Evening star., 1926-04-18

wriggled in fascinating and intricate
designs. Then, emerging from the
shed and half circlinx it, he came to
the main exhibit.
This was a frog, a large and fine
specimen of the breed. To Apple
his value was Increased by the elab-
crate preparations made for his
, health and comfort. A plot of ground,
perhaps four feet square, had been
fenced with wire screening and
hoards. This barrier rose to a height
above a small boys waist, for the
remarkable lea D.ng powers Of frogs
are known to The most uneducated.
Within the inclosure was every.
thing the heart of a frog could ask.
The swimming pool tan agateware
washbasin} was sunk flush with the
ground and contained half a brick
Intended to serve as easy chair or
diving platform.
In spite of all it's advantages, the
rog seemed morose. True, he was
using the swimming pool, but not In
any gay or sprightly manner MO-
ionless as the brick, the Web-footed
tenant sprawled on the side of the
basin with only solemn eyes under
bulging brows and "a nose-tip above
water. Thus, while the frog could
hardly be expected to sense that Aunt
Eta was on the way, it was evident
hat the general depression emanat'
ing from the house had cast it's
shadow afar. Just then Apple was
hailed from a window by his mother
"If you are going to stay out in
hat sun you'd better get your cap,
she called. IT'S too hot to go around
oareheaded."
* = y
A PPLE didn't think it was hot, but
"a here was an idea-perhaps that
was the trouble with the frog. Lean
ing over the pen. Apple removed the
occupant. Now there were convulsiVe
signs of life, hut be did his best to
stifle them In wrappings Of his hand
kerchief and tucked the uneasy bun
dle inside his linen coat. Thus in
all safety the party penetrated the
interior and came to Apples room.
These were not his regular quarters
on the second floor, as those had been
requisitioned for Uncle George, but
room on the floor above. The move
had been too speedy to admit of the
transfer Of many valuable and inter.
esting objects, but he had managed
to salvage q collection of boxes. In
one of the boxes Apple sequestered
the frog. A second hazardous but sue
cessful expedition yielded a small
lump Of ice. which was placed IN a
soap dish. With the peace of spirit OF
one who closes the door upon a good
deed, Apple descended to the living
room. His timing was practically per
feet. The visitors were arriVig.
Usually, when Aunt Eta landed,
Apple was the rearmost of the recep-
ton committee, but now he was there
at the foot of the stairs before Mr..
Martin had brought the car to a ful!
stop. His aunt, sitting stiftiy, as was
her custom, shared the front seat
with his father, but for her Apple had
a glance. The person he de-
sired to see was Uncle George. Large,
smooth.faced, gray.haired, Uncle
George wore neither wide-brlmmed
hat nor hair pants. The waist OF his
light suit was not encircled by car
fridge belt, and there appeared TO be
no lasso concealed about him.
A hearty voice sounded as the pas
senger in the rear seat clambered out
briskly.
Hello, son. I'm your Uncle George.
Come here and let's get look at
you
Appleton. where are your man.
ners?" broke in Aunt Eta impatient
~. "You haven't kissed me"
Uncle George looked sharply at his
fellow visitor as Apple with hasty
peck at an offered cheek repaired this
omission. Mrs. Martha came hurry
ing to welcome her guests.
They went into the house. Mrs.
Martin showed Aunt Eta to her room
and Mr. Martin carried up her belong
ings. Uncle George set his bag in the
hall and, followed by Apple, turned
into the living room.
We'll, old scout" he said, seating
what's on your mind?'
He could not have used happier
There was something on