er in the younger spectators. I
will only dwell slightly on his ventriloquism. When he came to this part
of the entertainment, he said: "Will any young gentleman assist me?"

Frank Heath immediately left his seat and took up his position beside
the professor.

"Now, sir," said the professor, "I want to ask you a question or two.
Will you answer me truly?"

A gruff voice appeared to proceed from Frank's mouth, saying: "Yes,
sir."

"Are you married, sir?"

Again the same gruff voice answered: "Yes, sir; I wish I wasn't;" to the
great delight of the small boys.

"Indeed, sir! I hope your wife doesn't make it uncomfortable for you."

"She licks me," Frank appeared to answer.

"I am sorry. What does she lick you with?"

"With a broomstick."

Frank looked foolish and there was a general laugh.

"I hope she doesn't treat you so badly very often, sir."

"Yes, she does, every day," was the answer. "If she knowed I was up here
telling you, she'd beat me awful."

"In that case, sir, I won't be cruel enough to keep you here any longer.
Take my advice, sir, and get a divorce."

"So I will, by hokey!"

And Frank, amid hearty laughter, resumed his seat, not having uttered a
word, the professor being responsible for the whole conversation.

CHAPTER XXIV. HARRY'S LETTER

During Harry's absence, the little household at Granton had got along
about as usual. They lived from hand to mouth. It required sharp
financiering to provide food and clothes for the little family.

There was one neighbor who watched their progress sharply and this was
Squire Green. It will be remembered that he had bound Mr. Walton to
forfeit ten dollars, if, at the end of six months, he was not prepared
to pay the forty dollars and interest which he had agreed to pay for the
cow. It is a proof of the man's intense meanness that, though rich while
his neighbor was poor, he was strongly in hopes that the latter would
incur the forfeit and be compelled to pay it.

One morning Squire Green accosted Mr. Walton, the squire being at work
in his own front yard.

"Good morning, neighbor Walton," he said.

"Good morning, squire."

"How is that cow a-doin'?"

"Pretty well."

"She's a good cow."

"Not so good as the one I lost."

"You're jokin' now, neighbor. It was my best cow. I wouldn't have sold
her except to obleege."

"She doesn't give as much milk as my old one."

"Sho! I guess you don't feed her as well as I did."

"She f