Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-01-20

Arthur LynwOOd looked longingly
after Irma Shelby. and Dick. his small
brother. glanced up shrewdly into his
clean cut face
"Mushy," he said shrewdly, "why
don't YOU marry her?"
You scamp" began Arthur. Then
he paused. Dick was only twelve, but
more than once the busy little brain
under the thatch. of red hair had helped
the big brother through tight place.
81 wish l knew her. old chap he
went on in different voice. I'm not
mushy, but-well, you know how 1t is
yourself. 1 can't very we'll force my
self on her, and when we hava no wo-
men folks to call on her 1 don't see
how we are goingsto make it,"
They certainlyare hard folks to get
next to-" admitted Dick. They've
been here month and two days now.
and even gabDy Mrs. Pitkin can't get
In with them. Iguess there isn't any
chance for us. Art, just the three of
Us men,"
Arthur smiled at the phrase ''us
men," But. after all, Dick was one of
the three who had been very lonely in
the big house since Mrs Lynwood had
answered the calf 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 l 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 IL 1t could
| possibly be done.
The Shelbys had kept very much to
| themselves since they had come to
town. Inquiring busybodies had been
| told by the maid that Mrs. Shelby was
too i'll to receive callers as yet.
She begged to be excused for q 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. Evi
IDENTIFY she had been watching for him
and Arthur paused uncertainty as she
reached the gate.
"You are Mr.. LynwoodT she said
with questioning infection.
And you are Miss Shelby?" he re
turned. Il am at your service"
Its about your brother - and m.
brother" she began in pretty embar
rassment. 1T seems that your brothe
made an entirely unprovoked attacl
upon mine after school this afternoon
Poor Robert was badly treated. III
is not accustomed to mixing with boy
and he knows little about fighting.
understand that your brother promise,
him another thrashing tomorrow"
II shall speak to Dick this evening,
promised Arthur. but just as he CAV
the assurance Dick came tearing on
OF the Lynwood house, and Arthu
called him across the street.
He came promptly. for Dick was no
a boy to shirk responsibilities. He r.
garded Irma with mild amusement a
Arthur repeated her statement.
..He started IT, insisted Dick stoutly
81 guess no fellows going to hear hi
brother called names. Your brothe
said mine was dude and prett
boy, and Art amt that. It's differer
being just good looking"
"Never mind that" ordered Arthu
hastily. "That is no excuse for you
hit him.
That wasn't all" supplements
J Dick. HE called you big stiff an
| said that If you had any get up an
get about you you'd get married an
II give me another mother to keep n
!. from being lonely. and told him th,
: there wasn't anybody good enough II
/ ',you, and he SAID anybodE was GOO