Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-17
HECTOR'S BIRTHDAY.

| uuV1VN u UlNluVhls
1 Victor Vaughan. the artist. was dead.
and his friends had arranged free exhi-
bition OF his many uf,sold pictures. as the
best means 'ef selling them for the benefit
| OF his needy family.
One early morning before visitors arrived
at the art gallery the custodian was sum-
| moned to open the door by loud knock
! On the threshold he found a small boy and
| big dog. Up to his neck the boy, In
| stained overalls and faded blue shirt.
| looked like young hoodlum. But a re-
spiendent white collar gave the whole cos
| tune redeeming mark Of gentility, borne
out by the child's delicate and refined face
| AS for the dog, his rich, glossy, black coat
and superb bearing instantly placed him
among the four hundred Of canine aristoc-
racy.
Good morning. SIR" said the boy. touch
| ing ms cap, while the dog courteously
and wish to see the pictures
., MY dear sonny, replied the custodian.
II can't admit dogs"
II isn't dogs just dog" soberly cor
head.
I'VE have walked terribly far. and Hec-
tor so loves pictures!" sighed the boy.
while the dogs tail seemed despondently
to droop. You see." he coaxed, at is Hec-
tors birthday, and he really ought to have
a treat"
The custodian hesitatingly looked into the
deserted gallery; the child and the dog
watched him eagerly, an expectant light
upon both upturned faces.
Hector Is a perfect gentleman. I'll be
'sponsible for him anywhere concluded
the boy. in so pleading tone that even
the gruff old man could not Withstand Its
irresistible music.
WELL" he said with a scowl, "as long
as 1t Is Hector's birthday I suppose I'll
have to make an exception to the rules
I'VE are both very much obliged to you.
sir" smiled the child. and he and the dog
marched triumphantly in.
isn't it great, Hsctor?'' said the former,
In an awed whisper, as soon as the man
had left them. And aren't the gold frames
becoming to the pictures?' The boy
laughed exultantly, gazing all about the
gallery, everything else forgotten in happy
excitement. Then suddenly remembering
how tired he was: Those were very long
blocks we walked. Hector; suppose we sit
down and rest?
The dog applauded so wise a suggestion
by dropping on the floor, while his little
master cuddled up red-cushioned seat
with sigh of relief. After a brief rest,
side by side, they walked up the long room,
small white hand caressingiy laid upon
the massive black head.
Here's Jim dandy" exclaimed the boy,
stopping before a large canvas. The dog.
Impressed by the Importance Of the work
unQer dlSCuSSlOll, Sdl uOWH, UcdQ CilliCdhy
on one side In the foreground Of the
painting was great sweep Of sand; be-
yond a stretch Of seattle water delicate
blue, glimmering into ripple OF silver.
IT would give a lot to wade through that
sand. Say, Hector, 1t would beat the back
yard for burying bones. wouldn't It? Oh.
Hectori"
The child's glance had passed beyond
the beach and the ocean. and fallen upon
a portrait hung farther along on the wall
1t was only the head and shoulders of
man. but llfe-size and life-like. It was
picture Of Victor Vaughan himself, painted
and loaned by a fellow artist
Hector. isn't he dear?" murmured the
boy, as they stood looking up into this
mans face. angelic in Tenderness 5la , Hes gs
are!" A wistful longing stole over the
child's face. He pushed high stool under
the picture. and, with great difhcuity. MS
standing on tiptoe. he touched the glass
over the mans mouth with his puckered
red lips. IT love you" he whispered SUD
denly. as If apologiztng, he looked down at
the dog. Hector, did you want me TO KISS
him for you, too?"
The grave eyes OF the Newfoundland met
the searching ones of the child. II was
speech enough.
until another picture caused new excite
ment-one of those cuddly earrings Win
hair as soft as the down OF baby chickens.
H. was all black except the sparkling
ewes and the white CLEAN of one tiny tooth
But as they discovered this portrait there
was no wistful longing in the child's eyes;
rather fash Of angry aap; r. his aector It
is yours! See. there Is your name an
plain~H-e-c-t-o-rr They shan't keep It:
We'll take 1t home with us!' He stamped
Hush Hector" whispered the boy. at
once on guard He stealthily looked over
his shoulder to see If they had been heard
but there was no one In sight. You see
- LOTT and
ering with passion, that man didn't want
to let you in. and he may not want TO
let the little Hector out Wen say nothing
about 1t, but walk close together with the
darling pup between us. "
After a tremendous amount of exertion
the small. low-hung picture was unfast-
ened. Then the two conspirators-the boy
with resolute face and the Newfound-
land with an eager air-started from the
gallery.
a hand upon the boys shoulder, as he and
Hector were hurrying out through the door.
What have you under your arm, you
rascal?"
the shoulder to the back Of the boys collar.
The child was too frightened for words.
but the dog turned with threatening
growl.
you!" Numbered the custodian. as he
loosened his hold. You're a thief"
I'm not a thief" retorted the child hot
~ you nave no flgnt TO the picture. IT
Is Hector's. We are just taking what be-
longs to u.s.
wait till telephone for the police, my
fine young gentleman! Walt and"
Hello. what's the trouble?" interrupted
a joviaI voice
They had entered the gallery again, and
the artist who had painted Victor
Vaughan's portrait, having come in by a
side door, was sauntering toward them.
At the sound of the voice, the child's white
face turned crimson, and throwing his arms
ABOUT Hector's neck, he hid his face deep
In the dogs black curls.
why it's Ray-Vic Vaughan's little boyi',
cried the artist in establishment
Hector. who saw no cause for DENYING
his Identity gave Joyful bark of recognf-
ton. profuse in his welcome to a. friend
In need.
Now. what Is the natter" good-natur-
eddy inquired the artist.
"A serious matter sir said the eusto-
dian. This boy was carrying off a picture.
I caught him in the act.''
Ray how did you get here?" asked the
artist.
I'VE heard mother tell lady that my
daddy's pictures Were at the art gallery
and we thought we would come and see
them because ftS Hect0r'0 hfrthdov Won