The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-05-01

hanging now, perilouSly in the air as
it approached the highest remaining
portion of the broken wall.
The newell, in the thickness of the
we'll, which had originally been the
sole method of ascent, was still per-
feet, except at the top, where its
protecting turret had been broken
away. But it was up the later and
wider stair that the phantom steel
was said to labor, his hoofs by some
declared to strike sparks from the
stone, his painting breath and STUN
bling tread plainly to be heard, as
also the low, encouraging tones of
his crazed master, urging him up
ward.
Within the walls the ground was
dank and the grass long, plentifully
bespread with the stinging-nettle,
which fingers for centuries to mark
the spot of any human habitation
with it's noxious presence.
The party therefore picnicked out
side on the messy turf among the
hazel bushes beyond which the line
of the Quarrymoor Hills stood bold
ly out against the faint dreamy blue
of the June sky
Lady Bunbury had, at the urgent
desire of Mrs. Bardsley, brought not
only Adelaide, but whole crowd OF
younger Buns, who were greatly en-
joying the festivity. The fine day
had tempted even Mr.. and Mrs. Tur-
pin, who, however, brought their own
provisions with them, and spent a
most enjoyable time, inducing Sophia
Tarlton to sample their new patent
but with these exceptions the whole
party was young, and it was very
merry.
Evelyn Morrison took her pleasure
like a light hearted child, injecting
every one else with her own gayety.
To Vernon, still vibrating with the
thrill of yesterdays poignant history,
her mirth seemed miraculous: as in
all probability it really was.
Mr. Turpin maintained, in presence
of Father Conroy, an attitude of nerv-
Gus retirement. He seemed afraid to
talk. Father Conroy, on the con-
trary, attached himself to the small
Buns, asked riddles, cracked jokes,
and told stories, till the audience con-
sisted of all the party, with the chilly
exceptions of Lady Bun, Sophia, and
the two Turpins.
The intimacy between him and
Jem struck Vernon like revelation.
He used sometimes his Christian
name, and sometimes called him my
boy" which seemed a curious title to
apply to so large and mature a per-
son.
His evident affection and confidence
inspired Mrs Bardsley with new
hope. Surely, surely, he would not
known the discreditable rumor to be
true. There was no doubt of Miles
mistrust. He held aloof from the
merry group as long as he could: but
finally, the shouts of laughter were
too much for his most uncharacteris-
tic stiffness, and it melted for the
time in the ast-flowing current Of
fun and nonsense.
Instigated by Father Conroy. they
played a game called "Soul-search-
ing" which consisted of the asking Of
questions all of which the players
pledged themselves beforehand to
answer to the best of their ability.
One of these was the following:
IF you saw rhinoceros asleep in
your garden, what would you do?"
To this amazing Interrogation, Mrs
Bardsley's reply was: II should on
no account disturb it." -'Wire to
Jamrack's to send van,' was Miles
suggestion. write to the Spectator
of course" said Evelyn Morrison.
Let the house." hazarded Adelaide
Noble, seemingly rather alarmed at
the prospect. take the pledge"
opined Jem, lying in his favorite at
titude, digging roles in the turf.
When the small Buns tumbled to
the true inwardness of this answer
there were shouts of laughter, and
general attack upon him, instigated
by Father Conroy, caused a free
fight, during which Jem was half
smothered by a mass of rolling, tum-
bling boys and girls, led on auda-
ciously by Selma, to her brothers
wrath From the melee Jem finally
emerged with two small captives. one
under each arm, and running with
them to the tower, perched them on
high, upon fragments of wall, whence
they could not jump without assist
ance. The whole party went to see
their punishment, and to jeer at
them; Jem was flushed and laughing.
His cap was off, his hair tumbled,
he looked quite a boy. Never was q
man more TRANSPORTED by expression.