eyes seemed to be looking at the world in general over a high board fence. Dot was carrying the peppermint drops—and carrying them carefully, while Tess’ hands were occupied with the other purchases. So Master Tommy Rooney thought he saw his chance. “Candy! candy!” he yelled, darting out at them from an areaway. “Heap big Injun want candy, or take white squaw’s papoose! Ugh!” Dot screamed. Tess tried to defend her and the white bag of peppermints. But she was handicapped with her own bundles. Tommy was as quick—and as slippery—as an eel. Suddenly the gentleman in the silk hat strode forward, thrust his gold-headed walking stick between Tommy’s lively legs, and tripped that master of mischief into the gutter. Tommy scrambled up, gave one glance at the tall gentleman and fled, affrighted. The gentleman looked down at Tess and Dot. “Oh, thank you, sir!” said the bigger girl. “We’re much obliged!” “Yes! A knight to the rescue, eh? Do you live on this block, little lady?” he asked, and when he smiled his face was a whole lot pleasanter than it was in repose. “Yes, sir. Right there at Number 80.” “Number 80?” repeated the gentleman, with some interest. “Is there a family in your house named Kenway?” “Oh, yes, sir! We’re the Kenways—two of them,” declared Tess, while Dot was a little inclined to put her finger in her mouth and watch him shyly. “Ha!” exclaimed the stranger. “Two of Leonard Kenway’s daughters? Is your mother at home?” “We—we haven’t any mother—not now, sir,” said Tess, more faintly. “Not living? I had not heard. Then, who is the head of the household?” “Oh, you want to see Ruth,” cried Tess. “She’s the biggest. It must be Ruth you want to see.” “Perhaps you are right,” said the gentleman, eyeing the girls curiously. “If she is the chief of the clan, it is she I must see. I have come to inform her of her Uncle Peter Stower’s death.” CHAPTER II—UNCLE PETER’S WILL Tess and Dot were greatly excited. As they climbed up the long and semi-dark flights to the little flat at the top of the
Prev.
Back
Top