d of course I
don't need to say to them that you are Billy."

It was over. William drew a long breath, and gave an agonized look into
his brothers' eyes. Then Billy turned from Mrs. Hartwell and held out a
cordial hand to each of the men in turn.

"Oh, you don't know how lovely this is--to me," she cried softly. "And
to think that you were willing I should come!" The two younger men
caught their breath sharply, and tried not to see each other's eyes.
"You look so good--all of you; and I don't believe there's one of you
that's got nerves or a heart," she laughed.

Bertram rallied his wits to respond to the challenge.

"No heart, Miss Billy? Now isn't that just a bit hard on us--right at
first?"

"Not a mite, if you take it the way I mean it," dimpled Billy. "Hearts
that are all right just keep on pumping, and you never know they are
there. They aren't worth mentioning. It's the other kind--the kind that
flutters at the least noise and jumps at the least bang! And I don't
believe any of you mind noises and bangs," she finished merrily, as she
handed her hat and coat to Mrs. Hartwell, who was waiting to receive
them.

Bertram laughed. Cyril scowled, and occupied himself in finding a chair.
William had already dropped himself wearily on to the sofa near his
sister. Billy still continued to talk.

"Now when Spunk and I get to training--oh, and you haven't seen Spunk!"
she interrupted herself suddenly. "Why, the introductions aren't half
over. Where is he, Uncle William--the basket?"

"I--I put it in--in the hall," mumbled William, starting to rise.

"No, no; I'll get him," cried Billy, hurrying from the room. She
returned in a moment, the green covered basket in her hand. "He's been
asleep, I guess. He's slept 'most all the way down, anyhow. He's so used
to being toted 'round in this basket that he doesn't mind it a bit. I
take him everywhere in it at the Falls."

There was an electric pause. Four pairs of startled, questioning,
fearful eyes were on the basket while Billy fumbled at the knot of the
string. The next moment, with a triumphant flourish, Billy lifted from
the basket and placed on the floor a very small gray kitten with a very
large pink bow.

"There, ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you, Spunk."

The tiny creature winked and blinked, and balanced for a moment on
sleepy legs; then at the uncontrollable shout that burst from Bertram's
throat, he faced the man, humped his tiny back, bristled hi