ver his employer's daily reminder,
made a bee line for the county court. Here he found Whimple, having
just successfully emerged from a case in which he had defended a man
accused of theft, chatting with the county crown attorney.

"Excuse me, Mister Whimple," said William, abruptly, "but them guys are
at it again."

"Meaning----?" began Whimple.

"In Tommy Watson's store," William went on hurriedly, "and, honest,
it's fierce. I was in and outer the store, and neither of 'em even
looked at me."

Whimple bade adieu to the crown attorney, and started away with William.

"What are they fighting about now, William?" said Whimple, disgustedly,
as he hurried along the street with William by his side.

"Home r'rule fer I'r'r'reland or 'ome rule for Hireland! I don't know
just which," answered William with a smile.

CHAPTER XXV

Some chronicles are so burdened with matters that are irrelevant as to
cause to those who have an eye for the main story and nothing else much
trouble and more annoyance. But in this, the true chronicle of events
in one period of the life of William Adolphus Turnpike, only that which
is of importance has been dealt with. This is almost a superfluous
explanation, for the reader who has managed to keep awake thus far has
long ago become seized of the fact. There lapses between what has gone
before and what is here written a period of nearly five years. Happy
years they had been to William and the Turnpike "bunch." The elder
Turnpike's business prospered exceedingly, and William was well
advanced towards his cherished goal. Whimple and Tommy had long ceased
to worry over him, for the lad was developing into a sturdy and healthy
youth, taller than the average, still on the slim side, but strong and
sinewy. There was little grace about his movements, though he had
developed in courtesy and consideration to a surprising degree. He
sometimes worried over his lack of graceful movements. "I've stood in
front of the glass many a time," he said to Epstein, "and practised
trying to be graceful, but it's no go. I'm as awkward as a duck;
what'll I do?"

"Nothing," said Epstein, gravely, "nothing, my boy. It will be best
for you if you are always naturally as awkward as you are to-day. Many
comedians have tried for years to acquire what you have as a gift of
nature. It's a great asset." And William took the old man's word for
it. "You know best," he said emphatically, "and whatever y