Jo's Boys

ning, and all lingered over the breakfa

f the door appeared a great deer-hound, stan

and take your whipping like a man,' said Dan, rising to meet the dog, who reared on his hind leg

l beast a hug, adding as he glanced out of the wi

ind you. Come out and see Octoo, my mustang; she's a beauty.' And Dan

her eagerness to reach her master, to the gre

y girl, do you want a gallop?' he asked, as the pretty creature clattered up to h

Ted, full of admiration and delight; for he wa

She looks as if she wo

e don't know. Hey, old Lass?' and Dan laid his cheek to

Octoo" mean?

r to me for my rifle, and we've had high times together out yo

the long mane; and standing with his arm

r camp was. I thought we were done for, but my brave pal says: "Now I'll show you how we can live till we find the herds." We were unsaddling for the night by a little pond; th

fellows,' said Rob. 'Boiled g

ith clay, as we read of savag

s,' cried Ted, eager for

cup, put some wild sage leaves in it, with water, and heate

Josie patted the animal, w

el before they felt it. But by another morning we found the buffalo, and I shot the one whose h

ning the Indian saddle, the single rein and snaffle, with

the saddle, Dan was off down the steps, tearing over the lawn at a great pace, sometimes on Octoo's back, sometimes half hidden as he hung by stirrup and strap, and somet

eedom, that for the moment the smooth lawn seemed a prairie; and the spectators fel

ight take a gallop on this chained lightning of a horse. 'I foresee that Nan will have

llow a plough after riding a Pegasus like that,' answered Mr Bhaer, as the black mare leaped the gate and came flying up

e queer saddle, finding Octoo gentle as a lamb, as he trotted away to show off at college. Bess came hastening down the hill, having seen the race fr

n his well-worn valise. But now that he had a little money of his own, he had cumbered himself with

red, followed by a wolf-skin rug for her feet, a bear-skin ditto for the Pr

'dressed up', learned the war-whoop, and proceeded to astonish their friends by a series of skirmi

, pleased the girls. Minerals, arrow-heads, and crude sketches interested the Professor; and when the

, my braves. Nobody will want lamb and green peas after this splendid pow-wow,' said Mrs Jo, surveying the picturesque co

ut I don't mind a change; so bring on your baa-baa and green meat,' answered Dan from the

touched had a story, and all were thrilling, comical, or wild; so they fou

tunities but this for culture or amusement. Emil was hail-fellow-well-met with men and maids, and went rollicking about in true sailor fashion; but Dan stood rather in awe of the 'fair girl-graduates', and was silent when among them, eyeing them as an eagle might a flock of doves. He got on better with the young men, and was their hero at once. Their admiration for his manly accomplishments did him good; because he felt his educational defe

onely heart, the culture excited him to do his best, and the changes which had taken place during his absence, both in himself and others, made the old home seem like a new world. After the life in California, it was swee

who rejoiced over the fresh roses in her cheeks and the laughter which chased away the dreamy look she used to wear. Josie quarrelled less with Ted; for Dan had a way of looking at her which quelled her instantly, and had almost as good an effect upon her rebellious cousin. But Octoo did even

and seemed to enjoy himself very much squinting at his fellow beings from under a bit of black cambric. Dan was a treasure to him; for he took well, and willingly posed in his Mexican costume, with horse and hound, and all wanted copies of these effective photographs. Bess, also, was a favourite

wn hair. She was sure Nat would not forget her; and life looked rather forlorn without the dear fellow who had been her friend since the days of patty-pans and confidences in the willow-tree. She was an old-fashioned daughter, dutiful and docile, with such love and reverence for her mother that her will was law; and if love was

one ever knew when Dan would turn up again. They all seemed to feel that life was beginning to grow serious; and even while they enjoyed those lovely summer days together they were conscious that they w

s-suits and 'crushed hats', as Josie called the especial pride and joy of their boyish souls. Jack and Ned sent regrets and best wishes, and no one mourned their absence; for they were among what Mrs Jo called her failures. Poor Tom got into trouble, as usual, by deluging his head with some highly scented preparation in the vain hope of making his tight curls lie flat and smooth, as was the style. Unhappily, his reb

rywhere, and his partners soon lost breath trying to keep up with him; but the girls all declared he steered like an an

acket, and gay sash, flung his serape over his shoulder with a flourish and looked his best, doing great execution with his long

orehead, or Mrs Jo dance like a girl with a shy fellow whose arms went like pump-handles, and whose face was scarlet with confusion and pride at the honour of treading on the toes of the president's wife. Mrs Meg always had room on her sofa for two or three girls, and Mr Laurie devoted himself to these plain

shadows; the air was full of lively voices, and hearts and feet went lightly together as the h

st his fellow men and swinging me round like a mop. On these occasions I find that I'm not as young as I was, nor as light of foot. In ten

p her lovely figure. She looks about eighteen tonight, in her white gown and roses,' answered Meg, busily pinning up one sist

as yet she had only acquired a matronly outline, which was very becoming. They were

me and have a quiet stroll with me and cool off before supper. I've a series of pretty tableaux to show you

ng people into garden and hall. Pausing before the first of the four long windows that opened o

ds, evidently appertaining to aforesaid legs, were being dropped into the laps of several girls perched like a flock of white birds

'S D

climbed the

o'er the s

ts highest

ght on towe

laid her d

ts on Sandy

d low a voic

y, weep no m

r pillow ge

see who the

g Sandy, shi

e pale and

ear, cold

neath the

m thee, I sl

weep no m

y nights and

upon the r

strove our b

striving w

en terror chi

filled with

s past, and

weep no mo

dear, yours

ll meet upo

free from do

I shall pa

e cock, the

r Sandy di

e passing s

, weep no m

sink with such a buoyant spirit to keep him afloat through life,' said Mr

worth. Glad you like my first tableau. Come and see number two. Hope it isn't spoilt

al animation. The old man was in shadow, but little Desdemona was looking up with the moonlight full upon her into young Othello's face, quite absorbed in the story he was telling so well. The gay

e among so many romantic girls. Afraid his "grand, gloomy,

s will be, I fancy; though he is improving in man

d glance full of pride and fondness, Mrs Jo went on. But that scen

, pointing to Tom with his head enveloped in a large handkerchief, as he knelt before Nan, who was extracting a thorn

, turning the hand to the

ed Tom, regardless of his aching knees a

keep yo

please. Never s

of large, round-eyed glasses, saying in a matter-of-fac

ou bind it up?' asked Tom, wi

of it tomorrow if you dissect. Do

e you were kind to me.

ore like turpentine and kerosene than eve

on, leaving the Knight to rush away in despair, and the Lady

he's wasting his time! Do advise him to

shock to make that boy wise. I wait with interest t

d, and both hands waving in the air. Josie, with several young mates, was watching his contortions wit

ng to Fly",' said Mr Laurie, as the

got it!' 'That's perfectly splendid!' 'See how long you can keep so!' cried the girls, as Ted managed to maintain his equilibrium a moment by resting one toe on the trellis. Unfortunately this brought all his weight on the other foot; the straw seat of the stoo

rt and march our company round a set of dissolving views. New and striking; I'll propose it to our manager and give you all the gl

e threads to help in the weaving of the story. George and Dolly were at supper, and having served the ladies in their care stood i

but no wine, and that's a mistake,' said Stuffy, who still deserved hi

xpanse of shirt-front whereon a diamond stud shone like a lone star. His stutter was nearly outgrown; but he, as well as George, spoke in the tone of condescension, which, with the blase airs they as

she?' said George, with a long sigh of satisfaction as

er more to my taste. I like 'em blonde a

pper. I've tried her, and she's one too many for me. Miss

dance down any fellow you please. Dancing's my forte.' And Dolly glanced from his t

od fellow. Can't eat ice in a hurry.' And George remained in his safe corner, while Dolly struggled th

s and not try to be society men. Can't do it. Beastly stain. Give it a rub, and let me bolt a mouthful, I'm starved. Never saw

e hard-working men need it, and, by Jove, I mean to get some more of that meringue if it's not all gone. Here, waiter! bring along that d

taken away the next moment by Dolly's exclaiming, as he

dig", and bound to carry off all the honours. You won't hear the last of it in a hurry.' And Dolly laughed so

he whispered chat of two girls comfortably seated

u enjoy them?' asked the younger, looking about her wit

over over-dressed if anything; but I look countrified and dowdy here. No time or money to change now, even if I

ce had would cost. That looked so simple and elegant I thought it wouldn't be costly; but it was India mull and Valenciennes lace, so, of course, I couldn't have it. Then Mrs Brooke said: "Get some muslin to cover the green silk, and wear hops or some white flow

urple one. Mrs Brooke has helped me to get rid of my headaches, and Ma

he gymnasium to cure my round shoulders and open m

just stepped in and made it all right.' 'Yes, and Professor Bhaer has several of the boys down at his house evenings to help them along so they can keep up w

will be the happiest and mo

ment to look with grateful, affectionate eyes at the friends

s settle. Emil, who never sat if he could climb or perch, adorned the newel-post; Tom, Nat, Demi, and Dan were camped on the steps, eating busily,

w they have stopped teasing and are polite, I really enjoy them,' said Nan, w

is not quite finished. I never saw her so interested in any work, and it's very well done. He is so striking and big he always makes me think of the Dying Gladiator or so

omething awful because he glared at us and swore sometimes? Now he is the handsomest of all the boys, and very entertaining with his stories a

he other sentimentally sober even in the act of munching cake. 'I like Dan, and am glad he is

, wasting his time and making an object of himself just because he can't have what he wants, like a baby crying for the moon. I've no patience with such non

ty. I think it's beautiful,' said Daisy beh

s have any influence we should use it for the good of these boys, and not pamper them up, making slaves of ourselves and tyrants of them. Let them prove what they c

ance, and have patience till we can do our best. Now we are expected to be as wise as men who have had generations of all the help there is, and we scarc

nisters at this moment. 'Up with your flag! I'll stand by and lend a hand if y

your mother and your sisters and your aunts,' continued Nan. 'I do like men who come out frankly and own that they are not gods. How can w

and set us up to bless and believe in you e

e last winter; and of all the feeble, vulgar twaddle I ever heard, that was the worst; and those men were our representatives.

an umbrella to shield his unhappy head; for Nan's earnest voice was

at applause" liberally,' added Demi, producing

looked up as if the prospect of a fight, even with words, pleased him, and Nat went to support Demi, as his position seemed to be a good one. At this crisis, when everyone laughed

t is

be tried for our lives. Will Your Highness preside and judge between us?' answered D

Bess took her place above them all as cool and calm as a little s

y man to do his duty. Mrs President Giddy-gaddy has the floor,' said Demi, who liked this sort of fun better than the very mild sort of flirtatio

on this subject. Dan and Emil have seen the world and ought to know their own minds. Tom and Nat have had five examples before them for years. Demi is ours and we are proud of him. So

y, ski

eve in Woman

than a press-gang to carry a fellow out of his moorings? Don't we all need one as pilot to steer us safe to

e speech,' said Demi, as the girls applauded, and Tom glowered. 'Now, Da

ght any man who's mean enough

energetic President, and she beamed upon the

s made up his mind to pipe for us, at least when we take the field, and not be one o

speech regretted, as Nat looked up blushing, but with a new sort of

ot love, honour, and serve women with all my heart and m

Nat's lap, while the other girls waved their fans, well p

the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, if you can,

nd standing up raised hi

adore all women, and will die for them

only don't twaddle. Now, having taken the sense of the meeting we will adjourn, as the hour for festive gymnastics has arrived. I am glad to see that old Plum has given six true men to the world,

red from office, and the girls went to