The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-03-07


knowing and doing. They were so strong and he
so weak; and very likely it was their knowledge
that made them strong and his ignorance of active
games that kept him weak.
one evening there was eager reading of the
newspapers, followed by a spirited discussion on
beseging and defending forts A great hattie had
been fought and an important position taken and
now the newspapers divided as to whether
the siege had been conducted scientific princi-
pies.
Presently, however, the discussion began to flag
The boys knew little of forts; and even their
mother, the final authority, grew silent Then
they noticed Howard, his usually pale face flushed
and his eyes dancing with animation.
Hello, little one" Tom called cheerfulIv: edo
you know anything about forts?"
Howard shrank back. He had never taken part
in any Of their discussions and this sudden bring
ing into prominence abashed him
why, 1--we been making a fort out of wood
and cork ever since the papers have been publishing
war news I've read all the books 1 could get on
the subject and studied fort principles II think
1t is perfectly accurate. I've made lot of soldiers
and cannons and horses and things for beseging
and being besieged. would you like to see it ?"
or course" chorused all of them, eagerly; bring
it down."
Butts it's too large" objected Howard give
been at work on it three months It's more than
I lift"
"An right Come along, WILL" and the two boys
caught Howard by his shoulders and swung him
Clear off the center table, follks!" he cried hur-
redly TON and Howard are bringing If down
and it's a work of art-turrets and towers and
parapets and-e mbrasures, and all sorts OF things
that Ivanhoe and Thaddeus of Warsaw tell about
He's made regular horde invaders 70 do the
assault business It's big! I don't see how ever
he could do it,"
Ihey all felt the same way when the beautifully
carved fort and its defenders and besiegers were
brought In and arranged upon the table. Howard
listened to their EXPLANATIONS of admiration with
glowing face; and when his Aunt Ella turned to
him with some questions, he answered difHdentIv
at hrst' but gained confidence other questions
began to pour in from the rest Soon he had for
gotten himself and his surroundings entirely and
was describing and explaining the fort with a flu
ency that brought look of wonder into even the
eyes of Aunt Ella. For twenty minutes or more
they listened with almost breathess interest TO his
graphic description of siege and assault and de-
renee and only when he caught sight of Wills ewes
liked in quizzcal wonder upon him. did he falter
and stop in confused dTfidence
WELL VIII CALCULATED with long breath you
are wonder if do say it. How did you
pick up so much? 1t sounds just like a book"
live read quite good DEAL" Howard stam-
mered, land remember things easily"
81 should say So" Then frankly: "There's more
to you than thought. It's pity you don't like
games"
But do like your games" Howard confessed,
becoming frank in his turn, "onIy don't know
them"
Really? 1t was Tom who spoke 81 thought they
bored you Look here, if you say the word I'll
coach you golf It's prime fun and lust the
sort of exercise that will do you good Oh it's
no trouble at ALL" he the hesitation in How
ards eyes; you can tell some more fort yarns
and that will make 1t all right. They're awfuIlv
interesting"
In show you boating and cunning" broke in
VIII eagerly; that is, If you'd like to know"
Il will teach you about bicycling and tennis" said
Mary.
Howard looked from one to another his ewes
expressing the pleasure the proposition gave him.
VI would like it very much.o he said ..Lt,s