rnoon he had brought
with him a new one that he had picked up somewhere. It was broader and
thicker than the old one and, during the melancholy prophecies of his
fellows, he whittled the lesser end of it to the likeness of a handle.
Thus engaged, he bore no appearance of despondency; on the contrary, his
eyes, shining brightly in the candlelight, indicated that eager thoughts
possessed him, while from time to time the sound of a chuckle issued
from his simple African throat. Gradually the other brothers began to
notice his preoccupation, and one by one they fell silent, regarding him
thoughtfully. Slowly the darkness of their countenances lifted a little;
something happier and brighter began to glimmer from each boyish face.
All eyes remained fascinated upon Verman.

"Well, anyway," said Penrod, in a tone that was almost cheerful, "this
is only Tuesday. We got pretty near all week to fix up the 'nishiation
for Saturday."

And Saturday brought sunshine to make the occasion more tolerable for
both the candidate and the society. Mrs. Williams, going to the window
to watch Sam when he left the house after lunch, marked with pleasure
that his look and manner were sprightly as he skipped down the walk to
the front gate. There he paused and yodelled for a time. An answering
yodel came presently; Penrod Schofield appeared, and by his side walked
Georgie Bassett. Georgie was always neat; but Mrs. Williams noticed that
he exhibited unusual gloss and polish to-day. As for his expression,
it was a shade too complacent under the circumstances, though, for that
matter, perfect tact avoids an air of triumph under any circumstances.
Mrs. Williams was pleased to observe that Sam and Penrod betrayed no
resentment whatever; they seemed to have accepted defeat in a good
spirit and to be inclined to make the best of Georgie. Indeed, they
appeared to be genuinely excited about him--it was evident that their
cordiality was eager and wholehearted.

The three boys conferred for a few moments; then Sam disappeared round
the house and returned, waving his hand and nodding. Upon that, Penrod
took Georgie's left arm, Sam took his right, and the three marched off
to the backyard in a companionable way that made Mrs. Williams feel it
had been an excellent thing to interfere a little in Georgie's interest.

Experiencing the benevolent warmth that comes of assisting in a good
action, she ascended to an apartment upstairs, and, for a couple of
hours