6 DOGGED JACK.

and daddy wouldn't let me stay up. He never
guessed why I wanted to. I didn't tell him, because
you told me not, though I longed to-so bad. But,
Jack, what's the matter? my own big Jack, why, I
do believe you're crying; I never knew big boys
cried," and the hands were pulled down.
 "Polly dear," said Jack, in rather a shaking voice,
"C what business have you to be roaming about in
your night-dress at this hour.? you'll get your death
of cold."
 "But, Jack, why are you home so late to-day ?"
 "Oh, never mind, Polly, but look here, youngster,
did father say anything about-about"-stammered
the boy in an unsteady voice.
 "Nothing; daddy scarcely ever talks of you at
all," said the little maiden with a sigh; sometimes I
try to make him, but I can't."
 Jack winced, and there was a deep pause.
 "Well, come, Polly, you'll get cold here," said the
boy, rousing himself.
 Carry me back to the nursery, Jack; I've a secret
to whisper you," said the child, her eyes gleaming
with fun and pleasure.
 Jack did as requested, clasped the tiny mite in his
strong young arms, and brought her to her nursery
where a great fire was burning.
 Seating himself in a big arm-chair, "Now for