Pippin; A Wandering Flame

might lurk there; if a door resisted her opening, she made sure it was held on the other side. For the first time, terror entered her life. It had been a comfortable life: she had been

n Sunday. But now she was living in a tale! Their own Pippin, Pippin of the bright eyes, the winning smile, the pleasant, helpful ways-Pippin had been one of the wicked. And now there w

teously. "I don't know how to talk to them kin

crooks is just folks, same as other folks; they ain't painted black

Pip

thousand times wuss. Why, he's nothin' but a boy! Say to yourself, 'S'po

n!" said Su

ronounced A No. 1. Between work hours he ranged the town with his wheel, and at every corner people gathered round him, ostensibly to have their knives sharpened, though by this time there was hardly a dull knife in Kingdom-really to watch Pippin at work and hear him sing. He scanned every group with eager eyes

sn't you just a mite hard on the heathen? I've known dandy heathen, sir, simply dandy. I wish't you knew old Sing Lee. He used to tell about a guy they call Confusion, and I never could see

ound. Before going home he would wander, apparently aimlessly, about the town, diving into alley

epers looked well to tills, locks and bolts, and slept with their pocketbooks under their pillows; but no

, all round, gave them a Gospel concert, spent a happy day visiting round among the scattered farms, and started for home with a light heart and a pocketful of dimes. He had

month ago. He wondered if there would be any still in bloom. Mrs. Baxter was ter'ble fond of violets

that day-only a week ago, was it? It seemed a month-when those other bushes had rustled. For an instant he dreaded to see the pale, lovely, imploring face of the imbecile girl; then common sense returned. "She co

up your

hat!" sai

ell heavily against him, and the two came to the ground together. There was a brief struggle, the two rolling over and over, silent and breathless. When it ended Pippin was sitting on his assailant's head, and it was he who held the pis

Pippin. "That worked

er him struggl

and moved down to his chest. "There! Breathe e

the sufferer. "--

ll you can speak pretty!" he said. "You're free to hold me up, if you know enough, which you

he fellow's wrists with it in a workmanlike fash

ched the mask from his face. Then he whistled. It was a boy's face that scowled a

went and made of himself. It was easy to see he was new to the trade. The other guy was the old hand, eh, what? He judged so from the way he lifted his fee

tably. "Me, that was old to the fancy when you was nussin' your bottle. Th

stammered the boy. "

s of Blankton? Well, I'd like to know who was boss of the Honey Boys, if

ith apparent gusto. "Now," he said, "

k a rich man, and show them-yes, siree! he'd show them whether he was a lunkhead or not! How he met up with that feller over yonder hayin', and heard how

boy, his weak, handsome face aglow with admiration. "He wouldn't ha' stood u

o your friend, you're well rid of him. If you ask me, he's a sneak and a skunk. He won't come bac

at did i

e, did he? No, nor yet you don't know! But I like your looks, bo! You ain't a sneak, a

ed protestation

ks up. Now if you really mean business-" Pippin paused, drew out his file, whistle

ay little frequented. He trod softly and warily, and at hi

ill next night. Things wouldn't be ready till next night; he had a heap to do. Red Ruffi'n would see;

up and down a ragged hill. The cottages were in sad need of paint and shingles, their windows held more ol

t up for kindling; but now all was quiet in Devildom. The place was the scandal of Kingdom housewives. Pippin had usually avoided it, but now he led the way thither eagerly. Skirting the edge of the dump, he came to a spot wh

fe as you would in your own bed. Folks is scared of this place, t

a tone that might have sounded timorou

' groanin' to itself; I couldn't pass no judgment what it was. Anyway, they say if you speak up to 'em, same as you would, they can't do a perso

it?" The boy was sniffi

ll be as snug as-what say? Damp? No, it ain't! It's dry as a lime-burner's wig. Gorry! I wish't I'd had a p

d!' Are you-are you

rrow night and you'll see stars! G

ied to call him back, but failing, cowe

meant business. Mrs. Baxter, with looks of dismay, called Pippi

! That boy'l

tell you!" Pippin chuckled again. "Might I tro

tirred her coffee absently. Presently:

ce dry sody crackers; or mebbe they ai

s. Baxter lo

d in the store. Green grass! Mr. Baxter, where'd you s'pose E

make him sick!"

e, I'm sorry for him!" Pippin threw back his head and laughed gleefu

r's dark e

her apron with hands that trembled. "That boy-and you said he was motherless, Pippin, I heard you-out in the rain all day, half starved, and th

th me, Mis' Baxt

ly upon him. "I am mad with both of you

alm hand on her shoulder. "Now, Ma, you behave! We agreed to let Pippi

Mrs. Baxter beg

over 'n' above. He ain't calculatin' to give him a birthday party, with a

m green apples last week, what was't you give him? A portion of physic, wasn't it? I thought so! Well, you physicked his stummick,

in his eyes, the good woman melted. The tea

pie. And you got your part to do, you know, Mis' Baxter. You're goin' to have the best hot supper, and the warmest bed, and the

don't know yet just what it'll be, b

in. "You are dandy folks,