The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1914-11-20
CHAPTER v-contInued.


With alacrity Pedro gathered UP the
implements wherewith to serve him
self, and returned from the corner
shelf with one hand grasping bristly
bouquet of cutlery and the other bal
ancing some dishes. Pausing before
sketch in plasterline, he looked at
II critically, cooking his head to one
slice, and half-closing his eyes.
You ought to push the hind quar-
tiers of the tiger back Of the woman.
sol" said he, giving an illustrative
twist of the hand which nearly sent
the cup flying. 1T doesn't quite look
look solid. you know"
Leigh brought the fryingpan over
when he came to inspect. He crouched
for moment before his model. Then
he turned to Pedro.
II believe you are right" he said.
'Tn here Is where you mean, Of
course. Are you SCULPTOR"
Painter" said Pedro, "at least,
am going to be-"
A CLEAN of amusement crept into
Going to bel" he quoted. "Ah!
see! The novice Is always the sever
est critic"
"But am right about It," persisted
the boy, not in the least abashed at
being made fun Of
Il did not say you were wrong" re-
marked Leigh. "Come and eat. You
In, % nhov mt inc
views
Leigh perused Hills letter between
gulps of coffee. It's substance was
merely that Hill was going away, pos
sibly for year, and confirmed Pedro's
possession Of the studio with the few
est possible explanations. When Leigh
finished reading it he attacked the
bacon and addressed his guest.
Tell me again. What's all this
about? Did you really never see Hill
before last night?"
Never" said Pedro.
"And what reason did he give for
this unexpected desire to leave town."
THAT he wanted to go!" said Pedro
with rising infection, as IL surprised
that any other reason were necessary.
I,gml" unused Leigh, thinking in
stantly of Iris. Il believe / can give
guess, then"
"He took my bear; took his studio.
A very good arrangement, eh?" asked
Pedro.
For you, certainly" said Leigh.
"Ahl but yea should see my beaf!"
responded Pedro earnestly.
The lad was SO sincere that Leigh
smiled again.
From something In Sans letter."
said he, 81 am pretty sure that am
right about why he has gone. He says
am to look after you. What do you
wish me to do for you as a starter?
Take you up to the art SCHOOL,"
Academy! Mol" exclaimed Pedro.
What do you intend doing, them"
Paint" said Pedro.
Anything else?"
Find some one whose criticism l
can respect!"
"Ah!" said Leigh, "and who will
that be?"
II have not yet decided" said the
boy thoughtfully. II shall have to see
the work OF all the best men first"
"And when do you go to work."
''Now!" replied Pedro. Il must go.
There Is not a moment to be lost!"
He arose and stood looking as
though alarmed at the flight of so
many precious moments.
But later?" asked Leigh.
when II Is dark, / Will go with
you," said Pedro, responding to the
unspoken invitation.
Il shall come around for you at
about six-thirty," said Leigh. I'VE
must get to know each other better"
Hat In hand, Pedro turned to flash
an asserting smile at Leigh before he
went out.
When the door had closed upon him,
the sculptor stood In deep thought for
several moments. Then absent-mind-
eddy knocking the contents of his unlit
pipe out upon the hearth, he put II In
his mouth, upside down, and lounged
over to the plasterIine sketch that Pc
dro had criticized. For some time he
looked at It immovably. and then
stretched out tentative hand toward
the hind quarters Of the tiger. with
drawing instantly.
mo, by George!" said he aloud. II
think it's all right Just the way 1t
stands"
Bat nevertheless he went to work
upon another group. leaving the dimin-
utive sketch alone.
Half past six ct being then dark
found Leigh on his way to the studio
In Muldoon place. strclling along medi-
tatively through the half-lit mystery
pf Greenwich.