The Chums of Scranton High Out for the Pennant

t sister, she isn't in any position to help you pass the time away till you kick the bucket. Why, even as it is, she has a hard time getting along, and

shook his

ead off at times, to find out that his only relation in the wide world ain't well off in this world's goods. But then Matilda she always was soft-hearted, and mebbe now she might find a hole in her humble

old rascal settling down on his poor sister, and m

man earn my living for me, no matter if she did happen to be a sister. As it is, s

is share?" demanded the other, boldly, and Thad though

ck of substantial food for years. You see, the woman herself was ill for a long time, and her husband worked himself to skin and bone trying to provide for her. T

e, as though he feared some hope he had been cherishing was on the point of vanishing. "But then mebbe Andrew he may get better aga

g angry, but pinched his ar

sides, perhaps they'll turn him away from the door. He's a queer sort of a chap, and I just can't q

ed. The man had continued his meal and was in something of a reflective frame of mind apparently. Hugh supposed he was wondering what he was

arked, as he brushed the back of his hand across his mouth, signifying

ked Thad, a bit ungraciou

ed the man, insidiously; "and mebbe now you wouldn't mind if I wal

h?" flashed Thad, tu

e'll accommodate you, Lu; but I wouldn't be too hopeful if I were you, about their asking you to stay over, because the times are ou

. "Unless she's changed a heap she'll let me stay a while with her anyhow. Mebbe I'll pick up some if I get good care, and can go on the road again if the worst comes. But I'm much obliged to you f

a nod. Somehow even this tramp seemed to understand that Hugh Morgan was the leader among his mates; perhaps it was his expr

you are, younkers

emarked Hugh, Putting

eputable that Thad disliked being discovered with him; and yet Hugh, who looked deeper than his companion, was surprised to notice that this dirt had the ap

for town, Thad's curiosity got the

now there have been times when you've struck pay dirt-what I mean is that I sort of thi

al times, and let the same slip out of my hands. Some time, mebbe, if so be, I conclude to stay around this section of country, which pleases me a heap as far as I've seen the same, why I'd like to spin you a yarn or two that'd make your eyes look as big as them there individual butter plates

ing to his mind, these fits of near strangulation were almost too methodical to be genuine; still, he did not wish to condemn any one w

of their way to accommodate their disreputable looking companion, fo

l cottage ahead of us," Hugh wa

ared, and no

Matilda was always a great hand for keeping things cle

so coolly signify his intention of burdening

l have to get a move on you, Wandering Lu, and remove a f

offended at this attack; simply looked

me domesticated and give up all this roving business I suppose I'll just have to clean up a bit. Wonder now if Andrew he would have an extra s

m your mother or mine, Thad. And that's Mr. Hosmer just opened the door to let her in. He's been watching for her, no doubt, because they say he's always bee

ry one who knew her understood that the poor woman possessed a big heart, and would share her last crust with a hungry man or child

Mrs. Hosmer, and as he asked us to show him where you live

im, but now something seemed to stir within her bosom. They saw her start,

something familiar about the figure, and the face, but

istaken, Matilda, beca

ve and in the flesh, t

acted as if about to

spells, then thought

oward him, dropping h

y kissed him again and again on his rough cheek. Hugh, watching closely, could see the man assume a pleased look, and once he thought he