estless, eager look in his eyes. Tonight he evidently
failed to find what he sought, and was turning listlessly away when
he stopped suddenly, bent forward, then smiled broadly. He had
caught sight of Billy's red comforter.

The boy's hair was plastered close to his head, and his face was
transformed by soap and happiness. Redding glanced quizzically at
the rest of the party--at the mother's radiant countenance beaming
from the dusk of her crepe veil, at the three little girls in their
composite costumes, at the carnations pinned on each bosom. Then he
deliberately turned his back on "The Greatest Extravaganza of the
Century," and centered his attention on the parquet group.

It was a singularly enthusiastic theater party, oblivious of
surroundings, and lost in wonder at the strange sights. Billy's
laugh rang out frequently, with refreshing spontaneity. Their
enjoyment was so evident that Redding was surprised, at the close of
the first act, to see them put on their wraps and march solemnly out
of the theater. He hastened to the lobby, and touched Billy on the
shoulder.

"Didn't you like the show?" he asked.

"You bet!" said Billy, his eyes shining and his cheeks flushed.

Mrs. Wiggs was hopelessly entangled in the crepe veil, but her ideas
of etiquette were rigid. She disengaged one hand and said, with
dignity: "I 'low this is Mr. Bob, Billy's friend. Happy to meet yer
acquaintance. Asia, speak to the gentleman--Australia--Europena!"
with a commanding nod at each.

Three small hands were thrust at Redding simultaneously, and he
accommodated them all in his broad palm.

"But why are you going home?" he asked, looking from one to the
other.

"Where else would we go to?" asked Mrs. Wiggs, in amazement.

"Why not stay and see the play out? That was only the first act."

"Is there some more, ma?" asked Asia, eagerly.

"Why, of course," explained Redding, "lots more. Now, go back, and
stay until everybody has left the theater, and then you will be
certain it's over."

So back they went, furnishing an amusing entr'acte for the impatient
audience.

After the curtain descended on the final tableau, Redding waited in
the lobby while the stream of people passed. The Wiggses had obeyed
instructions, and were the very last to come out. They seemed dazed
by their recent glimpse into fairy-land. Something in their thin
bodies and pinched faces made Redding form a sudden resolve.

"Billy," he said gravely, "can't yo