Everychild
place where Will o'Dreams lay sleeping. The stealthy figure proved to be none other than Mr. Literal;
needed. There was no hint of resentment in his heart; and he proved his gen
ve Mr. Literal to he
more ado he turned and led the way into the depths
all the blinds drawn save at one window, th
he and the giant might find their way up a flight of stairs in safety. A musty odor fil
d into a study. It was in this roo
still without looking at the giant. And Will o'Dreams seated himself in one of
frayed rugs and faded hangings. But there were a number of busts which were really a delight to the eye: of Shakespeare, of Burns, of Victor Hugo
house, save that a window rattled somewhere in the night breezes. Then Mr. Literal leaned forward delib
reams: I know you!" His ton
tely and said, "Very well, Mr.
al icily, "I do not go abo
" replied
ral. "I know you too well. You ar
didly. "The name has a somewhat formidable sound.
Literal. "Well do you know that if you were to mak
hand lightly. "I will not
said Mr. Literal. "Your statement to thos
uired the giant, his
ow well that your real purpose was to becloud the young minds of thos
rt again: I was look
masterpieces"-and he pointed to the bookcases
ces indeed!-in a forest!
ing of books," a
sterpieces," said Mr. Literal; "but t
pen your eyes. Believe me, the forest is filled with master
n name
icate it. The humblest plant. The human eye has no power to take in all its m
boast," he said. "The world has produced Karnac; it has p
e built. Rightly seen they are hideous, save when they are considered in relation to some simple human need. They keep the wind and rain away-for which, God knows, we should be the better sometimes. They have no beauty save the spirit of human striving
trees," said Mr
, nodding and smiling,
rt me from my purpose. But you shall not do so. Listen: I forbid you to associate with those innocent children. You
when I say that I would be only a friendly companion to those children. I would add to their innocent joys and take from their sorrows. You
turned towa
"Persist in your present course an
said. Then, wishing to conciliate the old man, he looked about him to where t
ead," said Mr.
staring stupidly at nothing. He went out into the hall and closed the door behind him. He would have descended
inst my will,"
in glad tones, "
ed, "My name is
h certain well-meaning persons have always preferred to
im in the dim light.
beside the Avon,
d children play along its banks, just as in the old days, and men and
ischievously in the dim light. "Not so loud," he said. "Old Mr
ant went back to his place w
RT
YCHILD PITIES
ND REJOICES
; HE ENCOUNT
ON HIM W