Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-08-15

until ne picked up that violin. Then
his head bent over 1t and his eyes got
big and earnest. He seemed to listen
rs II he first heard the notes and then
copied them. Sometimes he drew the
bow trembly, like he wasn't sure 1t
was right and he might have to try
ngain. He could almost drive you
crazy when he wanted to, and no man
that ever lived could make you dance
as he could. He made 1t all up as he
went. He seemed to listen for his
dancing music, too. It appeared to
come to him. He'd begin to play and
you had to keep time or die. You
rouldn't be STILL"
The tears were rolling down Elmo
cas- cheeks. "Oh, Aunt Margaret" she
Bobbed. why haven't you told me
about him sooner? feel as II you
had given NY father to me living 30
that could touch him. I can see him
too! Why didn't you ever tell me be.
fore? Go on. 90 on! Tell me more
about my father"
wait until I see II I can get the
VIOLIN" Z
So Elnora went home in suspense.
and that night she added to her pray.
ers. Dear Lord, be merciful to my
father and. oh, do help Aunt Margaret
to get bis VIOLIN"
Wesley and Billy came in to supper
tired and hungry. Billy ate heartily,
but his eyes often rested on q plate of
tempting cookies. and when Wesley
offered them to the boy he reached for
one. Margaret was compelled to ex.
plain that cookies were forbidden that
night because Billy had used a bad
word that dny.
What" said Wesley. wrong words
been coming again? Oh. Billy. do
wish you could remember! l can't sit
md eat cookies before u little boy who
has none. I'll have to put mine back
too" All Margaret did the same.
Then Billy slid from his chair ran
to the couch. buried his face in the
pillow and cried 5eart brokenly. Wes-
ley hurried to the barn and Margaret
to the kitchen. When the dishes were
almost washed Billy slipped from the
back door.
Wesley. piling hay into the managers.
heard sound behind him and in
quired. THAT you. Billy"
YES" answered Billy. land it's all
SO dark you can't see me now. isn't it e.
well. mighty near" answered Yves.
ley.
"Then you stoop down and open your
mouth"
Wesley bent over the small figure
and received an installment of cooky
that almost choked him.
Now you can eat it." shouted Billy
In delight ITS all dark. I can't see
what you're doing t ALL
: Wesley picked up the small figure
and set the boy on the back of horse
to bring his face level so that they
could talk as men.
Now. what dandy scheme"" he
commented. Did you and Aunt Mar
garet tx 1t up?''
"No She amt had hers yet. But l
got one for her. LIST rs soon rs you eat
yours am going to take hers and feed
her first time find her in the dark"
"But. Billy. where did you get the
cookies! You know Aunt Margaret
said you were not to have any"
II list took them" said Billy. II
didn't take them for me list took
them for you and her Did-did-I
steal?"
Wesley's big hands closed until he
almost hurt the boy.
mo" he said vehemently. THAT is
TOO big word. You just made II mis-
take. If you had told Aunt Margaret
: what you wanted to do and asked her
for the cookies she would have given
them to you"
Must take 1T back?'
"You think hard. and decide your
self" suggested Wesley.
Lift me down." said Billy. after q
silence. II got to put this in the jar
and tell her"
Wesley set the boy on the floor. but
as he did so be paused one second and
strained him close to his breast.
Margaret sat in her chair sewing,
Billy slipped in and crept Up beside
her. The little face was lined with
tragedy
why, Billy. whatever is the mat.
ter" she cried as she dropped her sew
Ing and held out her arms. Billy stood
back. He gripped his little fists tight
and squared his shoulders. Il got to
be shut up in the closet" he said.
"Oh, Billy! What AN unlucky day!
What have you done nowT'
II stold!" gulped Billy. He said it
was list mistake. out 1t was worser
an that. took something you told me
wasn't to have"
"Stole" Margaret was in despair.
what. Bi.ly?"
"Cookies!" answered Billy in equal
trouble. And he told her. $50 got to
go In the closet"
Margaret gazed ut him helplessly.
Twill you hold ME tight little bit
hrstY He did"
Margaret opened her arms and Billy
rushed In and chung to her a few Sec
onds with all the force OF his being.
then he slipped to the floor and
marched to the closet Margaret open.
ed the door. Billy gave one glance at
the light. clinched his fists and. walk.
ing inside. climbed on box. Margaret
shut her eyes ana closed the door.
Then she sat and listened. Was the
air pure enough? Possibly he might
smother. She had read something.
She could bear 1t no longer. She arose
hurriedly and opened the door, Billy