Evening star., 1917-05-27

whole thing was spoiled, they agreed
If Georgia Bassett had to be taken in
On the other hand. il they didn't take
him in, there wouldn't he anything
express any opinion was little Verman.
He was otherwise occupied.
Verman had been the official paddler
during the limitations OF Roddy Bits
and Maurice Levy: his work had been
conscientious, and it seemed to be taken
office. An old shingle from the wood
shed roof had been used for the exer-
else of his function in the cases of
Roddy and Maurice. but this afternoon
he had brought with him a new one.
which he had picked up somewhere. 1t
was broader and thicker than the old
one. and. during the melancholy proph-
ecies of his fellows. he whitfield the
lesser end of, it to the likeness of n
handle. Thus engaged. he bore no ap-
pearance Of dependency; on the con-
trary. his eyes, shining brightly in
thoughts possessed him. while from
time to time the sound of Il chuckle is
sued from his simple African throat.
Gradually the other brothers began to
notice his rreoccupation, and one by
one they fell silent. regarding him
thoughtfully. Slowly the darkness Of
their countenances lifted little: some
thing happier and brighter began to
eyes remained fascinated upon Verman.
well. anyway" said Penrod. in a
tone that was almost cheerful, this is
only Tuesday. We got pretty near all
week to fix up the 'nishiation for Sat
urdaS.'
And Saturday brought sunshine to
make the occasion more tolerable for
both the candidate and the society.
Mrs. Williams, going to the window to
watch Sam. when he left the house
after lunch. marked with pleasure that
his look and manner were sprightly as
he skipped down the walk to the front
gate. There he paused and yodeled for
a time. An answering yodel came pres
emily; Penrod Scholeld appeared. and
by his side walked Georgie Bassett.
George was always neat. but Mrs. Will
liams noticed that he exhibited un-
his expression, 1T was a shade too COM
placent under the circumstances,
though. for that matter. perfect tact
avoids an air of triumph under any
circumstances. Mrs. Williams was
pleased to observe that Sam and PEN
rod betrayed no resentment whatever:
they seemed to have accepted defeat in
good spirit and to be inclined to
make the best of Georgia. Indeed, they
appeared to be genuinely excited about
hint was evident that their cor
diality eager and WhOleheArted.
The three boys conferred for a few
moments: then Sam disappeared round
the house and returned, waving his
hand and nodding. Upon that, Penrod
took Georges left arm. Sam took his
right. and the three marched off to the
back yard in companionable way
which made Mrs. Williams feel that it
had been an excellent thing to inter-
fere Il little in Georgie's interest
Experiencing the benevolent warmth
that comes Of assisting in a good ac-
tion she ascended to an apartment up
stairs. and, for a couple of hours en-
in sartorial repairs on behalf of her
husband and Sam. Then she was in
terrupted by the advent Of a colored
serving maid.
'Miz Williams. I reckon the house
goin' fall down." said this pessimist.
arriving out Of breath. That s'iety o.
Mist Sam suttenly tryin' to pull the
roof down on ow haids."
The roof?" Mrs. Williams inquired
mildly. They aren't In the attic, are
they?"
Nom: they in the celluh, but they
reachn' fer the roof! ! new did hear
no seGh a rumpus an squawkin' an
whackin' an bangin'. They troop
down by the outside celluh do. mem
bang!--they bus loose. an been goin'
on ev' since. wuss'n Bedlum! Eff they
anything down celluh ain broke by
this time. 1t cain be only tes the foun-
dashun. an ! bet thRt amt goin' stan
much longer! I'd gone down an stop
EN-. but I'm 'fraid to. Homes, Miz will
liams. I'm 'fraid O. my life to go down
there. all that Bedlum goin' on.
thought l come see what you say"
Mrs. Williams laughed.
We'll have TO stand n little noise in
the house aor".imcT. Fanny. when
th'ts a. .nt. ..u 4. b.,