Christie, the King's Servant / A Sequel to Christie's Old Organ""

r,' said Duncan the next day. 'You'll no

uncan,' I said. '

em is very good in subscribing to the prizes. You see, sir, there is a many young fellows here, young chaps who must have something to keep them out of mischief; when they're not fishing, they're bound to

s, and for the old lads too, for the matter of that. I suppose you want a

f you to help us so largely; but that isn't what I came to ask

her, Duncan; let's

s some sort of a programme to hang up by the post office there,

rated. I'm your man; I'll do it at once.' I was rea

upon which my programme might be fastened. We soon made out together a list of attract

ed it

Z,

ATHLETI

, and falling down over a fish basket, and some lobster-pots, whilst on the

as: The Honourable O'Mackerell, Lord C

he women's egg and spoon race, the sack race, the greasy pole, the long jump, etc.; and lastly, an an

knew no bounds. His excitement, as he carried the board away to h

d to be stirred as the

as I was painting. As for the York boys, Harry and Bob, they spent a great part of every day in

s, and how triumphantly Polly announced, when I came down to

bushes and bracken, amongst which nestled the red-tiled cottages. Then below the cliff the level green, covered with strong, hardy fishermen and their sunburnt wives, and surrounding th

hed herself by winning the egg and spoon race, much to the joy of

round, and between these a line was chalked on the grass. The handkerchief was then placed exactly over the line. After this all the fishermen who entered the lists were divided into two parties. Then each si

werful fishermen was put out; they were lying on the ground, that their pull might be all the stronger. Every sinew, every nerve, every muscle seemed

s eagerly watc

es on his side suddenly made one mighty effort, and the handkerchief was drawn across the line. There was tremendous c

will see. The evening concert went off as well as the sports had done, and Dun

hand. A long string of men and lads laid hold of the strong cable fastened to the boat. Even the wives and elder children caught hold of it. I myself went to their help, and several of the visitors followed my example. Then, when we were all in position, there came a pause, for Duncan, who was directing the proceedings, charged us not to pull till the signal was given. Then there rose a peculiar cry or yodel, all the fishermen uttering it together, and as soon as it ceased we gave our united, mighty pull. Then

h before. It was that tune again, my mother's tune, and somehow, I do not know how it was, with the sound of my mother's tune there came back to my mind th

jumped up from my camp-stool, and standing under

hild came out. Dear, little merry fe

,' he said, as he

pie,' I said, 'whilst I paint.

said lit

little fellow to play music! What

r. Jack,' he said; 'I

f? Why, how did you m

nd, Mr. Jack, and the music came, and

' I asked. 'Is it

gan, a barrow-o

; why, however in the world did you get hold

' he said, stretching out h

r gave you i

's own organ,'

is it

's, father's

on preacher of Runswick Bay to have in his possession, b

tle friend called to me over, th

re, my li

father's organ; I'll pl

ather say if

er's

ill mot

r's ou

e other side of the wall. Over and over again he pleaded, 'Do come, Mr. Jack; do come quick, Mr. Jack!' that at las

at the edge of the garden, was a border, in which grew all manner of gay and sweet-smelling flowers. There were asters and mignonette, sweet-peas and convolvolus, heliotrope and fuchsias. Then in front of me was the pretty cotta

me you have, litt

im, and led me on-into a tiny entrance hall, past one or t

ves, a writing-table stood in the window, and in the corner by the fireplace was the extra

old age. The shape was so old-fashioned that I do not remember ever having seen one like it; the silk, which had doubtless once been its adornment, was torn into shreds, an

you play it,

ch tune being heard, whilst many bars of some were wanting altogether. However, Jack seemed very proud of his performance, and insisted on my staying t

, very sad.' Then when that was finish

for the first part of the next tune was gone entirely. 'I can't say the name of

said, laughing; 'all right

sten, "Home, sweet home, there's no place like home,

I said; 'I knew it when I w

tch for him from my nursery window, and as soon as he came in sight I flew down to my mother for a penny, and then went into the garden and stood beside him whilst he played. My mother gave me a musical-box on my birthday; it was in the shape of a barrel-organ, and had a strap which I could hang round my neck. I used to take this box with me, and standing beside the Ita

or the father who had cared for me, and it only made me depressed to think of them. What good, I asked myself, would my holiday do

it, and therefore from that day he came for a certain time every morning to be painted. He was such a good little fellow, he never moved a limb after I told him I was ready, and never spoke unless I spoke to him. A more lovable child I never saw, nor a more obedient one. With all his fun, and in spit