The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1909-01-26

the three who had been very lonely In
the big house since Mrs. Lynwood had
answered the call of the great beyond.
So, with an affectionate pat on the
back and a brisk Never mind, old
fellow" Arthur watched Dick turn
into the schoolyard.
Dick swung around suddenly after
Arthur and tugged at his coat sleeve.
Don't worry until see what can
do for you" he commanded, then turn
ed and sped back as the last bell was
ringing.
The promise cheered Arthur oddly
Dick was fertile in invention and
could be trusted to bring about even
this coveted acquaintance If 1t could
possibly be done.
The Shelbys had kept very much to
themselves since they had come to
town. InGuiring busybodies had been
told by the maid that Mrs. Shelby was
too Ill to receive callers as yet.
She begged to be excused for few
weeks more, and the girl--Arthur had
discovered that her name was Irma-
had shared her mothers seclusion.
Despite his confidence In Dick, Ar
thur was rather surprised that even
ing when Miss Shelby came running
out Of the house as he passed Evil
IDENTIFY she had been watching for him,
and Arthur paused uncertainty as she
reached the gate.
"You are Mr.. Lynwood" she said,
with questioning infection.
"And you are Miss Shelby2" he re-
turned. II am at your service"
"It's about your brother and my
brother" she began in pretty embar-
rassment. 1T seems that your brother
made an entirely unprovoked attack
upon mine after school this afternoon.
Poor Robert was badly treated. He
is not accustomed to mixing with boys
and he knows little about fighting.
understand that your brother promised
him another thrashing tomorrow"
II shall speak to Dick this evening"
promised Arthur, but Just as he gave
the assurance Dick came tearing out
Of the Lynwood house, and Arthur
called him across the street.
He came promptly, for Dick was not
a boy to shirk responsibilities. He re-
garded Irma with mild amusement as
Arthur repeated her statement.
"He started it" insisted Dick stoutly
81 guess no fellows going to hear his
brother called names. Your brother
said mine was a dude and pretty
boy, and Art amt that. It's different
being just good looking"
Never mind that" ordered Arthur
hastily. ''That is no excuse for you to
hit him."
"That wasn't ALL supplemented
Dick. HE called you big stir and
said that IL you had any get up and
get about you you'd get married and
give me another mother to keep me
from being lonely, and told him that
there wasn't anybody good enough for
you, and he said anybody was good
enough for you, and then | damned
him good one, and there was fight.
It wasn't much of fight, though" he
added, with contempt. Il had to chase
him four blocks to get in one punch"
do you understand that you will be
thrashed if you lay hands on young
Shelby again?' demanded Arthur seri-
ously.
am lick him if he talks about you, !"
declared Dick truculently. He then
proceeded to address his remarks to
Miss Shelby.
CARTS just the best eSer," he ex-
planned. Ever since mother died he's
done everything for me, and amt go
ing to have any boy call him names
and say that any girl is good enough
| for him to marry. When he marries
want him to marry top notcher like
you"
The girls face went crimson at the
praise and its suggestion, but she
smiled into the freckled face before
she turned to Arthur.
II shall see that Robert is punished
If he repeats his offense," she prom
ised, 'and l don't blame such loyal
little hero worshiper for defending his
big brother. l don't blame him one
Bit" she added, coloring again as she
let her eyes rest for an instant on the
grave, handsome face. II shall be glad
to see you should you care to be neigh
borly, Mr. Lynwood Mother is Inn
proving, but she wishes to be stronger
before she faces the influx OF the kind
ly and the curious"
| II shall be glad to run in this even
ing If / may" was the quick response,
and Arthur was too eager for an an
swer to observe the elaborate wink
with which Dick favored him.
The girl gave assent promptly, and
the big and the little brother bowed.
Dick hung back at the Lynwood gate.
II got something to do" he ex-
planned reproachfully. you were late