第69章 Good Templars(3)
"Boys,boys,not through the parlor!"implored Mamma,resigned to skirmishes,but trembling for her piano legs as the four stout boots pranced about the table and then went thundering down the hail,through the kitchen where the fat cook cheered them on,and Mary,the maid,tried to head off Frank as Jack rushed out into the garden.But the pursuer ducked under her arm and gave chase with all speed.Then there was a glorious race all over the place;for both were good runners,and,being as full of spring vigor as frisky calves,they did astonishing things in the way of leaping fences,dodging round corners,and making good time down the wide walks.
But Jack's leg was not quite strong yet,and he felt that his round nose was in danger of a vengeful tweak as his breath began to give out and Frank's long arms drew nearer and nearer to the threatened feature.Just when he was about to give up and meet his fate like a man,old Bunny,who had been much excited by the race,came scampering across the path with such a droll skip into the air and shake of the hind legs that Frank had to dodge to avoid stepping on him,and to laugh in spite of himself.This momentary check gave Jack a chance to bolt up the back stairs and take refuge in the Bird Room,from the window of which Jill had been watching the race with great interest.
No romping was allowed there,so a truce was made by locking little fingers,and both sat down to get their breath.
"I am to go on the piazza,for an hour,by and by,Doctor said.
Would you mind carrying me down before you go to school,you do it so nicely,I'm not a bit afraid,"said Jill,as eager for the little change as if it had been a long and varied journey.
"Yes,indeed!Come on,Princess,"answered Jack,glad to see her so well and happy.
The boys made an arm-chair,and away she went,for a pleasant day downstairs.She thanked Frank with a posy for his buttonhole,well knowing that it would soon pass into other hands,and he departed to join Annette.Having told Jill about Bob,and set her to work on the "Observer,"Jack kissed his mother,and went whistling down the street,a gay little bachelor,with a nod and smile for all he met,and no turned-up hat or jaunty turban bobbing along beside him to delay his steps or trouble his peace of mind.
At noon they worked on their paper,which was a collection of items,cut from other papers,concerning temperance,a few anecdotes,a bit of poetry,a story,and,if possible,an original article by the editor.Many hands make light work,and nothing remained but a little copying,which Jill promised to do before night.So the boys had time for a game of football after school in the afternoon,which they much enjoyed.As they sat resting on the posts,Gus said,"Uncle Fred says he will give us a hay-cart ride to-night,as it is moony,and after it you are all to come to our house and have games.
"Can't do it,"answered Frank,sadly.
"Lodge,"groaned Jack,for both considered a drive in the cart,where they all sat in a merry bunch among the hay,one of the joys of life,and much regretted that a prior engagement would prevent their sharing in it.
That s a pity!I forgot it was Tuesday,and can'tput it off,as I've asked all the rest.Give up your old Lodge and come along,"said Gus,who had not joined yet.
"We might for once,perhaps,but I don't like to"--began Jack,hesitating.
"I won't.Who's to propose Bob if we don't?I want to go awfully;but I wouldn't disappoint Bob for a good deal,now he is willing to come."And Frank sprang off his post as if anxious to flee temptation,for it was very pleasant to go singing,up hill and down dale,in the spring moonlight,with--well,the fellows of his set.
"Nor Ed,I forgot that.No,we can't go.We want to be Good Templars,and we mustn't shirk,"added Jack,following his brother.
"Better come.Can't put it off.Lots of fun,"called Gus,disappointed at losing two of his favorite mates.
But the boys did not turn back,and as they went steadily away they felt that they were doing their little part in the good work,and making their small sacrifices,like faithful members.
They got their reward,however,for at home they found Mr.