake.
When the first gray strea1s or dayght stqle tlto
| the a stealthy couple. with hearts beaung
furiOusly. crept down the stairs, starting az every
sound. till the soft mufted their footsteps on
/ the garden path
! nlent they raced along the road, away. away from
| the wretched homestead and hateful presence OF
! Mrs. BelIOway. on, to freedom and life, in the
| blthe morning air of Christmas Day
| 1t takes but a few words to tell how the glad
Yuletide showered upon the successful travellers
perfect rainfall of good luck.
| Catching a train to Bletchworth, as Robin de-
| long before Mr. and Mrs Monckton were amazed
beyond measure by the unexpected arrival OF their
son. bringing with him poor, thin little boy, whose
| pathetic face showed such evident traces OF the
| worlds hard usage
| Robin found himself a perfect hero IN his home
related the agonizng incidents OF his eVentfu
| Christmas Eve The younger children listened
| with tingng pulses and eyes SghaSt, While their
1t is be feared Mrs. Monckton Will not forgive
young Leslie Butler and his mother for many a Ions
| day though she sympathizes with them over the
| tragic event which drove all memory of Robin from
| AS for Joey-well. many Christmas Day has
| come and gone since first he arrived-cold, hungry
happy resident under that kindly roof and is train
| ing to be a very excellent groom, for he dearly
| loves horses and understands them thoroughly
| ladies Field.