The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-08-14

Ivu With one hand she held parasol over her
wcllpoised head and by the other she led her
stepson, Robert Egbcrt Livingstone. His little
round face above his spreading white collar suggested
cherub but not happy The two Bulge boys their
little checked shirts open the neck, sat their fence
and stared at them they passed. He also con-
scious of the eyes of Willy Stevens, opposite, making
shallow pretense of shcering himself behind tree.
As Mrs. Livingstone reached the long flight of stone
steps which led up to her door, she oosened his
hand in order to raise her dress. Robert sat down
the topmos step and folded his hands between his knees
Don't you into the nice. cool parlor
and sit DOWN." she asked.
No, thank you, mama"
do you want to stay out here all alone?" she coaxed
Robert nodded abruptly; his little pink and white face
flushed and contracted. He knew that Willy Stevens
was only waiting for her departure pop and make
q face at him. But he had made great resolve that
afternoon
Mrs Livingstone passed out of sight and the expected
happened. WHY'S !" faces were far-famed, and this
was no poor example Robert and marvelled. In
the depths of his heart he had medtated responding in
kind but he recognized the rashness of this idea
His little hands rembled slightly, and he pressed his
knees closer upon them
Hullo, Willy Stevens" he called From his station
at the window of his lonely playroom in the attic he had
noticed the proper form of address, and he used his
knowledge with what seemed to him telling force The
two Bulge boys with one accord dropped from their
fence and sauntered Who knew, there might yet be
worthy material in this boy, who, at eight years old,
walked hand-in-hand with woman upon the street
"Huh! what's your name?" pursued Willy in answer
Robert Egbert Livingstone
"Huo, Eggy-Egg" returned Willy promptly and
sowed the seeds of an undying in the bosom of
his new acquaintance. "Hullo, Rotten-Egg," he
peated, and looked about for applause
Robert knew that this rude, but something told
him that it would be we'll not to tell him Instead
he hitched slowly down the steps until he level
with his audience, and surveyed them with his clear,
blue eyes.
"Hulo, Tommy Bulge" he ventured once
Hulo, Bob" the answer; and Bob's heart
sprang within him for JOY
tall, frecled girl with long, thin and legs. had
joined the group, and after her todded small person
of indefinite sex, eating banana Unwilling to address
the second Bulge "Specss,' the only title he had
ever heard applied to him, Robert turned his attention
to the vanguard.
"Hullo, Rosemary"-in addressing girl he felt less
confidence in the Hulo," and he tempered possible
rudeness by his sweetest little smile" know you too"
mo- you DON'T muttered Specks under his breath.
i mean know your name, amended Robert, po-
1tely.
Rosemary made no reply. She leaned against the
1amp-post foot resting the other instep, and
thoughtfuly spun her brown straw hat by its elastic
Robert conscious of her superior age and leadership
knew that the boys awaiting her verdict The min
utes hurried BY Dared he hasten matters by some
engaging proposal game of hopscotch, for instance?
In his playroom he had collection of bits of china for
stones, which he had been saving up. He would
give the terrible Willy. He gazed searchngy at
silence.
His romna holds him by the hand" he jeered.
~Poor little 'fraid-cat. couldn't walk alone"
Robert had expected this, but his face flushed. He
did like to have his mother hold his hand but he had
told her He felt that loyalty forbade any
spouse, and he devoted all his energies to swallowing
Don't you want to go into the nice, cool parlor and
cit DOWN." continued his tormentor
YOU'D better go in yourself" Robert to the
situation and the lust of battle began burn in his
heart.
"'Fraid cati Eggy-eggl" William returned to gen.
eralities.
Shut upl" shouted Robert, regardless of conse-
quences if his mother overheard such term upon his
lips.
"Eggy-egg! Eggy-egg!"
Robert leaped to his feet and forward The group
scattered instantly, Rosemary and attendant forces TAX
ing the fence the safest post of observation Rob
remembered afterward with feeling of pride, that
il was his fence that they selected But at the moment he
knew nothing, nothing but Willy retreatng slowly
point of vantage round brown stone lay directly
in Roberts path With derous of casting off
all restraint he picked it up and threw it with all his
strength Even left his hand he turned and with
waiting behold the consequences of his deed he
began to run. He as he had never before. He
he had sometimes dreamed of running. Madly up
the long steps, subbng his neat little toes
the porch through the screendoor he knew how
and almost the arms of his mother who was coming
along the cool, dark hall.
"Why my dear little boy, what is the matter?" she
asked
Roberts dreams of comradeship and happiness had
vanished in his fight Undoubtedly he had committed
the objectionable sim But in all his agony he still
master of himself.
II up the steps very fast he remarked casually
As possible
Mrs Livingstone considered such selfevident state
the natural conversation of children.
al thought heard voices" she said
Robert still held firmly his standard of the truth
ran up the steps just as fast as possibly could
he repeated. steadily.