bent above her work again, glanced
at him now and then rather wistfully.

"Gee whiz," he exclaimed suddenly, "the Giants put it all over
Cincinnati to-day, Hermy. Y' see, Matty was in th' box, an' he sure
pitched some game!"

Hermione stopped her machine and looked at him under wrinkling brows.

"I thought you were hunting through the 'wanted' columns, Arthur?"

"Why, y' see I ain't--haven't got to the ads yet, Hermy."

Hermione sighed softly and, resting her round chin in her hands, viewed
him silently awhile until, becoming aware of the steadfast gaze of those
sweet and gentle eyes, Spike shuffled uneasily and changed colour.

"Arthur," she said softly, "when you promised me to try and find a
situation you meant it, didn't you?"

"Sure I did!"

"That was a week ago, dear."

"But, Hermy, I went after that office-boy's job--you know I did!"

"Yes, dear, though you got there too late."

"No, I wasn't late, Hermy, only another guy happened t' get there
first--an' got the job! A kid I could have licked with one hand, too.
One of these mommer's pets in a nobby sack suit--all dolled up in a
clean collar an' a bow-tie an' grey kid gloves. I guess his outfit
helped him a whole lot--an' y' see I'm a few chips shy on clothes, I
guess."

Hermione looked at her brother's worn garments, shiny at elbow and knee,
and as she looked, her eyes were suddenly suffused.

"Yes, dear, I--I'm afraid they are--rather shabby," she admitted humbly.
"Your clothes always did seem to wear out so very quickly! And--and it
costs so much to live! And--sometimes I grow--afraid--"

The smooth, low voice faltered and ended upon a sob. Spike stared in
wide-eyed amaze, for seldom had he seen his sister thus, but now,
beholding the droop of that brave head, seeing how her strong white
hands gripped each other, he tossed the paper aside, and flinging
himself on his knees clasped her in his arms.

"Don't cry, Hermy!" he pleaded. "Oh, don't cry, I--I can't bear it. You
know I love you best in the world--ah, don't cry, dear. I--I'll hunt up
a job first thing--honest I will--"

"But your clothes are so very shabby!" she sobbed, "and oh, boy dear,
I have only just enough to--pay our rent this month--so I can't get you
any more--yet, dear!"

"Hermy," said he brokenly, "oh, Hermy, you make me feel so mean
I--I--One sure thing you're never goin' t' spend your money on clothes
for me any more--? the money you work so hard for! Never any more,
He