Evening star., 1926-04-18

together. 1t was Aunt Eta who
spoke.
You'd better not let Appleton play
with that. He'll lose it,"
That's his lookout" replied Uncle
George somewhat shortly. ut belongs
to him.
What threatened to be an instant of
uncomfortable silence was broken by
the announcement of luncheon.
AS the meal started conversation
was resumed. A journey from Massa-
chusetts was far from comfortable.
Several faults might be found with it.
Aunt Eta found them all. Inspired
by her conversation and the food
for Frieda could cook-she thaWed.
and when spaghetti appeared was
positively CHEEKY.
Apple, too, favored spaghetti, but
It was hard to get on to your fork.
Squirming and wriggling from the
plate it evaded capture. Warmly en-
barrassed and feeling that all eyes
must be focused on his efforts, he
sought to relieve the situation by
Offering his first contribution to the
conversation.
ITS just like my can of angle
worms"
Shades of Italyi Aunt Eta. who
had rolled streamer Of spaghetti and
was seeking to get 1t to her mouth.
dropped her fork, turned a gentle
shade of green and made queer noises
In her throat.
Appleton! Leave the table COM
manded Mr.. Martin.
Apple sought his old refuge on the
front steps. Voices from the living
room finally brought the information
that luncheon was over, but something
in their quality limited that even now
all was not we'll No straining OF ears
was necessary, for the voices were
raised-and they were those of Uncle
George and Aunt Eta. Aunt Eta s
voice was shriller, but Uncle Georges
was louder. Now and then could be
heard fragmentary remarks from the
Martins. These, soothing in quality,
were more or less like lullaby sung
in the midst of a barrage. Then
came Aunt Etta's voice, razor edged.
IT do not think, sir, l care to con.
tinue this discussion. Amy, l shall
go to my room.
CONSERVATION held Apple rigid. He
knew that infection. Not only was
Aunt Eta very angry, but she was
mad at Uncle George. II Aunt Eta
left. Uncle George would be blamed.
1t was even possible that Uncle George
himself would be sent away. This
mustn't be. Something must be done
quickly. But what? Panic gave
way to relief. Perhaps he could square
Uncle George. While most OF the
village stores were closed on Sunday,
the drug store would be open.
It was a warm, dusty Apple who
returned about a half-hour later to
find Mr.. Martin and Uncle George sit
ting on the porch. They had been there
ever since he left and, While they had
exchanged views on many topics. II
might be noted that they never once
had referred to the absent ladies. 1t
was Apple who brought them into the
conversation.
Glad to find that both his father
and uncle eyed him kAAly, he fastened
to call their attention to q parcel he
was carrying.
It's a present for Aunt Eta, he
said Wait I'll show you"
Carefully unwrappir" the paper he
brought 10 light n bottle. 1t was a
rather ordinary bottle, but it had
a gaudy dress. That was what had
caught Apples eye. Labeled In Grim
son letters was the promise:
mo Mosquito VIII Bite You.
There was a mosquito in my room
Just last night" exclaimed Apple
eagerly, but the man says If you rub
this on they won't come near you. OF
course it was your money" he added
gratefully, ''and got mother pencil,
with her name on it," 4 hint OF shy
ness crept into his voice. Il got some
presents for you and father, too"
From a pocket Reproduced cigars
and extended them, one to each of his
listeners. They were short, pudgy
cigars, little dusty looking and very
black, but Uncle George reached for
his enthusiastically
Just exactly what I've been wish
ing for! l certainly do thank you" he
said. Then, as he looked into Apples