HARRY’S RECEPTION OF FRANK.

did not know that they had crossed the side
of a hill over-looking the village. How-
ever he remembered the white house with
the paddock before it. Three boys were in
the paddock, one riding a pony without sad-
dle or bridle; another smaller boy was watch-
ing him; and the biggest boy, whom Arthur
recognised as Frank, was leaning against a
gate, reading.

This gate was on the farthest side of the
paddock from the lane, so Frank did not see
the visitors; but Harry, who was on the
pony, did see them, and gallopped directly
to the gate, at which they were coming in.

“ Halloa, Mr. Tom Chester!’ he shouted
at the top of his voice.

“Good morning, Harry. I’ve brought
my little nephew, to make acquaintance
with you.”

“Oh, that’s a boy, is it? you don’t say
so, now?” (Arthur wore a clean white
blouse). “I should have thought it was a
girl; and I hate girls; they’ve got no

pluck.”
189