The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27

bic was acting strangely-particu- 1arly for New Years Day; for that
 was the day of the big dinner in Hobbies house. It was an even big ger and more appetizing dinner than the one on Thanksgiving. Yet Bob bic seemed but little interested in such things as turkey and celery and mince pie and salted almonds.
 Indeed, all New Years morning he seemed strangely concerned about something in the library. At first Mamma didn't notice it; but presently she became aware that he was in and around the library more than usual. And he seemed to have a purpose in doing so.
 As a rule, on such a clear, cold, sunny morning nothing short of a d. rect command could have induced him to loiter in the library And, besides, on this morning the ground was cov- cred with snow and the sledding was fine on Thompson's hill. just at the outskirts of the village.
 Yet Robbie seemed to prefer the library. Why7 Mamma found her self much interested in finding out. So she decided to investigate.
 "Oh. Bobbie," she called from the kitchen where she was making the crust for the pumpkin pies, "Oh, Bob bic, run over to Mrs. Browns and ask her to lend me an egg. Tell her SH have to make mayonnaise dressing and I'm one egg short, Bobbie!"
 "Yes'm. Yes, Mamma, I'm com ing"
 From the library came a number of odd sounds. Something was rustling. Something was being moved-and moved in haste.
 "Bobbiel" called Mamma What ever is the mater? What are you do- ing?"
 Just a minute, Mamma, I'm com ing," Robbie answered. There was 8 final slam bang from the library and then he walked into the kitchen. smil- ing. he asked sweetly.
 ''Yes, Bobbie,' answered Mamma and be sure to tell Mrs. Brown want it for mayonnaise. Hurry now son.
 T wonder what he's been up to- unused Mamma, as she watched Bob. bic disappearing through the back gate. 'I'll see if can find out"
 So Mamma entered the library and looked quickly around. Nothing seemed wrong; everything was il place. She had half expected to finc everything topsy-turvey and, maybe a broken vase, or even worse. But nothing of the sort met her gaze. In. stead, but for the fact that she hat heard him there. she might have i'm. agined Robbie had not been in tht library that morning. Why, there wasn't even a muddy track on thu carpet.
 What had he been doing? Wha had kept him so busily interested 1T the library so long? Mamma asked herself these and similar question. over and over again. Then, being al experienced mother, she began to ex anime the contents of the room mos carefully.
 And presently, without knowing herself just why, her gaze fell upon tn, the large, beautifully illustrated bool about the famous cathedrals in Eng land which always reposed impressive ly upon the big library table. 1t wa there, all right, but something--some how-seemed to be not quite right Beside it were the jar of library paste the ink-stand, pens and blotters, a usual. Yet, something was different something not quite as it should be
 Mamma was puzzled. Then, with out knowing exactly why she did sc she picked up the book about cathe drals and opened it.
 And there-as plain as day-stoo, Bobbie's handiwork revealedl Mamma was so surprised that, at first glance she could not quite comprehend wha it was. But second look opene, wide her eyes.
 Five of the pages, the beautiful, colored pages. were stuck fast to eacl other at the corners, And the ja of library paste nearby gave mute evi dence of its part in the work!
 But what was the purpose of sucl mutilation? Surely, thought Mamma Robbie would not wantonly damage a pretty book in this fashion. for h, loved books. So she lifted an edg