st, with great politeness; "and if you don't care to go in
there, you will stand yourself in the corner by that easel until the
conclusion of this little discussion between Jeems and myself.--Jeems,
will you kindly state the merits of the discussion to the gentleman?
I'm out of breath."

Jeems kindly would.

"Bert and I have, for the last few weeks, been obeying the parting
commands of our dear mother. 'Boys,' said she, with tears in her eyes,
'Boys, always take care of one another.' So each evening I have tried
to tuck Bertie in his little bed, and Bertie, with equal enthusiasm,
has attempted to tuck _me_ in. It has been hard on pyjamas, bed
springs, and the temper of the Lady with the Piano who resides in the
apartments immediately beneath; so, at the wise suggestion of our
friends in the windows"--he waved a graceful hand toward them, and they
gravely bowed acknowledgment--"we are now engaged in deciding the
matter Graeco-Roman. The winner 'tucks.' Come on, Bertie."

The two again took position side by side, on their hands and knees,
while Mr. Hench explained to de Laney that this method of beginning the
bout was necessary, because the limited area of the mat precluded
flying falls. At a signal from Mr. Beck, they turned and grappled,
Jeems, by the grace of Providence, on top. In the course of the combat
it often happened that the two mattresses would slide apart. The
contestants, suspending their struggles, would then try to kick them
together again without releasing the advantage of their holds. The
noise was beautiful. To de Laney, strong in maternal admonitions as to
proper deportment, it was all new and stirring, and quite without
precedent. He applauded excitedly, and made as much racket as the
rest.

A sudden and vigorous knock for the second time put an end to
hostilities. The wrestlers again sat bolt upright on the mattresses,
and listened.

"Gentlemen," cried an irritated German voice, "there is a lady
schleeping on the next floor!"

"Karl, Karl!" called one of the irrepressibles, "can I never teach you
to be accurate! No lady could possibly be sleeping anywhere in the
building."

He arose from the mattress and shook himself.

"Jeems," he continued sadly, "the world is against true virtue. Our
dear mother's wishes can not be respected."

De Laney came out of his corner.

"Fellows," he cried with enthusiasm, "I want you to come up and stay
all night with me some time, so mother can see that gen