Part 12 (1/2)
Jack laughed, and looked at his shoes
”Well, come to the kitchen, where there's no carpet on the floor, and I'll give you what I call the 'Canal Driver's Hornpipe' Bring your flute, Forrest”
So they went to the kitchen; and all stood, while Jack, ild grace of attitude and wonderful ease and precision of movement, performed one of his most difficult and spirited dances
When it was ended, in the ayly passed it around for pennies But while thein their pockets, he appeared suddenly to re his hat into a corner, and whirling on his heel,--”I forgot ht I was on the deck of the stea's entertain to her rooht before and of this night, and asked her heart if it could ever again knoo evenings so purely happy
Then a great wave of anxiety swept over her ht of the other home, to which she must hasten on the morrow
CHAPTER XII
VINNIE'S FUTURE HOME
A lively sensation was produced, the next forenoon, when a youth and a girl, in a one-horse wagon, with a big dog and a small trunk, arrived at Lord Betterson's ”castle”
Link dashed into the house, screaasped poor Mrs Betterson, with a start of alar her eye about the disordered room
”Jack What's-his-name! the fellow that shot the deer and lost his horse
It's Aunt Lavinny with hireet the new-co dishes at the table, stepped down froers on her apron by the way
Five-year-old Chokie got up froling hands and sprawling fingers, grinning, dirty-faced
Vinnie, springing to the ground with Jack's help, at the side door caught Lill in her arave her an ardent kiss
”I have heard of you!” she said; for she had recognized the bright, wistful face
”Dear auntie!” said the child, with tears and slad you've come!”
”Here is Link--my friend Link,” said Jack ”Don't overlook hiood deal about you too, Link!” said Vinnie, e him also, but not quite so ihis face
”And as for him,”--as she passed on to the five-year-old,--”that's Chokie; he's a reg'lar prairie gopher for digging holes; you won't find a spot on hih to kiss, I bet ye two million dollars!”
[Illustration: LINK DOESN'T CARE TO BE KISSED]