The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1912-11-21

Usually cold face that was attractive
Just then. and Billy was In search of
attractions.
do you like boys" he questioned.
IF there is anything l love II Is a
boy" said Mrs. Comstock assuringly.
Billy was on the door.
"Do you like dogsT
"Yes, almost as well as boys. am
going to buy dog just as soon as
can find good one"
Billy swept toward her with whoop.
do you want a boyf' he shouted.
Katharine Comstock stretched out
her arms and gathered him in.
"Of course want a boyr she re-
1oiced.
Maybe you'd like to have me ~ Of.
fered Billy.
Sure would" triumphed Mrs. Com
stock. ANY one would like to have
you. You are just real boy. Billy"
"Will you take Snapr
I'D like to have Snap almost as well
as you"
"Mother" breathed Elnora implor-
ingly. "Dontl Oh. don't! He thinks
you mean itr'
And SO | do mean It," said Mrs.
Comstock. ''l'll take him In a lily.
throw away enough to feed a little
tyke like him every day. His chatter
would be great company while you are
gone. Blood soon can be purified with
right food and baths, and as for Snap
l meant to get bulldog. but possibly
Snap will serve Just as well All ask
Of a dog is to bark at the right time.
I'll do the rest. Would you like to
come and be my boy. Billyp
Billy leaned against Mrs Comstock.
reached his arms around her neck and
gripped her with all his puny might
you can whip me all you want to-" be
said. Il won't make sound"
Mrs. Comstock held him closely and
her hard face was softening. OF that
there could not be a doubt.
"You like boysw exulted Billy, and
his head dropped against Mrs. Com
stock In unspeakable content.
U
the whole way home We must start
right now" said Mrs. Conlstock. "You
are going to be asleep before you know
It,"
BILLY. are you going to leave with.
out even saying goodby to me?" asked
Sinton. with great gulp In his throat.
Billy held tight to Mrs Comstock and
Elnora
"Goodbyr' he said casually. "T'll
come and see you some time"
Wesley Sinton gave a smothered sob
and strobe from the room.
Mrs Comstock started for the door.
dragging at Billy as Elnora pulled
back. but Mrs Sinton was before them.
her eyes flashing.
Kate Comstock. you think you are
mighty smart, don't your she cried.
II amt In the 1unatic asylum, where
you belong. anyway" said Mrs. Com.
stock II am smart enough to tell
dandy boy when I see hlm. and I'm
good and glad to get him. I'll love to
have hlml"
well, you won't have himr' ex.
claimed Margaret Slnton. That boy
is Wesley's. He got him and brought
him here. You can't come In and take
him like that. Let go of him"
Wesley Slnton appeared behind Mar
garet In the doorway. and she turned
10 him. make Kate Comstock let go
of our boyp she demanded.
BILLY, she wants you now" said
Wesley Slnton. "She won't whip you,
and she won't let any one else. You
can have stacks Of good things to eat,
ride In the carriage and have a great
time. Won't you stay with usT'
Billy drew away from Mrs. Com
stock and Elnora.
He faced Margaret. his eyes shrewd
with unchlldlsh wisdom Necessity
had taught him to strike the hot Iron,
TO drive the hard bargain.
"Can | have Snap to live here al
waysl" he demanded.
"Yes, you can have all the dogs you
want" said Margaret sinton.
"Can | sleep close enough SOS can
touch your
"Yes. You can move your lounge
up so that you eau hold my hand"
said Margaret