Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-02-22

drew near 1t he saw that stepson lean
ing over the gate. awaiting him with
all air Of ineffable serenity.
The Terror politely opened the gate
for him. and with kind smile asked
him IL he had slept we'll
"I.ook here. my lad" said Captain
Baster rather thickly. 81 don't want
any more Of your tricks! You play an
other on me. and I'll give you the
sOundest licking you ever had!
An expression Of deep pain broke the
serenity Of the Terror's face: "Now.
whatever has put your back up:" he
said in tone Of amazement. "Was 1t
the apple-pie bed. or the clothes-brush.
or the keys. or the having brush. or
the wet boot, or the clothes-line across
the road? thought you loved a
jokey'
1t was we'll that the Terror could
spring with a cats swiftness; Captain
Baster's boot missed him by hairs
breadth
The Terror ran around the house to
the waiting Erebus: "WaxyT' he cried
joyously. "He's black in the face
Now, mind you stick to them like a
leech. Don't give him chance to get
word alone with Num-"
"Oh. understand said Erebus i'm
patiently. But anyone could do this.
It's you that's getting all the real fun.
But I'm going to have my share so I
tell you. The first chance l get, I'm
going to stone hin-so there"
"All right. But 1t doesn't seem quite
said the Terror In judicial tone.
Rats" said Erebus.
Captain Baster started on his wall
gloomily: he did not try to hide from
himself that Mrs. Dangerfield had lost
some Of her charm; she was the
mother of the Terror And Erebuf
was nuisance; she would talk about
wet boots the subject seemed to fasci
nate her. And when he recovered his
spirits and rose to proposing point, she
would not leave them. She was i'm
pervious to hints. How could a mar
be his humorous self In these circvm
stances? He felt that his humor wns
growing strained. losing Its delightful
llghtness. Then the accident; 1t wal
entirely Erebus's own fault. he coult
swear 1t, that he tripped over her foo
and pitched into that Internal gorse
bush. Her bowls Of anguish were al
he could swear 1t; there was not {
tear The moment he offered. furl
ously, to carry her. she walked with
field had no right to be vexed will
him; If one brought up ones children
like that-well.
mother of such children was the righ
MI i'm
when. as they drew near Colet House
SLIM tall young man of an extren,
elegance and distinction came out OF 1T
gate to meet them.
With a cry Of "Uncle Maurice !" tn,
crippled Erebus dashed to meet hin
with the light bounds of an antelope
Captain Baster could not believe hi
eyes he knew him by sight. by name
and by repute: 1t was Sir Mauric,
! Falconer. the man ne most longed t.
J boast his friend. With his aid n maj
might climb the highest social peak Il
the very top. When Mrs. Dangerfiell
t introduced Sir Maurice ms her brothe
Che had never dreamed IT. he coult
, not believe his good fortune.
Captain Baster was not ono to los
n golden opportunity never did ne g
t thoroughly demonstrate his right T.
= the name of Pnllybnster. His friendli
ness was overwhelming.
r He could not bear that anyone els
, should have word with Sir Maurice
!. He never gave a thought to his pro
pOsal: indeed. there was no haste h
= knew that Mrs. Dangerfield was await
ing II with passionate impatiencf
: The Twins were intolerablc with thei
: interruptions he wondered how 81
p Maurice could endure It., when he ha
+ n man of the world. humorous. know
+ ing wealthy, to talk to. In truth h
, was little Disappointed in Sir Ma,
: rice. he did not find him frankly r.
. sponsiye polite. yes indeed. politenes
p could 90 no further; but he lacke
q warmth. When. at seven O'Clock. Cal