'As Gold in the Furnace'

's Ad

prefect in thinking that a day's outing for Roy would be the best distraction he could get. A change of scenery and of faces would

Boys out of bounds? Where are

gray locks, and a long finger, at the six boys whom he purp

ou going?"he

ham. "We have only a few minutes ago obtaine

what do you expe

dinners at a farmhouse, an

y yourselves. Wait. Where are your skates? If I were you I would take them with me. In your

ther. We will go back a

me here befo

dent went to his office. A few minutes later he m

ys who, out of their abundance, provide

n that enterprise answered

ws were some of them and I think t

President, too,

ink that, my c

f us smaller boys a chance to g

ean" fellows bu

k Beecham, "we had too much anyway. You

rnest's vehemence, and at

although your dinner there was a great success yesterday, still there are many poor creatures, both men and women, who are in the i

t smile of welcome spread over the features of the Sister w

, young gentlemen, an

fuse in her thanks for what the studen

ng gentlemen in remembering them. Many extravagantly funny, and some really comical things were said in your praise," and the nun's ey

things, Mother," said the

d only spoil it if I were to attempt it. You

told her th

sident. All of you must visit the i

as face to face and in close touch with pain and suffering and disease and all the calamities of impoverished old age. What was a misfortune like his to that of being doubled and rendered helpless by rheumatism? Here one was totally blind, but marvelously patient. There another whose distorted hands rendered her p

. He knew there were many who were by no means kindly disposed toward him. Would these set aflo

ng, was bad enough. The imputations and the innuendos he dreaded far more. He realized that life could be made very bitter for him. But after all, what was all he might have t

scovery of the theft. His companions gladly saw the change. They did their utmost during the l

There was an even gray sky, a motionless atmosphere, and just sufficient snow to accentuate the beauties of a winter landscap

n every branch and twig. The well-known bridle-path through the woods, along which the boys passed m

hepherd-dog, or a far-off train whistle, sounding like a dismal appeal for help, and subconsciously regarded by the hearers as an irreverent intrusion upon the sil

aw a scene which delighted them immensely. In the bottom of the hollow, which in the summer time was a beautiful glade in the forest, there was standing out alone with a clear space around it, a magnifice

delayed much longer had not Jack Beecham, who had assumed a temporary leadershi

telling of warmth within. In the barnyard were several head of comfortable looking sheep and fat cattle were contentedly ruminating in the shelter of a huge straw stack. One of the inmates of this cosy looking farmhouse had, probably uncons

om Shealey, as the boys were viewing the scene here d

a well-stocked larder. I wonder if the Dowsibel of

bserved Beecham, "for already I believe I coul

miles. All were beginning to feel tired a

entertained there?"su

find a place where we can be-perhaps ten

ned Ernest.

e hostelry where we may perhaps get some year old crackers and eggs, with

h," groaned Winters again. All burst out laughing at

mes to the worst we can eat our shoes and ou

n the road they saw a jolly looking, red-faced man-in the clear atmosphere they could easily distinguish his red face-come out of

Ernest. "If we are not welcome he will set his savage dogs on us as soon as we get n

ened the yard gate with trepidation, fearful of the onslaught of some vicious watchdog, and more afraid than they would h

h sweet-smelling hay. The wheat barn was congested with unthreshed grain. The cows, pigs, and sheep were fat, and evi

this occasion, unnecessary, for when the animal saw the visitors he merely wagged his tail and did not take the trouble to stir. He seemed too fat

hem coming down the hillside opened the door. The boys noticed that he had put on his

earty greeting. "Mother, Mother! Here are some young gentlemen f

h a white handkerchief over her shoulders, and white muslin cuffs to match. A black lace coif sur

ow off your shoes before you come in. I am very particular about that, a

y. "Would you believe it, gentlemen, she leads m

e elderly lady, "

iately understood the nature of the amicable bantering whic

must be cold. There's no wind, but it's near zero. And did ye wal

ce they were

ther hickory back log, and start a good blaze. Now sit ye there and warm yourselves. I'll be ba

Tom Shealey. "We ar

gone," ventured Ernest

keep your eyes on your skates and overcoat, Ernest. Of course she has gone to gather all the hired men on the farm who will soon b

not to be caugh

time, mister. I think-bu

d, apparently created to make a hungry schoolboy's mouth water, delicious pats of golde

is house to-day. We don't have dinner to-day until after two o'clock, and as that is late and you must be hungry with your long walk already-- my! it's nigh onto e

ing. Such butter! No oleomargarine there. Were it not, as mentioned before, that boys have a perpetual appetite, I am afraid that the amount of bread, cheese, butter,