Holbrook argus., 1912-01-02

would wake up to the fact that she was letting a golden opportunity slip in not grabbing him.
 Not that Uncle Robert put this bald fact into so many words. He told his sister over the telephone that he would really enjoy taking care of Rosamund, and he wished to get bet ter acquainted with her and let the child realize that she had an uncle who was an uncle.
 "It is very kind of you" his sister said in surprise. Are you quite sure you want to bother with her? She is such an active child!p
 Uncle Roberts fiattering attentions. . but appeared to take them as a mat ter of course.
 "Goodyl Goodyl" she chortled. as she skipped along to the train with her escort. An kin play goff. too?"
 Well, I am afraid you wouldn't en- joy it," said Uncle Robert. diplomat lcally. You see there are no sticks your size. You can find some other little girl and play with her and fol- low me around"
 There proved to be two other little girls among those present and he in- tIoduced Rosamund to them with sun- dry cautions and advice. Not being used to children, Uncle Robert fondly supposed they lent respectful and studious ear to the remarks of their elders and modelled their conduct on their precepts.
 He had his first jolt just as he was negotiating a hard putt on the third green As he swung horrid shrieks rent the air and he shot the ball three feet wide of the mark. Everybody jumped and began looking for the murder. Back at the water hazard two small girls danced wildly on the bank-and Uncle Robert ran. Some. body else had fished Rosamund out when he arrived, scarlet and appalled,. It was a muddy hazard and Rosamund presented a sad appearance.
 "Hush!" ordered her distracted un- cle. 'I don't understand-didn'tI I ex- pressly tell you to stay away from the brook?"
 They wuz f-f-frog." explained his sobbing niece. He jumped and SO did I! It was his fault"
 Uncle Roberts partners said grim ly that they didn't mind waiting, so he conducted Rosamund back to the clubhouse, and the stewards wife un- | dertook to dry her out and make her respectable. meanwhile putting her to v-h ch h4 i harmless
 The delayed game went on to the end and chastened Rosamund, slight ly grimy as to pink gown, joined him at luncheon, where she only tipped over her milk and the vinegar and dropped a chop on the floor.
 He set her to picking wild flowers that afternoon, but when he came in from the course he found her in a cor ner of the porch with an oddly swol- len face.
 "She got into the marsh where the mosquitoes are," said the stewards wife. And besides I'm afraid she picked some poison iyyl"
 With a sigh Uncle Robert hast ened to put himself to rights before the golf special at o'clock Tor town
 .'I am going to take a shower bath" he told his niece, and dress. Then we'll go home"
 Five minutes before the bus left for the train Uncle Robert, immaculate and fresh as befitted gentleman about to go to tea at Miss Miller's stepped out on the porch. There was no swollen-faced, muddy little niece visible. Though large person. Uncle Robert can hasten on occasion and this was one. He dashed at high speed through the clubhouse, wailing distractedly, "Rosamundi Rosamund," The first bus rattled of. Other peo- pie took up the search. regular mob tore about yelling "Rosamund!" The second bus left
 Uncle Robert with wilted collar. staring eyes and congested face near ly stepped on a small girl in a corri- dor. It was one of the two who had been Rosamund's companions that fatal day. She turned limpid, angelic eyes up to his frantic query.
 'Rothamund?" she lisped. "Yeth. [ know where thee ith-thee's in tax. ing a thower bath!" And the bus rattled off
 By merely remarking that a desert ed golf club when it is the tag end of the day is the deadest, gloomiest spot on earth. and that the next train for he city left at o'clock and was slow. bringing one in perhaps in time ! or breakfast. but assuredly not in