The San Francisco call., 1908-12-05

up Lucille said earnestly. IF she
Even then. Lonny observed dis
contentedly, well be sweet looking
guys. won't We. tiptoeing along whis-
pering 'sh. sh' at every sound and
"Oh. WELL Lucille interrupted impa-
tiently, never mind, I never could
carry her up there of course. but I
can stay at home with her."
This brought a storm of protest and
II was VIII that settled the matter.
"Of course we can carry her he
asserted cheerfully. AT least Lon can
and I'll provide the perambulating
shelter. 7 always could handle an UNI
brella. You girls will take her off our
hands when we get there. OF course.
Just bundle her up and We'll do the
tiptoe act"
The girls seemed in no hurry. how
ever. and IT was nearly half past
:. the hour set for the opening of the
little beshawled figure was carefully
laid in Lonny's arms.
For mercy sake. don't jolt her,
Lon" whispered Lucille anxiously.
Just imagine her yelling at the top
OF her lungs"
Lonny would have cringed at the
thought had he dared, but II might
have wiggled his stifiy extended arms.
As II was the perspiration started.
The girls guided them of the steps.
Lpciles worried whispers overwhelm-
ing them with q horrible sense Of
responsibility.
Now. don't shift her around. viii
you. Lonny; II she just sleeps till we
get into the schooIroom she will be all
right, but If she gets TO shrieking be-
fore. all the Christmas trees in the
world won't quiet her. Walk close.
VIII. and keep the rain from her. won't
your There. 1 think you are all right.
Come on, Edith. well go ahead to get
our wraps of and be ready for them Z"
The girls disappeared and the boys
toiled wordlessly after. through the
dark and drizzle Lonny. unable TO
pick his way with the inert little form
lying across his aching arms. took to
the deepest puddles with ducklike
instinct. and VIII tiptoed Loyalty at his
side. allowing the water to drip inside
his coat collar in his zeal 10 protect
the precious bundle.
The longest road must come TO an
end some time. and just when it seemed
10 Lonny that his stinened arms must
give way the schoolhouse was reached.
They expected Clarice. Lucille or
some one TO relieve them Of their charge
in the hall To their vexation. no one
was there But the double doors stood
widely open into the brilliantly lighted
class room. Every seat was filled and
around the teachers desk was a group
OF girls, among whom Luciles blond
head was easily distinguishable.
Feeling that he must drop his bur
den somewhere. Lonny pushed desper-
ately forward. greeted by voices. Here
they are Hello, Lon, Hello, WILL
You are late What are you bring
ing2" and the little crowd at the teach
er's desk parted. disclosing in their
midst small white clad person with
bobbing. yellow curls and sunny smile
OF welcome. Yunny Yonny. called
baby Merle.
Ionny's nerveless arms relaxed In
stinctively he ciutched at the shawl as
the bundle slipped downward. striking e
the floor with a thud. He vaguely won
dered what weighty substance lay con-
cealed in the assortment of little gar
ments disclosed. Then as his eye caught
q small. round object that detached
itself from his late burden and rolled
away. his countenance' became suddenly
luminous. Framed in a ruff1ed white
bonnet. the little Chinese head blinked
at him sardonically with its almond
eyes.
Bonny cast one swift adrniring
glance al his twin. then turned enthu-
siastieaIiy to his fellow victim
Gee whiz. but she did It, didn't she ~
he shouted, and I was thinking she
had forgotten" Then the two Joined
long ana helplessly in the shout of
mirth about them.