Los Angeles herald., 1906-09-09
THE FORTY-FIFTH SCHOLAR

| I'd manage him somehow, and if didn't the
captain Of the Rhodesa would have brought
him along"
why didn't he write to tell me?" asked
Gordon Helme reproachfuly.
Il said he was not to- Gordon, till things took
decided turn. They didn't do that until about
Alden; and so he couldn't, poor man! But this
won't do. ! haven't got a spare year on my
hands. That six-thirty train 1 must catch. Tell
me at once, Gordon, II you'll take BobbyY'
"Of course" said Gordon; "and you, too"
There, Peg didn't l say it?' cried the boy
IT'S rather jolly house this, think,
sha'n't mind stopping if you're here, Peg
Peggy looked round at the boy, and then mp
at Gordon Helme
Might he run loose in the garden for about
five minutes" she asked Its really all the
time I've got I must walk slowly. His boxes
are down at the station, and II must get to
my Aunt Anne at Brompton in respectable
time
so you shall, Peggy. III come back with
you" said Gordon Helme.
oh, you can't, on first day. ] saw the
notice in the Times directly we landed, and 1
said to myself-thisl"
She shrugged and laughed like the old tom.
boy Peggy, and spread her palm to the air.
"I'm coming back with you to Brompton,
whatever day it is, said Gordon Helme. ''Six-
thirtyl And it's now fve-ten. Wait a bit.
You must have a cup Of tea
He rang the bell, and, in spite Of Peggy's pro.
testations, tea was brought 1t came in the
school-room cups and saucers to save time; and
with it came Mr.. Corfeld, the Southside chief
assistant master.
Having introduced Corfeld to Peggy Gordon
Helme told him what was to happen that first
night of the term. He Corfield, would kindly
take charge of the school until the morning
There circumstances which compelled him
to go with Miss Rewson Peggy was Miss Rev
son.
Corfield evidently understood. He was very
gallant with Peggy.
And then young johnson also was introduced
Its goodbye, Bobby" said Peggy, opening
her arms to him. "You must go with Mr.. Cor.
fed.'
Bobby didn't mind He looked corfeld up
and down. and gave Peggy calm kiss.
you'll come back with Mr.. Helme all right
l know" he said, confusing Corfeld little, but
making both Peggy and Gordon Helme laugh,
so that Corfeld himself ventured to do the
same.
They were alone now, and Gordon Helme
rushed the question he had wanted to ask be-
fore, in the boys presence.
You did get my last letter but five, Peggy,
dearest?"
"Gor-don! AS if keep such an exact mem
ory of them! Which ever letter was that?"
''The one in which l imp1ored you either to
let fetch you in the summer, or to come
home at once and marry me-"
ooh, that! Yes it was a fine tonic, the doc
tor said. 1t came on the eight hundred and
enty-ffth day of my exile, Gordon. No, don't
kiss me again, dear boy But I'll tell you this
I wept maudlin and sick-hearted tears in my
terror lest should never you again. How
is that for bare-faced surrender"
Whatever it was, it filled Gordon Helme with
joy. For the remaining few minutes at South
side he was the most ght-hearted boy in the
school,
Some Of the boys had got off into the playing
field when they were passing into the ROAD for
the station Their shouts had the right ring
'<That's how I feel, Peggy" said Gordon
Helme, as he slipped his hand into his darlngs
arm.