DOODLES rnia 1 EMMA C. DOWD (Emma . SDotofc DOODLES. Illustrated in color. THE OWL AND THE BOBOLINK. Il- lustrated. POULY OF LADY GAY COTTAGE. Il- lustrated in color. POLLY OF THE HOSPITAL STAFF Illustrated in color. HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY BOSTON AND NEW YORK DOODLES (Page 4!l) HE WAS NEVER LONELY WHEN HE COULD SING DOODLES The Sunshine Boy BY EMMA C. DOWD WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARIA L. KIRK BOSTON AND NEW YORK HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY (be ftiliersitie press Cambrit>0e 1915 COPYRIGHT, 1915, BY EMMA C. DOWD ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Published April iqty TO MY PHYSICIAN AND FRIEND EDWARD THOMAS BRADSTREET, M.D. 2227839 CONTENTS I. THE BARGAIN 1 II. CARUSO 10 III. THE ROBBERY ON THE TOP FLOOR 19 IV. DOODLES TURNS MATCHMAKER 36 V. CARUSO AND DOCTOR SANDY 43 VI. GRANDPA MOON COMES TO TOWN 49 VII. A FRIEND FROM GREECE 64 VIII. THE STRIKE 71 IX. THOMAS FITZPATRICK'S WHISTLE 81 X. "COMFORT YE, COMFORT YE MY PEOPLE" 99 XI. THE PASSING OF THE DANCER 116 XII. THE HEART OF THE FLATIRON 129 XIII. "JiM's FIDDLE" 133 XIV. THE LETTER 140 XV. HOSPITAL DAYS 146 XVI. CARUSO SINGS IN PUBLIC 159 XVII. A THUNDERBOLT 177 XVIII. "THE TRUE-BLUEST BOY" 189 XIX. JOSEPH SITNITSKY PROVES HIS VALOR 201 vii CONTENTS XX. DOODLES AND BLUE, DETECTIVES 212 XXI. SURPRISING NEWS 238 XXII. THE COMFORTING OP EUDORA FLEMING 245 XXIII. "THE MIRACLE VOICE" 267 XXIV. DOODLES KEEPS ON 279 XXV. IN FAIR HARBOR 291 XXVI. "DR. POLLY" 307 XXVII. "AULD LANG SYNE" 325 ILLUSTRATIONS HE WAS NEVER LONELY WHEN HE COULD SING (page 49) Frontispiece "I THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE IT" 16 ONE STORMY EVENING HE BEGAN TO PLAY 144 " IT WOULD KILL DOODLES TO GIVE UP CARUSO " 260 DOODLES CHAPTER I THE BARGAIN FRAGMENTS of the auctioneer's entreaties floated through the open doorway of the bird shop and, above the rattle and roar of the street, clacked in Blue's ears. " Ladies and gentlemens . . . beautiful lark . . . emperor of singers . . . not swell to look at, but . . . Only twenty cents! Twenty-two am I offered? . . . shame, ladies and gentlemens!" And so on, in tones of pleading and mild complaint. Blue, meanwhile, studied the placarded window, where all manner of feathered stock, " slightly damaged, but every bird a bargain," was announced to be sold to the highest bidder. " Lovely starling . . . ladies and gentle- mens, . . . how much? " the persuasive voice skipped on, but was rudely interrupted by another. DOODLES "Huntin' fer bargains?" A boy of Blue's own size nudged him in the back. ' ' Why don't yer go in 'n' git one fer Doodles? 'T 'u'd keep him f'm bein' down 'n' dumpy. My aunt - '"Down 'n' dumpy' Doodles!" Blue's rallying laugh drowned the ''ladies and gentle- mens ' ' drifting through the doorway. ' ' Huh, " he chuckled, "guess yer don't know Doodles ! " " Ain't he, now? S'posed all sick folks was. My aunt she "Doodles dumpy!" The boy's shoulders shook again. "Why, if there was nothin' left in the whole world but just barbers' poles, Doodles 'u'd sure make friends with the stripes. And he'd have the best time ever bet you he would!" Blue's hard little face grew suddenly tender, as he thought of the brother whose life was all pain and all joy. The auction was over. The crowd poured out into the noisy street. Here and there a bird-cage told that a lame canary, a blind bobolink, or some other "damaged" fluff of feathers had changed owners. One of the purchasers, a small, hatless girl, clad in scowls and a lace-collared coat, halted THE BARGAIN when she saw Blue, and began recklessly to swing her cage. "Here, you Mame Sweeney!" the boy cried, seizing the child's arm; "don't yer see you're scarin' that bird 'most to death?" "Le' go!" she snapped. "'T ain't yours!" She wrenched herself free, and defiantly thrashed the cage about her knees. "Stop it ! " The girl found her hand gripped in a vise of muscles. "Le' me be!" she screamed. "Don't care if I do scare him! Horrid old thing!" A little group of newsboys circled about them, eager for a closer view of the cause of the wrangle. The ragged gray bird, panting on the floor of his prison, did not invite favor. There was a subdued chorus of grunts and ejaculations. Then disapproval burst into bantering speech. "Ain't he a dood!" "Mame, wha' 'd yer pay fer th' beaut?" "Whin '11 he give a concert?" - "Sure, if he sings like he looks, he '11 bate th' show!" The girl frowned on the teasing lads. "How could I see him in all that jam!" she pouted. "The man said he was swell, and 3 DOODLES could sing like everything. Anyhow, I got him for seventeen cents!" " Swell!" Blue let go a whistle. Yet he gazed pityingly at the poor, draggled thing in the cage. "You could n't to know nothin' 'bout him the while he's got fraids," apologized Joseph Sitnitsky. "He be a awful stylish kind." Joseph's uncle was half-proprietor of the bird shop. As if encouraged by this friendly comment, the bird tentatively cast an eye upward, and then hopped to his perch. But if he had hoped by this act to win kindlier words, the effort failed. Scorn swept the circle. The Bargain was disgracefully dirty, his left wing hung limp at his side, his bill was nicked, and his tail was reduced to three ragged feathers. "Aw, he's worser'n a muddy sparrer! Out him, Mame, an' done with it!" "You could to have nice feelings over him, und maybe sometime he sings," mildly remon- strated the loyal nephew of Abraham Sitnitsky. But nobody heeded the plaintive voice, and the girl, chagrined at the loss of her money and exasperated by the jeers of the boys, 4 THE BARGAIN seemed about to follow Pete's dismal advice, when Blue Stickney interposed. "I'll give yer a quarter for him!" Staying her reckless hand, Mame stared. "Honest?" she scowled. The boy was already counting out the sum from his meager handful of small coins, and in a moment the gray bird had again changed owners. As Blue started up the steep stairs to the top floor of The Flatiron, he wished it had been possible to give his purchase a bath be- fore revealing it to the keen eyes of Doodles; but then the little brother would have had just so much less of happy ministration for his pet. For, of course, the bird would belong to Doodles. There had never been any other thought of it in Blue's mind. Down the dun stairway floated a strain of melody, and it told the boy agreeable news, that his mother had come home and was get- ting dinner, that things had gone well at the big shop where she worked, and that the little brother was not suffering from the "bad spell " which had threatened in the morning. Mrs. Stickney rarely sang when Doodles was in un- 5 DOODLES usual pain, and if she did it was not in so brisk a voice. The song grew clearer, the words came dis- tinctly now. ." Je ru sa lem, the gold en, With milk and hon ey blest! Be neath thy contempla tion Sink heart and voice oppressed: I know not, oh, I know not, What holy joys are there, What ra dian cy of glo ry, What light beyond compare. " They stand, those halls of Zi on, All ju bi lant " Blue opened the kitchen door, and as he stepped from the dusky hallway to the sunlit room, a sudden mellow trill struck into the song. This tuneful greeting quite caught away the boy's remembrance of the little speech of pres- entation with which he had thought to amuse his brother, and Doodles, his eyes big with wonder and delight, stretched out both hands towards the unkempt singer. "O h! is he ours?" he cried. Blue nodded. "To keep forever?" 6 THE BARGAIN Another nod. "Isn't he a darling!" breathed the little occupant of the pillowed chair, when the bat- tered cage was placed beside him. He threw one arm around the small prison, and leaned lovingly over it. The bird cocked an eye upward, and ven- tured another trill. "He's just beautiful!" piped Doodles in ecstasy. After that who could dare to make unflat- tering remarks about the singer? Certainly not Doodles's mother, so with a happy light on her face she continued her work of prepar- ing dinner. In The Flatiron news flew fast. Even before Mrs. Stickney's potatoes had fried brown, up the stairs puffed Granny O'Donnell on her rheumatic old legs, bringing the deserted home of her long-mourned-for Canary Dick, who had flown away from Cherry Street six years ago. With a joyful whiff the Bargain took pos- session of his roomier quarters, and, despite his drooping wing, pranced about on the perches. 7 DOODLES "See how happy he is!" laughed Doodles, clapping his little thin hands. "He is saying thank-you!" Then, perhaps because his new master had suggested the returning of thanks, the slim gray bird, with a little captivating prelude, broke into a torrent of melody such as Canary Dick with his limited powers had never dreamed of. "Shure, an' he must 'a' coome sthraight f'm hiven!" gasped Granny O'Donnell, as the last note dropped into silence. Blue stood, big-eyed, in the pantry door- way, arrested in his hunt for a suitable bath- tub for the singer; the mother quite forgot her scorching potatoes; and Doodles himself, with both arms around the cage, crooned words of endearment in the ears of the little songster. Granny O'Donnell's astonishing reports of Blue's twenty-five-cent purchase spread through the big tenement house, until old and young tripped or hobbled up to the top floor to see the surprising handful of feathers that could "sing loike a blissid a-angil." A long bath and a still longer toilet in the sun brought the ragged Bargain to something like 8 sleekness, and he began the promise of making good his little master's first praise. On rainy days, when shut-in neighbors were apt to be neighborly and numerous, the gray bird some- times sulked on the end of his perch and re- fused to sing, possibly too strongly reminded of his dismal surroundings in the bird shop. But as soon as the sunshine returned he would promptly forget the past and graciously dis- play his wonderful gift to all that came. CHAPTER II CARUSO A WEIGHTY problem was puzzling the Stick- ney family. What should be the gray bird's name? Doodles was growing nervous under the reiterated question, "What yer goin' to call him? " Every visitor had a name to offer, but the matter was not of easy disposal. "I know Mis' Homan thinks I ought to call him Cherry," observed the little owner plain- tively; "but how can I! He is n't one. And there's Granny! Do you s'pose she'll feel awful bad if I don't name him Dicky? If 't was n't for Dicky Fyt but 't is! And his mother callin' and callin' him all day long! How 'd anybody know which she meant? " "Huh," snorted Blue, "guess we shan't name him after that kid not much!" "And now Mis' George," Doodles resumed, "I'm afraid she's mad. She was in here with the baby, this afternoon, and she tried to make me promise to call him Evangeline, 10 CARUSO after her. I kep' tellin' her he was n't a girl; but she did n't seem to think that made any difference. I s'pose it's a pretty name; but you would n't want it, would you, for him?" The tone was anxious. "Gracious, no!" was the emphatic answer. "Name him after that George squaller!" Blue chuckled with the thought. Doodles laughed a little in sympathy, and surveyed his brother with admiration. Blue was always so satisfying. At breakfast, next morning, the important question was again taken up. "Dear me!" complained the mother, "I hope that bird will get a name pretty soon; we can't seem to talk of anything else." Blue laughed confidently. "He'll have one before night, sure ! I 'm goin' to think of some- thin' fine to-day." "Goin' somethin' ! " repeated Mrs. Stick- ney with a patient sigh. "What would your grandfather say to hear that ! With him keep- ing the district school for two years before he was married, I tell you, we children had to stand round! No cutting words short where he was!" 11 DOODLES "Glad I wasn't there!" grinned Blue. "You'd have been a good deal better off than you are now," his mother asserted. "If I did n't have to work in the shop, I believe I'd keep you home from school, and teach you myself, till you could talk decently." "You ought to hear the other boys," laughed Blue. "That's what's the trouble. Doodles is catching it from you, and does n't speak nearly as well as he used to. I wish you had better companions." She drew a long, regret- ful breath. "Well, do try, both of you, to remember your i-n-g's." "Oh! what dif does it make?" returned Blue easily. "Child! dif! There's the whistle!" Correct speech was quite forgotten, as Mrs. Stickney hurried off to the big silver shop, leaving the boys to finish their breakfast in leisure. They did not at once go back to the question they had been discussing; but while the elder brother was washing the dishes Doodles started it again. "What made you be so sure Birdie 'd have a name by night?" the small boy queried. 12 CARUSO "Oh, I do' know!" Blue smiled, pausing to pour a dipper of hot water over the soapy cups and plates. "Seems sometimes 's if he never would," Doodles put in with a wee sigh. "Oh, I haven't half tried yet!" resumed the other. "Don't you worry one mite, old feller! Ther' 's lots o' dandy names, if I could only think of 'em, and I 'm goin' going to do my honor best to-day, sure!" Doodles laughed softly, to accompany his brother's louder chuckle, and rested in the promise, for, as he had reason to know, Blue's "honor best" was apt to be very good, in- deed; and when he was left alone he and the gray bird had a long confidential talk. It was satisfactory, too, for although words were only on one side Doodles would have told you that the bird surely understood all that was said to him. Did n't he cock his little head, and make soft, musical replies! And when he was assured that he would soon have a name of his very own, "just like other folks," did n't he actually dash off a brand- new song that left his hearer gasping with delight! 13 DOODLES Yet it was not Blue that first arrived with the name. Some of the top-floor lodgers had to pass the door of the Stickney kitchen on their way up and down stab's. Among them was a re- cent comer to whom Doodles had taken a strong liking, a young girl, small, red- cheeked, and curly-haired, who had smiled a prompt answer to his first friendly "Hello!" The next day she had stepped inside, to give him a flower from the little bunch she carried, and then had lingered a moment to hear the gray bird sing. The boy had quickly learned her step, because of a slight lameness, and he came to watch for her as soon as the noon whistles blew, and was disappointed when she went elsewhere for dinner. He felt that he had a kind of fellowship with her on account of her defect, and he longed really to know her. To- day he was listening for her halting footfall even before she had had time to reach The Flatiron. He had not learned where she worked; but he conjectured that it must be either at the knitting mill or the box factory. His mother was full ten minutes in walking down from the silver shop, and the girl usually 14 CARUSO reached home at least five minutes earlier. If she shouldn't come at all this noon! He wanted to tell her that his pet was really going to have a name, for had n't Blue said so ! There she was now! Nearer and nearer drew the uneven steps. Doodles waited excitedly for the first glimpse of her dark blue dress. "Hello!" he called. "Please, will you" She was coming, even before the invitation was given! "What is it, little sweetheart?" Dimples were playing about the ruddy lips. "I wanted to tell you that my bird is going to have a name to-day!" "Of course, he is! I've brought it!" "You?" "Yes, I found it right on the street." "Oh! how? what?" Doodles bent for- ward in his eagerness. "I saw it on the billboards down by the theater; it's the name of a great singer, Caruso." The child brought his little hands together with a soft breath of delight. "Isn't that beautiful! Caruso! I've been wishin' it would sound like music and it does!" 15 DOODLES "I thought you'd like it," she nodded. "It is lovely! Won't Blue be glad! Oh, Birdie dear, you've got a name! you've got a name!" leaning over the cage, which stood always within his reach. " Caruso Caruso ! Do you like it, dear?" The gray bird stopped pruning his feathers, glanced archly at his little master, and with a few joyous whistles broke into one of his cap- tivating songs. "He is a wonderful singer," praised the girl. "I've been wishing I could go to hear Caruso; I'll have to come and hear this one instead." "Yes, do come any time!" urged Doo- dles. "But why don't you go and hear the other, if you want to?" The girl laughed. "It costs money, sweet- heart." Her blue eyes grew wistful. "Every- thing nice costs money." She turned to go. " I 'm ever and ever so much obliged to you for the name," Doodles hastened to say. "I don't know yours," he suggested. She had come back, and was looking down at him, a half-smile on her pretty lips. "No, you don't, do you! " she replied gayly. 16 'I THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE IT" CARUSO "It is Dorothy" a shadow passed over the bright face "Rose." "What a pretty name!" chirped Doodles. "I'm so glad you told me." "You can call me Dolly, if you like; some folks do. Grandpa always does did," she corrected. "Oh, I'd love to!" began the child; but the girl was already in the hall, and she did not look back. At the instant Blue dashed up the stairs with a clatter. "I've got the dandiest name for you!" he burst out. "Oh! "cried Doodles. "You never could guess!" grinned his brother. "Caruso ! " piped the small boy with sudden intuition. "How'n the world " Blue's face fell in amazement. Doodles clapped his hands gleefully. "You thought I could n't guess, and he 's got it already!" Blue laughed in sheer sympathy with his brother's joy. 17 DOODLES "But how?" he queried. " Dolly brought it she" (pointing to- wards the girl's door) " Dolly Rose." Mrs. Stickney came just in time to hear the story of the new name, and the dinner hour was full of unusual chatter and mirth. CHAPTER III THE ROBBERY ON THE TOP FLOOR AFTER his mother had returned to the fac- tory, and his brother to school, Doodles found himself somewhat weary from the small ex- citement, and shortly he fell asleep. The kitchen was very still. Stairway and hall were empty; the occupants of the top floor worked outside, and would not be home until six o'clock. Only dull sounds came from the stories below. Even Caruso drowsed on his perch. Moments, hours, were ticked off by the little brown clock on the shelf; yet Doo- dles did not awake. At last somebody crept stealthily up the steep stairs. A girl in a lace-collared coat peered round the corner of the doorway, and as she saw the sleeping boy her beady eyes gleamed with triumph. Noiselessly she crossed the room, and reached out a hand to snatch the bird cage; but her quick movement roused the little prisoner, and he began to 19 DOODLES flutter wildly. For an instant the girl hesi- tated, glancing at Doodles, and the lad came to himself with a sharp cry. Quickly realizing that his pet was in danger, he grasped the cage as she seized it, clinging to it manfully; but with brutal force she wrested his frail fingers from their hold, and put herself and her booty beyond his reach. " I ' 11 learn ye ! " she snarled . "It's my bird 't ain't yours! There's yer old money!" She flung a quarter on the table. It rolled away, and off to the floor; but she did not stop to pick it up. " Blue Stick' knew I was only in fun when I let him take it, and he 'd oughter brought it right back; everybody says so. Ye kin tell him he need n't sneak round tryin' ter git th' bird again, fer he can't have it!" She was disappearing in the doorway before the dazed boy burst into speech. "Come back! come back!" he shrieked. "It's mine! Bring it back! oh, bring it back !" But his only answer was a little flouting laugh and the mad whir of wings against the wires. "Oh, Birdie! Birdie!" piteously called the child, the familiar name coming to his lips in 20 THE ROBBERY ON THE TOP FLOOR place of the new one, and as the fleeing foot- steps on the stairs were lost 'he dropped back among his pillows with a great sob. "Dear Birdie!" he moaned, "my precious Birdie!" In that moment despair seized his soul. If only he could have pursued to save his pet! But, ah! his feet had forgotten how to walk, and all at once realizing his utter helplessness he put his hands to his face and shed the first bitter tears of his joyous life. Then, with a suddenness that caught away his breath, came the pain, the ugly pain which for weeks had held itself so far off that he had almost forgotten how cruel it could be, and now he groaned with the torture of it. So his brother found him, white and sob- bing. "What's up, kiddie?" Blue knelt beside him, and took the cold little hands in his own. "Tell me, old feller! Is't the big pain?" The child nodded. For a moment he could do no more. Anguish held the words back. "Birdie's gone!" he finally sobbed out. "Gone?" Blue stared around. "Where is he?" "She took him! the girl!" 21 DOODLES "The girl? That Dolly" "No, no ! a little girl ! She left some money there!" He pointed feebly in the direction of the coin. A fierce light flamed in Blue's puzzled face. "Did she have on a big lace collar?" "Yes." "Mame Sweeney! confounded little cuss!" Doodles gazed at him with horrified eyes. "Don't care! she is! makin' you feel like this! Tell me about it, kiddie ! Or no, I'll get some medicine first." Blue was accustomed to these sudden at- tacks, and brought a glass of the remedy which was always at hand. Bit by bit he gained the story, and he was swift at a decision. "I'll go straight down there, and get the bird!" "She won't let you have it!" wailed Doo- dles. "She said so!" "Just a bluff, old feller! S'pose I'm goin' to let Mame Sweeney down me? Not much!" "If I'd only been been like you!" mourned the child. "And Caruso won't know why I did n't jump up and run after him! I 22 THE ROBBERY ON THE TOP FLOOR guess his heart is 'most broke, thinkin' I don't care." "No, 't ain't," declared Blue. "Anyway you can tell him all about it when he comes " Doodles was gasping in another agonizing spasm, and the elder boy sprang to his side with words of courage and cheer. Presently the pain passed, and the brave little sufferer again smiled. "That one was pretty hard," he said weakly, as his brother brought a second dose of the soothing medicine. "Guess this '11 squelch it. Don't b'lieve it '11 come again." Blue set down the empty glass, and looked at the clock. In ten minutes the evening papers would be due; he ought to go after the bird at once; but how could he leave Doodles? He thought fast. " Should you mind my going now, kiddie, if Granny will come up and stay with you? I Ve got to deliver my papers, you know, and I want to make sure of Caruso first." "You '11 bring him home? " "Sure!" "All right! I don't mind being alone 23 DOODLES much. I'd rather you'd go get Caruso. I feel better. Granny need n't come." "Guess I'll ask her," Blue insisted, and bade his brother a cheery good-bye. Yet as he ran down the stairs his face darkened and he shut his lips tight. He was thinking of his errand round the corner. "Ye don't say!" exclaimed the old Irish- woman, when the boy told her briefly of the robbery and Doodles's consequent illness. "Seem's if I'd 'a' heerd her bold little sar- pint! go'n' right by me dure with that a- angil bur-rd! Iv coorse, I'll sthay with th' blissid child!" Dear Granny O'Donnell! From Christmas Day to Christmas Day she was at her neigh- bors' disposal with her capable hands, her quick brain, and her rheumatic old legs. Whether it was mumps or pneumonia, an ailing kitten or a new baby, a drunken hus- band or a dying child, whatever the need, Granny was always ready. Even now, before Blue was well out on the street she was limp- ing up the stairs to Doodles. Just below The Flatiron stood Joseph Sitnitsky. 24 "Hello!" hailed Blue. " You 're the man I want." Joseph smiled good-naturedly. "Say," Blue went on, in a confidential tone, "I've got some business on hand that can't wait, and it 's 'most time for the paper to be out. Would yer mind runnin' down to the Courant office an' gittin' mine? I '11 give yer the money," drawing a small handful from his pocket. "I will go," agreed Joseph solemnly. "Will I to bring them here?" "Oh, no!" cried Blue. "Just leave 'em at the office, and say I '11 call for 'em. I '11 be no end obliged." "A' right," assented the other, and trotted away. You could always trust Joseph, and Blue at once centered his thoughts on the disagree- able duty at hand. What if they should see him coming and should n't let him in? What if Mame's big brother were at home! What if but, pshaw! there was no need of what-if- ing in this way. It was going to be an easy job; all he had to do was to walk in quietly, grab the bird, and run. Once he had the cage in his hands there 'd be nothing to fear, no 25 DOODLES Sweeney could beat him in a race. And if there should be any real opposition, was n't he in good fighting order? Did n't he whip a fel- low of fifteen this very morning for teasing a little clubfooted boy ! Recollecting that pleas- ant affair made him feel equal to any possible contest with Sweeneys big or little. Up in the hallway of the new brick block he looked around questioningly. Then he risked the first bell at his right. A small girl opened the door. "Does Mame Sweeney live here?" he asked in a soft tone. The child pointed directly across the hall, and, thanking her, Blue walked over and pushed the button indicated. Mame herself answered the summons; but with her first glimpse of the caller she at- tempted to shut the door. Blue, however, was ready, and throwing himself against it pushed into the room. The girl, glowering, darted to the opposite side of the apartment. "That's yer manners, is it?" she jeered. "Yer needn't think ye 're goin' ter git that bird ag'in!" 26 THE ROBBERY ON THE TOP FLOOR "No, indade!" broke in Mrs. Sweeney. "If ye hain't th' cheek! Kapin' Mame's bur-rd all this time, an' thin comin' afther it ! Out with ye! We don't want ye round!" The boy threw back his head defiantly, and pulled a quarter from his pocket. "That 's your money," he cried, laying it on the table; "but the bird's mine! I bought it fair'n' square! Mame was mighty glad to git it off her hands then, an' now just because you've heard that it sings yer want it back" "Want it?" sneered Mrs. Sweeney. "Yis, we want it an' we 've got it, an' whin ye see it ag'in, jist pass me th' wurrud! Now 1'ave, will ye!" "I can have you arrested!" dared Blue, growing furious. "I will, too, if yer don't bring out that bird! You stole it! I'll have you arrested sure as " "Arristid, is it? That's a good wan! Ar- ristid!" She laughed shrilly. The boy's face darkened with passion. If she had been a man he would have sprung like a tiger but a woman! He clinched his fists fiercely and held himself straight. 27 " Well, arre ye go'n', ye little "No, not without my bird!" blazed the boy. A sinister light flashed in the woman's eyes. "Mame dear," she bade in oily tones, "fitch th' bur-rd! fitch th' bur'rd!" The girl stared at her mother an instant, and then started towards a closed door. Blue turned, and his gaze followed her eagerly. In a moment it was over. The boy never knew just how it was done. But he had been caught in the back, and, his arms close pin- ioned, had been lifted and hurled into the hall- way. As he sprang to his feet the lock clicked in the door, and there was coarse laughter. Realizing the trick, he set his teeth in helpless fury. "I'll make you pay for this!" he shouted. Then he shot down the stairs to the street. On the sidewalk, passing the entrance, marched a big policeman. Blue's face lighted in glad recognition. "Mr. Fitzpatrick!" he called, "oh, Mr. Fitzpatrick!" The tall man turned, and smiled cordially. 28 THE ROBBERY ON THE TOP FLOOR "Hello, Blue! What's up?" For the boy's face showed unusual excitement. The story was jerkily told, but Thomas Fitzpatrick, with the aid of an occasional quiet question, soon had possession of the principal facts. " Will yer go right up an' arrest 'em?" The voice was eager. They were walking slowly in the direction of the City Hall, and the officer glanced up at the clock in the tower. "Can't leave my beat now," he answered. "I shall be off duty in half an hour; then we '11 attend to the case." "An' you'll arrest 'em, won't yer?" Blue insisted. A little smile flickered on Thomas Fitz- patrick's broad face. "Don't think 't will be necessary," he said in confident tone. "We'll git the bird." "But they won't let yer have it!" the boy hastened to assure him. "You wait an' see!" laughed the officer. "You wait an' see! How's the kid comin' on?" " This has done him all up. I found him in 29 DOODLES one of his dreadful turns when I came home from school. He thinks that bird is it, for sure!" The big man grew grave. "A shame!" he muttered, with a slow shake of his head. "Poor little kid! But we'll have him smilin' again before long. You tell him Tom Fitz- patrick will git his bird for him, an' not to worry another mite. I'll meet you here in half an hour, and we'll fix 'em!" Blue bounded away to the top floor of The Flatiron, and found Doodles deep in Granny's story of her girlhood days in one of old Ire- land's famous castles. Nothing short of Caruso himself could have brought the small boy so much joy as the message of his adored Thomas Fitzpatrick; for ever since the after- noon of The Flatiron fire, when Doodles was alone on the fourth floor and the gallant young Irishman then a fireman had bounded up the burning stairs through the thick smoke and had carried the helpless child down to fresh air and safety, the name of Fitzpatrick had been an honored one in the Stickney family. Blue's paper route was raced over. Al- 30 THE ROBBERY ON THE TOP FLOOR though he was late in starting, the last house was reached on time. He was in front of the Tobin Block a whole minute ahead of Fitz- patrick. The two mounted the stairs in silence. Mrs. Sweeney herself answered the ring. The door was opened a mere crack, and her head ap- peared beyond it. "What ye want?" she asked in a surly voice. The officer touched his cap. "I wish to see Mrs. Sweeney." " That's me name. What ye want?" "Perhaps we can talk better inside," he suggested; but the crack was not widened, and with a little tolerant smile he went on. "I have come to get a bird that belongs to this young gentleman's brother," with a sidelong nod towards Blue. "I - 11 It's our bur-rd ! " she snapped. " 'T ain't theirs ! He t 'ased Mame out iv it be pertindin' J t warn't no good, an' so she a little gur-rl lit him take it. Look ut th' cheek iv him, whin it's not his ut all, kapin' it an' kapin' it, till Mame had ter go an' fitch it home!" "Madam," said the officer quietly, "there's 31 DOODLES no use putt'n' up a bluff. I understand the case from beginnin' to end. Blue Stickney bought the bird of your girl, it was a right up and down sale, and she has no claim on it. If you '11 hand it over at once, you '11 save your- self trouble." "I guess not much!" she bristled, "our own bur-rd! He's lied to ye!" "Mrs. Sweeney," a heavy hand was laid on the door, " I 've no time to waste in talk. I will thank you to bring me that bird, or I shall be obliged to take unpleasant measures." The woman hesitated, muttering. "I guess I may 's well lit ye have it," she at last wav- ered aloud, "though it's ours, sure! Homely ol' thing!" she went on scornfully. "Mame was a fool fer buyin' it ! " She still stood there, behind the crack, sullen, unwilling to yield. Thomas Fitzpatrick was patient, but his supper hour was going. "I suppose you know the penalty for resisting an officer of the law," he finally insinuated. She darted away, and the man swung the door wide, stepping to the sill. His big form nearly filled the open space, and Blue shifted about for a view of the apartment beyond. 32 THE ROBBERY ON THE TOP FLOOR When the cage was actually in the boy's hand his heart bounded with joy. His faith in Tom Fitzpatrick had been all but over- balanced by Mrs. Sweeney's determination to keep the bird, and he had doubted ever seeing Caruso again. Her duty performed, the woman grew bold. " Ye kin take it," she patronized, "if 't will pacify ye; but Sweeney '11 prob'ly bring suit. He ain't wan ter stan' no humbuggin', Sweeney ain't!" "You can, of course, do as you choose," replied the officer; "but I should advise you to drop the matter. You see, the law 's all on our side; there ain't enough your side o' the fence for you to git a big toe on, let alone a whole foot. Good-day, ma'am!" Down on the sidewalk Fitzpatrick cast a look into the cage. Caruso, huddled up on his lowest perch, was a forlorn bunch of feathers. "What kind of bird is it?" "Do' know what he is; nobody seems to know." "Looks some like a mockin'-bird." "That's what Dolly Rose said," agreed Blue. 33 DOODLES "What ails his wing? broke?" 11 1 do 'know. It's always been bad; but it hangs down worse 'n ever." The boy scowled anxiously at it, thinking of Doodles. " You ought to have it fixed," counseled the big man, "and I know who can do it for you that 's Sandy Gillespie. If ther' 's anything 'bout birds 'at he don't know, 't ain't worth knowin'. Why, he's got a house full of 'em all kinds! He had more 'n fifty, one time. He could tell you, quick as wink, what this one is. I'd take it up there, if I was you. He lives 'way out on the Temple Hill Road. Know where the old Hay ward place is?" Blue nodded. "Well, he lives just a little piece beyond there, a big, old-fashioned house, with a piazza, on the side." "How much '11 he charge?" ventured the boy. "Oh, that'll be all right! You just tell him Tom Fitzpatrick sent you. I declare, wish I could go with you! Sandy Gillespie is a mighty nice man good 's they make 'em." They had reached The Flatiron, and Blue expressed his thanks in no uncertain way. "I 34 THE ROBBERY ON THE TOP FLOOR was awful afraid she was n't goin' ter let yer have it," he confessed. The officer laughed. "I was n't, a bit," he said. "I took a little more time than I might have with some folks; but I did n't want a row. It 's better to get along quietly when you can. Now you take that bird up to Sandy to-morrow! And tell the kid I'm coming in to call on him some day. Good-night." At sight of Caruso Doodles held out both arms, with a little cry. His brother set the cage on his knees, and the bird sprang up to the top perch to cuddle against his master's soft cheek. Doodles and Caruso went to sleep that night side by side. "I want him right where I can put my hand on the cage when I wake up," said the boy. "Then I shall know his coming back was n't a dream." CHAPTER IV DOODLES TURNS MATCHMAKER IT rained ; but no merry, independent little drops tinkled upon the panes. Mother Nature appeared to be housecleaning, and torrents of water were dashed against the windows. Doodles watched the work outside while Ca- ruso plumed his feathers. When the long toilet was completed, the bird and the boy were ready for a chat, happy, crooning talk on the one side, soft, tuneful notes on the other. Footfalls were on the stairs. Somebody was coming up, with light, running steps. " Sounds like Mr. Gaylord," Doodles told Caruso. Presently a young man appeared, his trim suit of dark cheviot corresponding with the bright, smiling face which he turned towards the Stickney kitchen. " Hello, Doodles!" The blithe voice was enough to make one forget such things as cloudy skies and autumn housecleaning. 36 DOODLES TURNS MATCHMAKER " Hello!" the boy responded joyfully. ' ' Take the rocking-chair, Mr. Gaylord, do ! " "I had a little time before dinner, and thought I 'd run up and hear your bird. You know, he's never sung to me yet." "Maybe he won't now," returned Doodles anxiously. "He does n't like rainy days, and then he got so scared yesterday." A query brought out an account of the afternoon's excitement, for the boy was still brimful of it. The visitor was a sympathetic listener, and the story as told by Doodles was worth hearing. "So you've found a name for him!" re- marked the young man presently, after they had used up all the praiseful adjectives for Thomas Fitzpatrick. "Yes, Dolly Rose did it!" cried Doodles gleefully. "That is she thought of it first; then Blue came in with it, too was n't that funny? Do you know Dolly Rose? " "I think not who is she?" "Why, she lives right next door to you," exclaimed Doodles. "She's just as pretty! She 's got red cheeks and lovely blue eyes exactly like the sky, and the cunningest lit- 37 DOODLES tie curls in her hair. Haven't you ever seen her ? " "Yes, I guess I have from the descrip- tion; but I did n't know her name." "You'd like her, she's so sweet. She brought me some flowers one day, and a peach another time. And she has the dearest little dimples when she smiles I always want to kiss them! Don't you like dimples? " "I guess so," laughed Mr. Gaylord. "They always remind me " But his thought was interrupted, for Ca- ruso, with a few bewitching quirks and trills, burst into one of his enchanting songs. "Bravo!" cried the visitor, as the music ceased. The bird had stopped as suddenly as he had begun, and was now lunching on a bit of cracker. "He is a worthy namesake of the great tenor." Doodles, bending over the cage, whispered his thanks to the little singer, while the young man surveyed them with tender eyes. "I am going to hear the other Caruso next Wednesday night," he said presently. "And that makes me think I ought to be picking out my seat; they went on sale this morning." 38 DOODLES TURNS MATCHMAKER The boy's eyes shone. "To hear him sing! Won't that be splendid! Dolly Rose wants to go awfully oh! I wonder "he broke off, gazing at the other in hesitation, yet with the brightness of the new thought in his face. "Have you plenty of money?" he ventured. "It depends on how much you call plenty," the young man smiled. "I sha'n't be a mil- lionaire this year. But what is it you wish? fruit? or candy? or some toy? Say on! I'll risk it!" Doodles stared an instant. Then his delicate face lighted. "Oh, no, nothing for me! I've got all /want!" The visitor looked at him, the hint of a smile on the boyish lips. "You are fortunate," he said. The child did not notice. " I was only think- ing," he went on, "how nice it would be, un- less it cost too much, if you she wants to hear him so bad if you could take Dolly Rose to the concert with you!" Mr. Gaylord laughed out, and Doodles chuckled in sympathy. "Will you? "he urged. The young man shook his head, "I am 39 DOODLES afraid Miss Dolly would n't care to go with a fellow she does n't know well enough to bow to." "Oh, yes, she would! I know she would! I can introduce you to her she '11 be here now in a little while! Oh, won't it be lovely!" The words tumbled over each other, as Doodles brought his hands together in ecstasy. Mr. Gaylord, a deeper tinge of red on his sun-browned face, leaned back in Mrs. Stick- ney's old rocker, while his shoulders shook si- lently and his gray eyes twinkled. Doodles beamed on him. "Are n't you glad I thought of it? And won't she be pleased?" "I'm not certain " the other began, but was stopped by a "Sh!" "She's coming!" whispered Doodles. The two waited, the boy eager, the man amused. "Oh, Dolly! Please come in! I want to speak to you! Hello!" Doodles was joyfully excited. Inside the doorway she halted, spying the stranger. "You need n't be afraid of him!" the boy cried, stretching out his hand to her. 40 DOODLES TURNS MATCHMAKER She stepped forward, and held it close, in both her own. "It's Mr. Gaylord," Doodles hastened to explain. "He's chauffeur for Mrs. Graham, that rich lady that lives over on Douglas Street. I 've been tellin' him about you. This is Miss Dolly Rose, Mr. Gaylord." The young man offered his rocker, which the girl gently declined, insisting that she had not time to sit down. ' ' Just a minute ! ' ' pleaded Doodles. ' ' I want to tell you something right away you '11 be so glad ! Mr. Gaylord is going to hear the real Caruso next week, and he's going to take you! Is n't that beautiful?" Sparks of fun twinkled in the man's eyes; but they vanished when he glanced at the face opposite. It was flashing with indigna- tion. No dimples played about the clear-cut lips. He anticipated her words. "Doodles is taking things a little for granted," he said with gentle deference. "I should certainly consider it a privilege and an honor to be allowed to escort you to the opera house Wednesday evening; but let me say frankly that such a thought could scarcely 41 DOODLES have occurred to me except for our young friend's suggestion, inasmuch as I hardly knew you by sight and had never heard your name." The girl unbent a bit, as the comicality of the situation pushed itself forward. "Even then," he went on, "I was not bold enough to expect that Doodles's wish would come true, but now that we have been properly introduced I will say that I should honestly be very glad if you would go with me. It would add a great deal to the pleasure of my evening." Evidently the girl's inclination and judg- ment were in struggle, and the latter was get- ting the other in hand. "I thank you, Mr. Gaylord," she answered, a little hesitantly, "indeed, I do; but, really, I don't think I can go " "Oh! why not?" broke in Doodles. "You said you wanted to!" The girl trembled on the verge of a smile, and suddenly was in a merry laugh. "You will go, won't you?" coaxed the boy, delighted at the pleasant turn things had taken. "Perhaps," she yielded and then darted away. CHAPTER V CARUSO AND DOCTOR SANDY THE next day being Saturday it was thought best, after a family council, for Blue to take Caruso to the Scotchman of whom Thomas Fitzpatrick had told him. "You won't be gone so very long, will you? " asked Doodles anxiously. "A good part of the afternoon, I'm afraid," his brother answered. "Do you mind staying alone?" "Oh, no! only I was thinking I shall miss Caruso." Blue heard this with a little dismay, for he thought it not unlikely that he should be obliged to leave the bird for treatment. He wondered whether he ought to prepare Doodles for such a possibility, or wait and let things come as they would. Finally he ventured: "Maybe the bird doctor will want to keep him a day or two." A shadow fell on the fair little face. 43 DOODLES "Well," replied the boy slowly, "I can get along if he has to stay. You tell the man to not think about me at all, but just to do what's best for Caruso oh, won't it be nice if he can fix Caruso's wing all right!" The sorrow of the possible separation was forgotten in the joy of the moment. It was a long, hard tramp up the Temple Hill Road; but Blue Stickney, with abound- ing strength in every muscle of his lithe little body, was scarcely conscious of fatigue when he spied the rambling, dilapidated structure known as the Hayward place, and presently he was on the porch of the white house beyond. A stocky little man opened the door, whom the boy rightly conjectured to be the owner himself. His face was framed in an abundance of wavy reddish-gray hair, and his keen blue eyes looked kindly at his visitor over a pair of silver-bowed spectacles. Blue briefly told his errand, bringing a smile to the face of the little man when he mentioned the name of Fitzpatrick. "I dinna ken a better mon," he observed, with a strong Scotch accent. "I am glad to welcome ony freend o' his." 44 CARUSO AND DOCTOR SANDY As they entered the big, sunny room on the left of the wide hall, the boy looked about in plain astonishment, for on every side, high and low, were birds birds in cages, and birds free to fly wherever they would. "My, what a lot!" he exclaimed under his breath. Mr. Gillespie gave him a pleased nod over Caruso's cage, from which he was carefully removing the newspaper covering. The bird, contrary to his usual custom with strangers, did not appear to be at all afraid of the Scotchman, but, turning his bright eyes this way and that, surveyed with evident curi- osity his attractive surroundings. The first to give him a musical salutation was a cardinal in the bay window, which began a series of soft, sweet whistles. These notes seemed to rouse the rest of the family, for shortly a concert was in full swing. The singing strangely excited Caruso. He pranced from end to end of his perches, occa- sionally standing motionless as if to listen, and then darting off again in a wild dance. At last he could keep silent no longer, and a flood of music poured from his bursting throat which 45 DOODLES all but drowned the other voices. Indeed, hi a moment he had the stage quite to himself, and was singing as he had never sung even for his beloved little master. Blue actually held his breath, as if fearing to miss a note of the marvelous performance; and the old Scotchman, accustomed as he was to all manner of feathered songsters, gazed at the disabled gray bird in surprise and admi- ration. It was as if the robin, the oriole, the cardinal, the song sparrow, the bluebird, and a host of others, were in that little swelling throat. And this was interspersed with the mewing of cats, the grunting of pigs, the cack- ling of hens, the call of the Katy-dids, and the myriad sounds of country life. The singer finally ended with the first notes of " Annie Laurie," breaking off suddenly in the middle of a measure to stand with drooping head, as if trying to recollect the rest. Without hesitation Sandy Gillespie caught up the air where Caruso dropped it, and whistled it through, the bird still motionless upon his perch. That was enough. Memory gave back to the singer what he had almost lost, and with 46 CARUSO AND DOCTOR SANDY a little prelude of his own he slipped into the old song, stopping only with the last note. "Weel dune, birdie! weel dune!" praised the Scotchman in a soft voice, while Caruso pirouetted about like a pleased child. The man smiled, and going to a tiny wall cupboard fetched something which he placed in the bird's cage. Caruso watched him narrowly, and the in- stant he was well away swooped the dainty before Blue could discern what it was. The boy caught a twinkling glance thrown him from over the spectacles, and he answered it with inquiring eyes. ' ' Meal worms, ' ' said the Scotchman. ' ' Nae- thing they like better. What d' ye feed him? " "Oh, 'most anything!" was the indefinite answer. Mr. Gillespie shook his head. "Na, na, that winna do ! " He picked up a small box on the table, and, emptying the bird's food cup, replaced its contents with a little from the package. That it was satisfactory to Caruso was ap- parent from the zest with which he ate it. "Best thing for mockin' birdies," asserted 47 DOODLES the Scotchman, handing Blue the box. "Ye buy it at th' shop." The boy read the price in dismay, "Fifty Cents." They could never afford such costly food. "Th' wee wing wi' sune be a' right, I'm thinkin'," Mr. Gillespie was saying. "Ye maun leave th' birdie wi' me, an' when we're gude freends I can find oot th' tribble." So Blue, feeling that his errand was accom- plished, bade the little man good-bye, prom- ising to come up again by the middle of the next week. CHAPTER VI GRANDPA MOON COMES TO TOWN " On ly an armour-bear er, proud ly I stand, Wait ing to fol low at the King's command; Marching if 'onward' shall the or der be, Standing by my Cap tain, serv ing faith ful ly. " Hear ye the battle cry! 'Forward/ the call! See! see the faltering ones! back ward they fall. Sure ly the Captain may de pend on me, Though but an armour-bear er I may be. Sure ly the Captain may de pend on me, Though but an ar mour-bear er I may be." THE pure, sweet voice of Doodles carried the song on and on without touch of weariness. He was never lonely when he could sing, and now that Caruso was not there he often sung the hours away. The Flatiron was familiar with the singing of Doodles. All up and down the long halls busy mothers and tired toilers would open then 1 doors to the heartening music. They did not stop to ask whether the voice was remarkable or not; it was pleasant to hear, and there was never over-much pleasure in The Flatiron. A few realized that while they were 49 DOODLES listening they forgot the hard life that bound them, and forgetfulness even for a tune was worth while. Bravely rang the last verse. " On ly an armour-bear er, yet may I share Glo ry im mor tal, and a bright crown wear: If, in the bat tie, to my trust I 'm true, Mine shall be the hon ors in the Grand Re view. " Hear ye the battle cry! " The boy stopped suddenly, for an old man was in the doorway. He had removed his hat, and stood panting from his climb of the three nights. " I 'm sorry to inter-rupt your beau-tiful " "Oh, that isn't any matter!" Doodles broke in. "Come right and sit down! Take the rocking-chair; it's easiest." "Thank you," bowed the stranger. "I'm not used to stairs." "These are pretty steep," attested Doodles. "They make mother dreadfully out of breath; but Blue runs up as fast, and does n't mind 'em at all." Before the old man could talk comfortably 50 GRANDPA MOON COMES TO TOWN he let go the query that was impatient on his lips. "Do you know if there's a girl lives in this building called Moon?" The fine face was pathetic in its eagerness. " I don't remember anybody by that name," answered the boy slowly, thinking hard. Flatiron lodgers were so numerous and so fleeting. All brightness faded from the wrinkled face, leaving it more weary than before. "It's my granddaughter," the trembling voice explained. "She went away she had to, and I don't blame her a mite! and she could n't tell me where I do wish she had! A man from our town said he saw her or thought it was coming in here one day; but it could n't 'a' been her!" He sighed. "If Horace had just stopped his team, and spoke to her and found out! But you can't much blame him she give him the mitten once, and he's never gotten over it. It's no wonder the fellows are after her; she's as pretty as her mother before her. Ye see, she's my son's child. Her mother died when she was a little thing, and her father married again. Sarah's been a good mother to her, 51 DOODLES only for trying to make a match between her and Zenas; but it's natural she should think her boy is the whole earth. And he must needs make love to my girl! As for that matter, there ain't a fellow in town that would n't run his legs off to get one of her smiles. But Zenas Camp! He's the conceitedest, dudish- est numskull I ever set eyes on. Poor child! she could n't stand his love-making. So she had to go. She left me a little note, telling me why she could n't stay. I wish she'd told me where she was going, but she said she was afraid I'd have to let it out if I knew, and if I did n't know I could n't tell. Now Zenas has up and married the richest old maid in town; so he's out o' the way. She could come home well's not, and I don't know where to look for her." He bent his head on his hands. "I'm sorry," sympathized Doodles, "I'm awfully sorry! I guess you'll find her; I feel's if you would." " I 've got to ! " The old frame straightened. "To think of her innocent little thing! being in a big city like this, all alone, makes me wild! I must find her! I guess I'm 'bout 52 GRANDPA MOON COMES TO TOWN rested enough to go on. I wish you'd sing me just one piece before I go." "I wonder what you'd like best," Doodles mused. "That you were singing when I come in is's good as any something about an armour- bearer, was n't it?" "Yes, sir, 'Only an Armour-Bearer.' I like that, I s'pose because I'm an only, too." "An 'only'?" The wrinkled forehead had a puzzled scowl. "Why, yes, sir; I'm only a little boy that can't walk. I could n't even be an armour- bearer, if they had them now mother says she guesses they don't. But if they did, I could n't march or anything. I like to play I can, though. It's fine to feel I'm marching with the rest! I can't really do much, you know, except talk and sing. But mother says some folks can't even do that, and it is n't so much what you do as how you do it. I did n't know that till mother told me. It is queer how much mothers know, is n't it? My mother knows 'most everything ! She 's a great comfort." "A mother is the best thing in the whole 53 DOODLES world, little one." The faded blue eyes grew a bit misty. "I think so," agreed Doodles. "And grand- fathers are nice, too. Grandfather Blue was a splendid man, mother says. Blue was named for him, but he don't like it much. The boys call him Blue Stick' and Sticky Blue and Sticky Doleful, and sometimes he gets mad. Mother tells him he ought to be proud of such a name, and proud of Stickney, too, even if the boys do turn it into 'sticky." 3 "Ye can't hurt a good name that way," observed the old man. "A name that's got generations of good folks back of it is the kind that puts ye on your mettle to keep it up to the mark." "Why, you talk just like mother!" cried Doodles, his brown eyes shining. "My father was a lovely man, but I did n't know him. He died when I was a baby. I was named for father and Uncle Jim, Julius James. It's too bad about Uncle Jim! He was mother's only brother, and he ran away because grand- father would n't let him keep his violin. You see, he had been saving up money for ever so long to buy a violin with, and then when he 54 GRANDPA MOON COMES TO TOWN got it grandfather made him carry it back to the store he said it was all nonsense for him to spend his time fiddling. But Uncle Jim was possessed about music mother says I take after him. I guess grandfather was sorry enough afterwards, for Uncle Jim never came back. Mother has n't any idea where he is." On the listener's face the lines deepened. The little story had awakened sad possibili- ties. " Suppose, dearie, you sing a bit now," he suggested. "I must be getting on." "Oh, I forgot!" exclaimed Doodles in com- punction. "Only an Armour-Bearer " was succeeded by "Jerusalem, the Golden," which proved to be one of the visitor's favorites. "Mother likes that," confided Doodles, as he rested from his singing; "it reminds her so of Uncle Jim. Once, when he was a little boy, there was company to stay over night, a minister and his wife named Hall. Before they went to bed they sung some hymns; Grandmother Blue played on the melodeon, and the rest stood around back of her. When they came to that line, 'They stand, those 55 DOODLES halls of Zion,' Jim nudged mother, and pointed to Mr. and Mrs. Hall, and she giggled right out! Nobody noticed it much, they were singing so loud; but she was dreadfully mor- tified." Mr. Moon laughed with Doodles, then, after thanking him for his singing, he arose to his unsteady feet. "If I don't find her to-day, I think I '11 have to stay over till to-morrow," he said quaver- ingly; " seems 's if I could n't go back without my little Dolly!" "Dolly?" repeated Doodles, his eyes round with wonder. "Dolly, did you say?" "Why, yes, of course, Dolly!" The voice was sharp with pain and something akin to impatience. "You never said her name was Dolly!" breathed the boy reproachfully, trying to fol- low out the sudden possible clue. "But she's Dolly Rose!" he added, with a little shake of his head. ' ' Child ! child ! what are you talking about? ' ' "Dolly my Dolly Rose! But she ain't a Moon! She said her name was Rose Dorothy Rose." 56 GRANDPA MOON COMES TO TOWN "Boy! tell me what you're driving at! Who's Dorothy Rose?" The man dropped heavily into the chair he had just quitted. "Why, she's a girl," Doodles explained. "That's her room," pointing to the opposite side of the hall. "But she ain't there now," he added hastily, for the old man was rising, his face set towards the door indicated. "Oh!" exclaimed Doodles softly, "she said her grandpa called her Dolly! She did! But her name's Rose," he insisted sadly. "Oh, 't ain't likely it's my Dolly!" was the dreary conclusion. Then a light stole into the clouded eyes. "Her name ain't Rosetta, is it?" "No, just Rose," the boy replied slowly. "And "he hesitated, reluctant to let go his forlorn hope, "she ain't lame, is she?" "Oh, she is!" piped Doodles excitedly. ' ' Only a little not enough to hurt her a bit ! " even in that significant moment loyal to his friend. The withered face flushed and whitened. The faded eyes grew bright. "And has she got curly hair?" "Yes, lovely! And red cheeks!" 57 DOODLES "Red as roses! And her eyes are blue- blue as - "The sky in the morning, when it's cold!" Doodles helped out. "Ye've got it exactly! And she's a slim little thing?" "My, yes, I guess she is!" They were two excited children, each eager for one more word of evidence that should make the proof sure. "She has the dearest dimples!" Doodles cried. The old man nodded smilingly. "Seem's if it must be Dolly," he quavered. "Ther' would n't be two. Her name's Dorothy Ro- setta, an' she prob'ly just called it Rose, so Zenas could n't find her that's what! My little Dolly! And to think how near I came to missing her after all!" His voice tottered along the brink of tears, then something glis- tened on his coat, and Doodles politely looked out of the window. "It's a beautiful day," he remarked pres- ently, not turning his head. "Dolly will be sure to come home this noon; she always does when it 's pleasant." As there was no response, 58 GRANDPA MOON COMES TO TOWN he went on. "She found Caruso his name. Caruso 's my bird my mocking bird, you know. Dolly named him after the real Caruso. And, oh, she went to hear him, with Mr. Gay- lord!" A pleased chuckle made Doodles turn round. "So she's caught a city beau already!" Grandpa Moon was saying. "She'd never be long without one, she's that pretty." "I guess he's a beau," Doodles responded, "he's lovely anyway. They went to a moving picture show, too. Oh, they looked so nice together! You ought to see 'em! He brought her some beautiful flowers, and she gave me some." "Just like her! She's a generous little thing. Tell me more about her." "There is n't much. She works in the knit- ting mill. She likes Caruso my Caruso. I wish he was here to sing for you; but he's at the bird doctor's having his wing mended. It hung down dreadfully, and the bird doctor is going to fix it so it '11 be as good as new. Blue went up there last week to see how he 's getting along, and he's 'most well. He sings 'Annie Laurie' just think! Seem's if I couldn't 59 DOODLES wait to hear him sing that!" Doodles gave a vivid account of the bird's sudden recollection of the tune, drifting into the story of the rob- bery and Thomas Fitzpatrick's part in the exciting little affair. The first noon whistle brought him to a halt. "That's five minutes of twelve," he an- nounced. " Our clock is too slow. Dolly '11 be here pretty soon now in about ten minutes, I guess." Talk flagged after that, although Doodles tried to keep up a show of it. It is doubtful whether the old man heard much of what was said; his thin fingers drummed restlessly on the arms of the rocker, and at every sound he glanced towards the doorway. "We shall hear her coming up," Doodles told him; "I always do. 'T is n't quite time -most though. Mother doesn't "he stopped, listening, then nodded gleefully. "Hear her? She 's on the first flight." The old man shook his head; his ears were not keen enough to catch that soft footfall. Quickly, however, his face brightened. "Won't she be astonished!" the boy whis- pered. 60 GRANDPA MOON COMES TO TOWN The girl smiled a gay answer to Doodles's greeting, and was starting over the threshold when she spied the foot and trousers-leg of a man, and retreated. "No, no! don't go !" cried Doodles. "Please come in just a minute, Dolly dear!" As she advanced, the occupant of the rock- ing-chair turned toward her. She flashed one glance at that wrinkled face, and darted for- ward with a glad, "Grandpa! grandpa!" To Doodles's surprise he found his cheeks wet with tears, and the others were wiping their eyes. Why people should cry when they were happy he could not understand. For a time words flew merrily from lip to lip. "To think that Cynthi' Beadles should marry Zenas Camp!" laughed Dolly. Then she sobered, with a "Poor Cynthi'!" "You'll go home with me, this afternoon?" Grandpa Moon queried in a taken-for-granted tone. The answer came promptly enough, "Of course I'll go!" Yet she looked wistfully across at Doodles, and thought of somebody else with a tiny anxious scowl and a faint flush. 61 DOODLES Shortly the two went off, arm in arm, Dolly eager to show her "cosy little den," and to make grandpa a cup of tea. They did not re- turn to say good-bye until after Mrs. Stickney and Blue had come and gone. Then the stay was too brief for the satisfaction of Doodles; but the train must be met, and there were several calls to be made first. So with promises to write, the parting was over. Just before six o'clock, Mr. Gaylord dropped in, as he often did when he had a moment's leisure. Doodles's news left him grave. "She wanted me to tell you she was sorry she could n't see you again," the boy ended. The young man's response was to ask, "Where is her home?" Doodles stared at him unseeingly. He was searching his memory. At last he dragged out his forlorn answer, "I don't know!" The other smiled grimly. "She never told! I'm sure she didn't!" The boy's brown eyes brimmed over. "Now I can't send her a letter!" "Never mind, little man! She will write to you, and then you'll know." Still as he went across the hall to his room grown suddenly 62 GRANDPA MOON COMES TO TOWN so lonesome he wondered if the omission could have been intentional. His next thought was to upbraid himself for the doubt. Yet days multiplied, weeks slipped away, and no word came from Dolly Moon. CHAPTER VII A FRIEND FROM GREECE EVEN the doorknob of Dolly Moon's room looked melancholy. So Doodles felt, and he turned a little in his chair, that it might not face him. Then, more lonely, he looked back, and, while he was looking, a man and a boy came up the stairs. Although less than an hour ago he had wished that somebody else would lodge there, when the two passed the kitchen and steered straight toward Dolly's old room, resentment rose in his loyal heart. "It's hers!" he muttered. "They have n't any right to go in!" But go in they did, each with a "queer- shaped, green bundle," he told Blue as soon as he came. "And the boy is 'bout as big as me," he went on. "Do you s'pose we shall ever get acquainted?" "Sure," returned his brother. "Why not? You must hello to him." 64 A FRIEND FROM GREECE Blue's word was to be obeyed, and the first time that the strange boy passed the doorway alone Doodles let go his friendly greeting. The lad turned quickly, showed two rows of exceedingly white teeth in a pleased smile, and responded with a soft, "'llo!" "Will you come in and see me?" invited Doodles politely. The boy halted and again flashed his bright smile. "I come t'anks!" He stepped over the threshold, and stood hesitant, his mobile face tender with sympathy at sight of the helplessness of the occupant of the pillowed chair. Before Doodles could speak, Caruso began his musical welcome, and the stranger did not move or shift his gaze from the singer until the little song was ended. Then he turned to Doodles, aglow with appreciation. His slim little hands made quick gestures as he came near. "Nice! nice!" he smiled, hunting through his small stock of English for a better word. ' ' He sing nice ! ' ' "I think he does," Doodles responded hap- pily. "I wish he'd sing 'Annie Laurie.' Caruso!" 65 DOODLES The bird answered promptly, and at once Doodles began softly the old song, carrying it through to the end of the verse. Then Caruso with a few trills, struck into the same air. Doodles watched the visitor's face, as the bird sang; nobody had ever listened to Caruso's singing with that look. It was wonder, ad- miration, and joy, it was more than that Doodles could not tell what it was. But he felt that the new boy appreciated his bird's singing, and he was glad. When the stranger turned, his eyes had a far-away look in them, as if he were still hear- ing music. Then came that brilliant smile. "I love heem!" pointing to Caruso. "1 no talk good. I learn Eengleesh I go school one, two, free," counting on his fin- gers he shook his head sadly, and sighed. The word would not come. "One, two, free," he repeated, and halted again. "Three years?" prompted Doodles. The boy shook his head. "Months?" He smiled. "Yes, t'anks, free months I go school here America. I go school Athens." 66 A FRIEND FROM GREECE "Oh! did you live in Athens?" Doodles was interested. "Yes," the boy nodded. Then a thought filled his eyes with light. ' ' I play ! " He darted off, across the hall, returning with a violin, which he began to finger in a way that roused Doodles' s admiration. He lifted it to his shoulder, and drew his bow across the strings, holding the instrument caressingly, as if it were a living thing. Doodles sat entranced through the playing. Never had he heard such music. The player slipped into the tune of "An- nie Laurie," with a peremptory, "You sing!" And Doodles began, half shyly, but soon he was the chief performer, the violin playing a soft accompaniment. On the second verse Caruso joined them with his mellow whistle, the effect being start- lingly sweet and delightful. "Where you learn?" asked the young vio- linist in the first pause. "I?" repeated Doodles in surprise. The other gave a smiling nod. "Why, I guess I never learned. I've always sung." 67 DOODLES The boy looked the admiration he could not speak. "You sing nice!" he said. "You play beautifully!" declared Doodles. The dark little face brightened. "Yes, that! You sing beau-tee-fully! I no get word -you sing beau-tee-fully!" "Do you think so?" Doodles grew pink with pleasure. "I never heard anybody play the violin so well as you," he went on. "I wish you'd play more." "I play you sing." The Greek boy waited expectantly. After a moment's thought Doodles began one of his favorite hymns, "The Ninety and Nine," the other listening, his violin on his shoulder. He quickly caught the air, and was soon playing a charming accompaniment. There was another who was not content to be silent. The boys had not counted on the mocking bird, but suddenly he started one of his amusing medleys. Discords increased, and at last, with a chuckle, the violinist dropped his instrument, Doodles doubled over in a laugh, and Caruso was left as star performer. The new friends talked, the stranger telling, in his meager English, of his home in Athens, 68 A FRIEND FROM GREECE of the gentle mother whom he could barely remember, and of how she had named him Christarchus Apostus because she wished him to be an apostle of Christ; of the father who thought him better fitted for a musician than a preacher; of their dream of America, and, when money grew scarce and scarcer, of their resolve to seek their fortune across the wide sea. He told of their hopeful departure from the land of flowers and fruit and sunny skies, of the terrifying ocean voyage; and, lastly, of their engagement in the orchestra, where they played the violin every night. After this recital came more music, Caruso being too busy at his food cup for interrup- tion. The concert was still proceeding when the young visitor's father appeared at the head of the stairs, and "My Old Kentucky Home" came to a sudden end. "We had a lovely time," Doodles told his mother, and at once launched into the history of his short acquaintance with "the new boy." He had not finished when Mr. Gaylord ar- rived with delightful news he had seen Dolly Moon, had actually been at her home in Pebbleton, and she had sent to Doodles a 69 DOODLES quart of cream, a basket of apples, and a jar of clover honey. She had been waiting for a letter, having overlooked the truth that her Flatiron friends did not know where she lived, and she was very much ashamed of her forgetfulness and of her neglect to write to them. The young man had discovered her by accident. He had been taking his employer, Mrs. Graham, to an adjoining town, and in passing through Pebbleton he had spied the girl at a window. Feeling sure that he could not be mistaken, he had obtained permission, after leaving Mrs. Graham at her friend's, to run back to Pebbleton. The result had justi- fied his hopes, and he was in an unwonted elation of spirits that the Stickney family did not fail to observe. Doodles ended his supper with honey and cream, and he thought he had never tasted anything half so nice. "It has been a most wonderful day," he confided to Caruso when he said good-night. CHAPTER VIII THE STRIKE BLUE joined his mother in the little dark bedroom, whither she had stealthily beckoned him. She closed the door, and pulled him to a farther corner, beyond the keen ears of Doodles. " You must n't spend a penny for anything you can get along without!" she whispered. "I'm sorry you bought that orange." "Why?" queried the boy, surprised. "Doodles said the other day he'd like one." "You asked him." "Yes," admitted Blue. "But it 's good for him he don't eat much anyway." " I know," sighed the mother, and stopped. "What 's up?" demanded the boy. "'Sh!" "He can't hear! He's talkin' to the bird." "Well," she softened her voice, "I have n't said anything and they 've kept it pretty 71 DOODLES whist; but we're ordered out on strike to- morrow noon, unless the company come to our terms and they won't!" "Whew!" "I'm awfully sorry. I hoped they'd patch things up." She put her hand to her eyes. "It's a shame!" cried Blue. "'Sh! I don't want him. to know any more than is necessary." "He is n't goin' to hear! What's the muss anyhow?" "Oh! it's about those hands that they dis- charged, and then they've asked for more wages." "I'll try to git some extry jobs," decided the boy. "Please don't say git," corrected his mother, "and remember that extra is spelled with an a." "Oh, I for get!" laughed Blue. "You're a good boy anyway," the mother replied with a catch in her voice. "What should I do without you!" She clasped him there hi the dark, while he made an impulsive resolve to be more worthy of her love and praise. Nevertheless he laughed. 72 THE STRIKE "You have n't got to do without me!" he told her, and ran back into the kitchen. The next day Mrs. Stickney walked out of the big silver shop with the other workers, in- wardly rebelling at the command that forced her to give up the daily wages so needful for the comfort of herself and her family. Only a little money was in the emergency purse. Six dollars a week left not much to spare, and women hands in the silver shop were not al- lowed to earn more than a dollar a day. If by dint of nerve and skill a toiler in skirts was able to add a few cents to the customary one hundred her work was so arranged that she must keep to her task more closely to compass even her regular pay. Yet Mrs. Stickney never complained; six dollars paid the rent, bought plain food, a slender amount of fuel, and enough clothing for actual need. But now? The mother had pondered the question through all the working hours, she had carried it to bed with her night after night, and it was no nearer the answer than when it had first dismayed her. She must get something to do anything! But with hundreds of unem- ployed women ready to pounce upon every 73 DOODLES little odd job would there be any chance for her? On her way home she called at the settle- ment, not far from The Flatiron, hoping that one of the girls, whom she slightly knew, could direct her to somebody in need of a seamstress. But the friendly answer was disappointing. "I am sorry I can't give you any encourage- ment, Mrs. Stickney. We have more applica- tions than we know what to do with. I will put your name on the waiting list, and there may be something later." So she went home to Doodles burdened with forebodings, though resolved that he should not suspect her worry. He was de- lighted at thought of having her with him all day long, and she fostered his pleasure by fill- ing that first afternoon with song and stories and gay talk. Just before six o'clock, Granny O'Donnell, shrewd as kind, toiled up the stairs with a little loaf of hot gingerbread gingerbread such as only Granny knew how to make. Then Blue came in, late and jubilant. He had earned an extra quarter by delivering some parcels for a paper customer, and more errands were promised. 74 THE STRIKE Thus the supper hour went blithely, and afterwards the dishes in the pan rattled mer- rily to the tune of " Edinburgh Town." The prepared food which Mr. Gillespie had generously sent home with the mocking bird was now nearly gone. Blue looked sadly into the little box every time he filled Caruso's cup. How could they spare half a dollar for more! Yet the Scotchman had said that the bird's health depended on it. Happily, carrots were cheap, and patiently the boy grated them, mixing as much with the other food as he dared, often going beyond the prescribed proportion. He also went hunting through obscure corners of The Flatiron for dead flies and live spiders, making a fortunate find, one rainy Saturday, in a vacant room in the second story. Scores of lifeless flies dotted the floor and window sills, and Blue brushed them up with delighted hands. Treated with boiling water, they would make dainty tidbits for the gray bird. In these ways the dreaded day of famine was postponed. Meanwhile Christarchus Apostus Gean- skakes came to be the daily comrade of Doodles. As the strike continued, and Mrs. 75 DOODLES Stickney obtained employment in a restau- rant kitchen, which kept her from home all of the daylight hours, this was especially satis- factory. "I tell you how play," the Greek boy had proposed on an early visit, and Doodles was blissfully ready to learn. So the daily lessons went on, the pupil making rare progress, and happy beyond anything he had ever known. Music was his joy, and to be able to cause such wonderful harmonies with according to Blue "just some horse hairs and those four fiddle strings" was an unending marvel and delight. If only he could have a violin of his own a little one! Christarchus said you could get them cheap. But when he had sug- gested it to his mother she became so strangely grave that he did not speak of it again. Per- haps she was thinking of Uncle Jim. Chris- tarchus urged his own instrument upon him whenever he was not practicing himself, and it was far better than any he could hope to buy. So side by side with the increasing anxi- ety of his mother and brother his happiness grew. And then, one sunny forenoon, when Doodles supposed him to be at school, Chris- 76 THE STRIKE tarchus walked slowly in. His face foreboded ill. "I go," he said drearily. "My fader he go New York get more pay I haf go." His big black eyes, usually brimming with sparkles of glee, were shadowy and mournful, as if, at any instant, they might melt into tears. Doodles was dumb with anguish. He stared mistily. His bliss, which a moment be- fore had seemed so secure, had vanished like a bubble. He clinched his little fists, and sat waiting. "I go," Christarchus repeated dully, gazing at Doodles with a yearning that would have broken one's heart, if anybody had been there to see. But they were alone, and when the Greek boy became sure of the fact he crossed over and took his comrade's cold little hand in his. "I love ever!" came brokenly from his quivering lips. Doodles roused at last, and clung to him, still silent and tearless. The voice of the father was in the hall, and the boy ran to answer. Later he returned with his small suit case. 77 DOODLES Doodles, his grieving brown eyes full of un- speakable things, let go a few words that tried to be brave, whereupon Christarchus caught up his violin and began a sad, sweet melody, ending with a glorious strain of triumph the good-bye that he could not put into an unfamiliar tongue. It stayed with Doodles, to comfort him, long after the player was gone. To cap this sorrow came a new trouble. The restaurant man disappeared, leaving little behind him but debts and an unsavory reputation. The bulk of Mrs. Stickney's well- earned wages would never be paid, and the mother was too disheartened even to sing. Caruso shared the family gloom, and moped on his perch. Some days he would eat scarcely anything. "I'm afraid he misses the violin," Doodles confided to his brother; but the boy wondered, secretly, if he had put too much carrot in his food, and went on a hunt for spiders, which the Scotchman had said were good for the appetite. It was at this point of time that Blue brought home a beautiful red sweet apple, given him by Joseph Sitnitsky for the "little 78 THE STRIKE brother with the not-taking sickness, who could n't to never walk." Doodles clasped the gift smilingly. "What did make him send it? " he questioned. "How did he know there was any me? I never saw him." "Oh! he's heard me mention you," an- swered Blue discreetly. "He must be a very nice boy," Doodles decided. "I should like to know him. You tell him I thank him ever, ever so much. I think I will eat it right away, would n't you? " Blue agreed that it was a good time. "A quarter for mother, and a quarter for you, and I guess one for Granny O'Donnell oh, and one for Caruso! He likes sweet apple! Perhaps it will make him sing." Blue laughed. "Where's your quarter coming from?" he asked. "Oh, did I forget me?" smiled Doodles in- nocently. "Well, you can give me one, too." "There aren't but four quarters in an apple, old feller mother, Caruso, Granny, and I would take 'em all." His eyes twinkled. "That's so! I forgot about the quarters! Well, Caruso won't mind if he does n't have a 79 DOODLES whole one, he's so little; one will do for both of us." Blue's lips puckered as he cut the fruit in range of the watchful brown eyes; but he saw to it that the owner of the apple received his full share. To the delight of Doodles, the bird ate with unusual zest what Blue scraped for him, and then danced about, eyeing that outside the cage. "Oh, he wants some more!" cried his little master, thereupon feeding him from his own piece. And Caruso thanked him with a song the first in many days. CHAPTER IX THOMAS FITZPATRICK'S WHISTLE THE gravity of the strike situation in- creased. There was small prospect of imme- diate yielding on either side. A few turbulent strikers blustered and threatened, secret mass meetings were held, and whispers of ugly times ahead ran through The Flatiron. Mrs. Stickney did not place much faith in these rumors, yet they added to her restlessness, and she redoubled her efforts to find work. Blue walked the streets out of school hours, searching for a job; but with the throngs of unemployed, many bent on the same business, he stood only a chance with hundreds. His extra earnings grew lighter, and the home purse correspondingly thin. The bird's food box was empty, and insects, dead or alive, were scarce. The mother dealt out rations with a sparing hand, and nobody asked for more. Finally came a day, the day that had been feared, when purse and pantry fell to the 81 DOODLES rank of Caruso's box, and the breakfast table showed only a small bowl of baked bean soup. The boys waited at their plates, Mrs. Stickney pottering about the stove. "Better hurry!" urged Blue. "It'll get cold." "You eat it all; I don't want any break- fast." "Not much!" declared the boy. "We're going to wait till you come." "Course we are," Doodles agreed. "Oh, dear," she fretted, half chuckling, "what children you are!" She sat down and ate what Blue ladled out for her she did not know whether it was much or little, her mind was too distracted and her eyes too misty. But the boy knew, and felt that he could better go hungry than his mother. Mrs. Stickney went out early on her forlorn errand, her heart full of prayer for work. If nothing could be obtained to-day, she must try to get a little more credit at the market enough to bridge over this crisis. After that well, perhaps the strike would end! And, sighing, she trudged on. Blue decided daringly to stay away from 82 THOMAS FITZPATRICK'S WHISTLE school, and hunt for work. He had not sug- gested such a thing to his mother, well know- ing her sanction would be hard to win. He reasoned, however, that this was an extreme case, and that he must earn some money before night. Five hours of extra time would give him a greater chance, and he resolved to take it. " Are you very hungry, kiddie? " he queried as he took up his cap. "Oh, no!" smiled Doodles. "I had a good breakfast; did n't you?" "Capital!" lied Blue. "But I'm goin' to get yer something better to-day see if I don't!" "What you going to get?" coaxed Doodles. "I d'n' know yet depends on how much I earn." He went off whistling, for the sake of the little brother who must not guess that the pantry was empty. Along the warehouses, beyond the school district, Blue kept his truant way; but nobody was in need of an errand boy in that quarter, and after nine o'clock he turned back towards the market section. Here he met a man who was looking for somebody to hold his horse. 83 "He's a leetle bit afraid o' them autos," the countryman explained, and the boy well earned his five cents in the full quarter of an hour that he spent in quieting the nervous animal. Blue went home at the usual time. Nothing beyond the five cents had been obtainable, and after a good deal of thought he had finally exchanged it for half a dozen buns, arguing that buns would taste better than bread with- out butter. "Oh, I'm so glad you bought buns!" beamed Doodles. "I just love buns with cur- rants in them!" The meager dinner waited until one o'clock; then, as the mother had not come, the boys ate their share, feeding currants to Caruso and laughing to see him snap them up so joyously. "Mother must have found work, don't you think?" Doodles asked a bit anxiously. "Sure, old feller! Don't you be worryin' 'bout that ! She '11 come all right pretty soon." Blue loitered on a side street until the clanging of the school bell had ceased; then he boldly faced the throngs on the principal 84 THOMAS FITZPATRICK'S WHISTLE thoroughfare. He applied at a dozen or more offices for something to do, meeting only curt refusals. Finally a man more observing than the rest asked abruptly: "See here, why ain't you in school? You're not fourteen yet?" "No, sir," admitted the boy, with a guilty flush. "I stayed out to try to get a job." ' ' Huh ! ' ' the man snorted. ' l Bet yer belong to the strikers! Don't yer now? " "Yes, sir; but my mother had to " "Oh! it's yer mother, is it? So much the worse! Well, you c'n tell her from me that if she's such a fool as to give up a good job she need n't send her kids round here expectin' me to support 'em! Now scoot, or I'll have the truant officer after yer!" The boy's eyes burned angrily, and he was off even before he received his orders; but his ears were sharp, and he missed not a word. A sneering laugh followed him, and pressed the injustice still closer against his heart. Thoughts of his mother's brave fight for work, and of helpless little Doodles, uncom- plaining in his loneliness and privations, sent hot tears to his eyes, and he darted blindly 85 DOODLES round the first corner, as if the very street that held his enemy were not to be trusted. On and on he ran, unmindful of his way, until he became suddenly conscious of some- thing unusual in the air, and, looking ahead, he saw a crowd of people moving slowly towards him. That it was an excited crowd was evident from the tumult of voices, mingled with shouts and yells, now plain above the noise of the street. "Must be goin' to have a meeting or had one," he told himself. "The union hall is down there on Blake Avenue." "Hello, Rob!" he called to a boy racing by on the opposite side. "What 'sup?" "Oh, somethin' fierce! Better not go any nearer!" the lad warned. "Dad he said, 'Git out o' this on the double-quick, 'less yer want yer head smashed!' I tell yer, ther' 's goin' to be an awful row! Hope dad won't git killed my!" "Aw, nobody's goin' to get killed! What you talking about!" Blue's face showed scorn. "Bet yer ther' will, now! You hain't been there, an' I have!" "I'm goin'!" Restarted. 86 THOMAS FITZPATRICK'S WHISTLE "Oh, don't! Wait! wait a minute!" cried the other, aghast at such recklessness. Blue halted. " What yer want?" "Why, I tell yer, ther' 's goin' to be a big fight!" "A fight! Not much! There's Tom Fitz- patrick down there ain't it? Looks like him. Guess ther' won't be many shiners where he is!" "Huh! what can one cop do alone! Ther' ain't another anywheres, an', I tell yer, he's got his hands full!" "He can bring 'em easy enough with his whistle. He told me how " "Aw! he dassent blow it in face o' that mob! Why, they'd knock him down quick- er! Bet they'll kill him anyway! Oh, don't yer!" But Blue was flying towards the tumult, and Rob, with one glance at the on-coming rabble, fled in the opposite direction. Tom Fitzpatrick in danger! The thought gave speed to Blue's feet. As he drew nearer, he could hear the rich voice, rising above the rest, but calm and steady, not a bit as if its owner were afraid of those angry men. 87 DOODLES "Don't you know you mustn't carry that?" he was saying. And thrusting at a red flag, he grabbed and furled it. With a mad outcry and yells of "Down with him! Down with him! " the crowd surged towards the officer. At that moment, right in front of the fear- less Fitzpatrick, almost under his hands, popped up a small boy. "Can I help you?" It was little more than a breath, but Tom caught it, and glanced down with the hint of a smile as he recognized Blue Stick- ney. "Sure! Blow my whistle!" was the quick answer, in a tone to match the query. With a deft motion, the little instrument was in the boy's hand. Thomas Fitzpatrick' s whistle! Blue could scarcely comprehend the truth. For the joy of this moment he would have braved greater dangers than the present. Only a few days ago or so it seemed the kindly officer had explained the uses of his whistle, telling over his various signals. Blue remembered them every one. Three sharp toots, then a IB THOMAS FITZPATRICK'S WHISTLE long, long blast that was for help, and, freeing himself from the jam, the bit of wood and metal was at his lips. Above the uproar Fitzpatrick heard the call with inward relief. He had not felt sure that Blue would recollect; but he could scarcely have done better himself. As for the boy, he repeated it fearlessly, exultingly, once, twice, three times, in swift succession; yet nobody interfered. A small boy with a whistle was not an unusual com- bination, and the mob had too much else on hand to be interested in boys. It was not a brutal crowd, but it was ex- cited, defiant, and reckless. If Thomas Fitz- patrick had not known just how to manage it, and if four brass-buttoned men had not come racing to his aid, there is no telling what might have occurred. But before the body of the throng realized what was happening the leaders of the disturbance were being marched off to the police station. Blue returned the whistle, and received most hearty thanks, given in his hero's best style. Then he cut across an alley and an open lot, in a crow line for The Flatiron; he must 89 DOODLES unload his big news at home before looking further for work. He found his mother already there. She was eating a slice of butterless bread, and she looked so weary and discouraged Blue quickly inferred that her day had been unsuccessful and that she had begged further credit at the market. Still even this could not rob his eyes of their happy brightness, and hope leaped in her own. But she dropped back into dejection when she learned the cause, growing only mildly interested in the story of the whistle. Doodles, however, overflowed with enthusi- asm and questions. "Was n't it just lovely you happened to be there?" he cried, his eyes a-sparkle. "Oh, I wish I could have heard you blow it! Please do tell it over once more!" So the brother recounted the exciting in- cident, almost forgetting his mother's sad face in reliving the part that had thrilled him with such delight. "How much will your papers come to this week?" Mrs. Stickney sandwiched irrele- vantly between sentences. "Oh! I don't know," began Blue. "Yes, I 90 THOMAS FITZPATRICK'S WHISTLE guess about ninety cents. You see, the New- tons have moved 'way over west, and Mis' Dempster owes me for two weeks. I do' know whether she's goin' to skip or not." "Have the Sizars paid yet?" "Not a cent!" "Do you ask them for it?" "Oh, I ring the bell every week and be- tween times, too! But they're gen'ally out, or if they ain't they won't come to the door if they see it 's me - "I, Blue not me!" "Well, I, and if they do come they say they have n't got it that day, and so it goes." " It 's too bad," the mother sighed. "I sup- pose you keep leaving the paper." "Of course. If I didn't they'd get it of some other feller, and it's my only chance." "I'd go an' sit on the steps and wait till the man came," put in Doodles. "Maybe he 'd pay it. If he did n't, I 'd stay there all day long, an' if they said to go away I 'd tell 'em I was going to sit there till they paid me. And I'd stay an' stay an' stay. By 'n' by the neighbors would begin to ask what I was there for, and, of course, I'd have to tell 'em, an' then the 91 DOODLES folks would be so 'shamed they'd give me the money right off!" He ended with a chuckle. Mrs. Stickney's face relaxed into a smile, and Blue ran downstairs laughing. On the boy's return from his paper delivery he found excitement in the kitchen. His mother was crying, Granny O'Donnell was endeavoring to comfort her, and Doodles met his brother's questioning eyes with a fright- ened face. "Now, honey," Granny was crooning, "ther' ain't annything to throuble about it'll all coome right!" "What's up?" demanded Blue, striding across the room. "Sure, th' p'lice ar-re afther ye," began Granny, but broke off abruptly, as Mrs. Stickney sprang to her feet, and squaring her boy's shoulders with her hands gazed steadily into the clear eyes. "You have n't have n't " she faltered, and then hid her face against his rough coat, and ended her query with a sob. "Of course, I have n't!" he ventured reck- lessly. "Though I don't know what in the world you're driving at!" 92 THOMAS FITZPATRICK'S WHISTLE The mother wiped her eyes, and swallowed hard. "A policeman was trying to find you. He did n't come up here, for Granny told him you were n't home. He said you were wanted at the police station 'right away ' ! He did n't know what the trouble was, or he would n't tell. You gave back the whistle, did n't you? " "Sure! Why, mother, don't you worry! I have n't done anything except what Tom Fitz- patrick told me to ! It may be the Sweeneys are makin' a fuss about the bird," he mused; "but if they are Tom '11 back me up all right. Now do stop cryin'!" "You must go right off!" "Well, I 'm goin' ! But I wish you would n't act as if I'd stole a bank or shot the Presi- dent! I tell you, there ain't anything to cry for you're nervous! Poor little mother!" He kissed her, a most unusual attention for him, and then dashed away and downstairs. But Mrs. Stickney darted after, calling him back. He came with reluctance. "What do you want? You must n't hinder me," he objected. DOODLES "Tell the truth, Blue! " She picked a thread from his sleeve, and straightened his necktie with motherly care. " Whatever they ask you, tell them the whole truth!" "Why, of course!" with laughing impa- tience. "Is that all?" "Yes. And if they blame you for blowing the whistle or anything, be sure and refer to Mr. Fitzpatrick. I ought to go with you, but I" "Aw, it ain't necessary! I'm all right. Don't you worry about me! " Underneath his assumed bravery the boy had no relish for his errand, and he was some- what dismayed to find that his friend was not visible at the police station. Still he went where he was bidden, with no show of fear, but holding his head high, as became the blower of Thomas Fitzpatrick's whistle. For even the events of the last hour had by no means extinguished the glory of his afternoon exploit. The chief was a burly man, with small, shrewd gray eyes set in a hard-lined face. "What is your name?" he asked. "Blue Stickney, sir." 94 THOMAS FITZPATRICK'S WHISTLE "You are the boy, I believe, that sum- moned aid to Officer Fitzpatrick this after- noon?" "Yes, sir, I am." "Who is your father?" "My father died six years ago. He was Julius Stickney." The chief nodded gravely. " You have a mother?" "Oh, yes, sir!" "What does she do? Does she work any- where?" " She did work at the Big Shop, till she had to go out on strike." "She was foolish to do it." The sharp eyes looked straight into those of the boy. Blue's met them almost reproachfully. "She had to, sir! She'd 'a' been glad enough to keep on ! She 's looked everywhere for work. She was in McCann's restaurant till he skipped he cheated her out o' 'most three weeks' wages!" "He's a scamp! She isn't the only one that got left." "I know that all right!" The boy wagged his head emphatically. 95 DOODLES "So you've had a hard time to get along, have you? " The voice held a tender note; but, on inspection, Blue found the eyes to be as sharp as before. "Pretty hard, sir." There was no response, and the boy, remembering his mother's last injunction, went on, with a rueful little laugh, "Breakfast ran short this morning, and I stayed out o' school to see if I could n't find a job. Mother's been lookin' all day." "Find anything?" Blue told briefly of his morning's nickel, as well as of his mother's ill success and her in- creasing indebtedness at the market. "Well, we are under great obligations for the service you rendered the city this after- noon, and there 's a little something for your supper," thrusting a bank bill into his hand. "You can tell your mother that it looks now as if the backbone of the strike was bro- ken. We've got the leaders of the trouble locked up, and I guess the silver folks and their other hands will come to terms in a hurry. Tell her, too, that we congratulate her on having a son that's got a head on his shoulders." 96 THOMAS FITZPATRICK'S WHISTLE Blue, red-faced and embarrassed, with stammering thanks, slipped quickly from the presence of the brusque chief, and dashed towards home. His mother met him at the top of the stairs. "All right!" he shouted. "Just see that!" He flourished his reward, his eyes rounding from his sudden discovery. "My, if 't ain't a five!" Granny, who had lingered to give conso- lation in case it should be needed, came hob- bling forward. "Bluey, me b'y, I knew ye'd niver do anny- thing that wud grave yer mother's heart, an' it's proud I am o' ye!" Granny's hard old hand caught Blue's little wiry one in a grip more emphatic than her words. Mrs. Stickney listened to her boy's story with growing joy, until when he repeated the chief's message she dropped into a chair and hid her face in her hands. "What in the world's the matter?" gasped Blue. "Why, she's so happy!" piped Doodles, tears trickling down his flushed cheeks. ' ' And you too ! ' ' rallied his brother. ' ' Well, 97 DOODLES if you folks ain't the queerest! Don't catch me cryin' on this!" He swung the bill in un- controlled glee, stopping abruptly to ask his mother what he should buy for supper. He came home with parcels that set Doodles excitedly guessing what they could be, and when a grapefruit his especial delight was uncovered, the small boy broke into a hurrah that checked on her lips the mother's remon- strance at Blue's extravagant purchase. But with the marketman's receipt in her hand, and the chief's two messages in her heart, thankfulness outweighed all else. Granny remained for a cup of tea, and the meal was as merry as four happy people and a blithe mocking bird could make it. 1C CHAPTER X COMFORT YE, COMFORT YE MY PEOPLE THE chief of police was right. In less than a week Mrs. Stickney was back at her bench in the Big Shop, and things were going on as before the strike. Dolly Moon's note came while Doodles was alone. Granny O'Donnell fetched it upstairs. It was not often that there were any letters for the Stickneys, but on occasion Granny was always ready. "Sweetheart dear," ran the lines, "I have time for only a word before the mail closes; but I want to tell you that my cousin, Rev. Harrison Savage, is to preach at the Church of the Good Shepherd next Sunday morning. That is so near you only five blocks away I am wondering if your mother and Blue would n't like to go and hear him. He is lovely! People call him an unusually talented young man. I know they'd like him. I wish DOODLES you could go too ! If there were wings in this workaday world of ours, I 'd fly straight down to The Flatiron Sunday morning, and I'd bring a little pair of wings for you then we'd flap along to church! Would n't we have a good time! I'm coming to see you some day, wings or no wings! Love a thousand bushels! YOUR OWN DOLLY." It would n't do to tell how many times Doodles read the note before Blue came home at noon. Nobody, who had n't been a lonely a very lonely boy, and who missed his violin playing and his musical comrade as only a real music lover could miss them, would possibly believe the truth. But, then, it was Doodles's first letter, and the first letter is en- titled to a great many more readings than the thousandth one. Mrs. Stickney shook her head sadly when Blue asked the question that Dolly Moon sug- gested. She had no dress or coat suitable for appearance in the fashionable church on Bliss Avenue so she declared, and with such emphasis that neither Blue nor Doodles dared to urge the matter. 100 "COMFORT YE MY PEOPLE" Blue's church-going was limited to attend- ance at Sunday-school an attendance more or less regular according to his clothes, and he now decided that he did n't care much about hearing somebody preach that he never saw, even though he was cousin to Dolly Moon. During the afternoon, however, Mr. Gaylord dropped in, and his proposal set hearts flut- tering and tongues flying. He, too, had re- ceived word from Dolly about her cousin, and as his employer, Mrs. Graham, had expressed her desire to spend the coming Sabbath at home he had obtained permission to use her car long enough to take the Stickney family to and from church. The mother still kept to her first determina- tion, and even the inducement of an auto- mobile ride could not coax it away. But Blue was jubilant, and Doodles too joyful to do much more than to beam silently on every- body, with an occasional little burst of de- light. To ride in Mrs. Graham's elegant car! To see the grand Bliss Avenue Church, the pride of the city! To listen to a sermon from Dolly 101 DOODLES Moon's own cousin! And perhaps best of all to hear the much-talked-of "Good Shepherd" choir, the fame of whose wonderful singing extended hundreds of miles away! It was unbelievable! These thoughts and a myriad others danced in Doodles's brain, while Giles Gaylord and Blue chatted of Dolly Moon and gayly arranged such important matters as hours and minutes. Doodles's mother looked grave, thinking of the child's best suit. Made from one of his brother's, it was shabby from washings and darns; still words would not freshen it, and they were wisely withheld. So the happy plans went on, untouched by anything so com- monplace as clothes. For the rest of the week there were no more lonely hours for Doodles. Every detail of the coming event was pictured over and over by the imaginative boy. His mother and Blue were called upon for frequent and repeated descriptions of churches and church services, for his knowledge of these things was limited to what he could gain from stories and illus- trations. "Oh, you'll see it all Sunday!" Blue told 102 " COMFORT YE MY PEOPLE" him at last, his patience showing marks of breaking down. "It is nice to know just how it will look," Doodles replied innocently. "Seems as if I couldn't wait a whole day longer!" He paused before venturing his next thought. "Do you " he began, and then changed to the negative, "you don't s'pose they'd have any flowers it's 'most winter, you know you don't s'pose they would ?" Face and voice were anxious. The elder boy's acquaintance with church customs was not intimate, and it was early December! There were greenhouses, of course, like June gardens; but Blue was doubtful, more than doubtful. Yet he strengthened his brother's hope in no uncertain words. There 'd be enough else to make up, he argued in self-defense, and to-day it was important that anticipation should be full. The small boy awoke early. On yesterday's sunset horizon a bank of cloud had suggested rain, and that was Doodles' s first thought; he hardly dared to look at the tiny patch of sky visible through the kitchen window from where he lay. But when he tremblingly peered 103 DOODLES out from the little dark bedroom his heart gave a leap the patch was blue! Smiling contentedly, he snuggled down on his pillow. What a beautiful day it was going to be! The next tune he opened his eyes, his mother was waiting at the bedside, and the smell of break- fast came pleasantly from the kitchen. Dressing took longer than usual, because of the unfamiliar garments, and the spirit of excitement that pervaded everything even the stockings, which would n't pull up straight. But that and breakfast were over, at last, and Doodles resting among his cushions. He was wondering what the choir would sing, and wishing their choice would fall on "Only an Armour-Bearer" or "Jerusalem, the Golden," to which tune his mother was now putting away her dishes, when somebody knocked on the door. A uniformed messenger handed Mrs. Stick- ney a bit of folded paper. She opened and read the note, staring at the words with a dismayed face. "No, no answer," she replied to the boy's query, but without turning her head. She still stood there, looking down on the 104 "COMFORT YE MY PEOPLE" paper with unseeing eyes, while the messen- ger's retreating footsteps came faintly from below. "What is it?" Blue emerged from the bed- room, clad in trousers and a bath towel. "You can't go!" exclaimed Mrs. Stickney in disheartened tones. "Why not?" "Mr. Gaylord says oh, read it yourself!" The boy grabbed the sheet, and the mother crossed over to where Doodles sat, big-eyed and sorrowful. ' ' You poor darling ! ' ' She took the little face between her palms, and stooped to kiss him. "Never mind!" he smiled bravely, but the smile broke, and he hid his face in her dress. "Dear People," Blue read aloud, "Mrs. Graham has just taken it into her head that she must start for Windsor at ten o'clock I feel like turning turtle, car and all! If I were not too big a boy, I 'd do the next thing, have a good or bad cry. I '11 take you to ride some day, if I have to hire a car for it! "Tragically yours, "GILES GAYLOKD." 105 DOODLES " It's a confounded shame!" He flung the note on the floor. "BlueStickney!" "I don't care it is! That woman can go to ride every day of her life, and there's Doodles ! It's confounded mean, and I'd like to say it right to her face!" He swung himself back into the little bedroom, and the others could hear him stamping off his wrath. When he came out, a few minutes later, he was smilingly mysterious. "Don't you go to getting tired, old man!" he warned his brother. "We'll make that church yet, if I can work things right!" He took up his hat. "Oh, Blue, don't raise his hopes again! You know you can't " "I don't know any such thing! We're goin', I tell you! Just see if we don't!" "You mustn't do anything rash!" The mother looked troubled. "Aw, you wait! I ain't a fool!" He ran off laughing. With the ringing of the church bells Doo- dles's hopes began to fade. His trust in Blue did not lessen; but even the best plans do not 106 "COMFORT YE MY PEOPLE" work, and he feared that his brother's scheme, like Mr. Gaylord's, was going to fail. " Maybe I'd get too tired if I went," he observed philosophically. " Perhaps," his mother assented. "I've been a little afraid of it all along." Doodles sat up, and bent forward, listening. The sound of hurrying feet was on the stairs. More than one pair were coming up. The door swung open, and in dashed Blue, followed by a boy somewhat taller than him- self. "Mother, this is Joseph Sitnitsky. He's goin' to help me carry Doodles to church." Mrs. Stickney shook hands with the some- what bashful Joseph, expressing a gracious welcome. Then Blue hastened him over to the window. "Oh! you are the one who sent me that apple, are n't you?" smiled Doodles, extend- ing a cordial little hand. "It was a lovely apple! We all had some of it even Ca- ruso!" A soft whistle sent Joseph's eyes to the mocking bird, and his face brightened with surprise and pleasure. 107 DOODLES "That him?" he exclaimed. "Same old feller!" laughed Blue. "Would n't" The tolling bells recalled his thoughts to the urgent business on hand. "Gracious! but we must hurry!" he cried. "Where 's yer cap, kiddie?" Mrs. Stickney brought it, with the coat which Blue had outgrown. "I don't see how you're going to manage," the mother was tucking a handkerchief about the small boy's neck, "I'm afraid he's too heavy for either of you." She glanced from one to the other. "Oh, I could to carry him in mine arms!" declared Joseph valiantly. "But we're going to make a lady-chair, and take him that way," put in Blue. And so they did, the mother watching, a bit anxious, from the top of the stairs, and Granny O'Donnell, in her door, cheering the little procession. The walk from The Flatiron to The Church of the Good Shepherd was accomplished with- out serious mishap. Once Doodles slipped, and, righting him, Blue lost his hat; but a 108 "COMFORT YE MY PEOPLE" stranger returned it to his head, and the trio went on again. "I could to carry him mineself," observed Joseph. "Guess you'd better not," Blue advised. "I tried it last summer, took him down to the Settlement for a concert, I did n't dare risk it again. It was an awful tug! Mother carried him out a little way, one night, just to get the air; but she had to ask Mr. Schloss to take him upstairs she was all in!" "I could to carry him," Joseph reiterated, "sooner you gets tired." But Blue would not confess to fatigue, and at last the church was gained. No one was in sight. The hush and empti- ness outside were forbidding. "It's begun!" announced Blue. "Won't they let us in?" Doodles whispered tremulously. "Sure!" was the brave assertion out of a dismayed heart. They halted hesitantly, when up popped seemingly from nowhere an automaton, dressed in Sabbath dignity and an unsmiling face. 109 DOODLES The doors swung silently open, and they were inside. Doodles lifted his eyes, and his fingers almost forgot their clasp. It was so different from his pictures! The rich, sub- dued light; the great auditorium, with its beautifully wrought pillars, peopled from altar to entrance; the sweet, thrilling under- tone of the organ; the reverent stillness of the waiting throng; it stirred his soul to awe. Directly they were seated, in the second pew from the door, and Doodles was free to gaze about him. The vast strangeness of the place bewildered his little home-kept heart, and he reached out his hand for his brother's. "Tired?" whispered Blue. "Not much," his lips smiled, yet Blue's arm was a grateful support, and he leaned back in content. Roses and music were born for each other, and it was only fitting that with the first note from the choir the eyes of Doodles should catch the glory of the altar a bank of ferns and red roses. Thus came the twofold feast, and the rapture of it would never wholly pass away. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people," 110 "COMFORT YE MY PEOPLE" it was breathed in soft soprano; " Comfort ye, comfort ye my people," repeated in sweet contralto; "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people"; one after another caught up the words, until they broke from the full choir, a commanding strain. The tenor chanted, "I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? " It came again, distinct, sweet, thrilling, . . . "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And yet once more, that appealing call. Silence fell. Even the organ was still. Out of the hush rose an eager voice, "Here am I; send me." Another, "Here am I; send me." And another, "Here am I; send me." Again the tenor, with the clear charge, "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people. . . . Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not. . . . Com- fort ye, comfort ye my people." "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, ..." Flutelike it rose, as if a skylark heralded the glad news. Ill DOODLES It lingered through the interlude. Presently from the choir burst the trium- phant words :- "Sing, heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains; for the Lord . . . shall comfort ... his people." With a little sigh Doodles saw the organist step down from his seat. It was over! The preacher was at the desk. He had a pleasant, boyish face; but he did not look at all like Dolly Moon. Doodles' s thoughts would run away from the prayer to Dolly Moon. Too bad she could n't be there! How well he remembered the first time she had smiled to him dear Dolly! By and by came more music, beautiful but brief. Doodles wondered how it would feel to be singing with that grand organ. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people." The small boy came to himself with a start. He must not miss a word of that sermon! Nor did he turn again from the speaker until the end. Once, so still was he, Blue thought him asleep, and bent over, only to see the earnest 112 " COMFORT YE MY PEOPLE" brown eyes wide open though expressing for- getfulness of time and place. Joseph looked across, and smiled. Blue smiled back, and gave his brother a moment's wonder. Then he returned to the amusement of looking about. There was a good deal to see; the men and women in the choir, who whispered to one an- other; the sexton, who opened windows and shut them; a little boy who would walk out into the aisle; the diamonds in women's ears, which flashed rainbow colors fascinating and beautiful; and a wee girl who knelt against the back of the seat and made faces to every- body. Blue had had it in his mind to slip out of church ahead of the crowd; but there seemed no convenient moment for a start, and the postlude found the trio still in the pew. " We could to go up and see the flowers," suggested Joseph in a whisper. "Oh, do!" beamed Doodles. So they waited and waited, for the aisles were full of people who walked lingeringly while they chatted with their neighbors. It was no easy trick to get Doodles into 113 DOODLES his hand-chair, but it was at last accomplished, and the little procession made its slow way up the now almost deserted aisle. It was worth the pains to see the small boy's delight when he was halted before the waving ferns set with long-stemmed brilliant roses. He had never seen so many together, and he drew breath after breath of their fragrance while his eyes feasted on the novel and beautiful sight. "Seen enough, old feller?" Blue queried finally. "Ye es, I guess so," was the equivocal answer. He bent nearer the roses for a last whiff of their spicy perfume. "Here, you kids! let them flowers be!" The janitor had come up the side aisle, unnoticed by the boys. "Who's touchin' 'em?" cried Blue. "We ain't!" "Well, you'd better not!" He cast a sus- picious eye over the superb array, but dis- covered no disorder. "Move on! "he growled. "You've hung round here long enough." "Gome! let's go!" shivered Doodles under his breath. "You'd better count 'em!" Blue flung back 114 "COMFORT YE MY PEOPLE" scornfully to the man who was still hover- ing over the blossoms with anxiety. "He could to be polite," was Joseph's mild comment when they had passed out of hear- ing. It was a rude finale to the inspiring service. Doodles fought away the tears. "Just one minute!" he pleaded, as they reached the entrance. The organist was still playing, and, with quick glances to make sure that no church officer was in sight, Blue and Joseph paused for a last strain of the delicious music. "That's enough," announced Doodles, adding, a bit wearily, "now we'll go." The home march was taken almost in si- lence. Doodles was very tired. CHAPTER XI THE PASSING OF THE DANCER "BLUE," Doodles began tentatively, "you know that poor sick lady that Granny O'Don- nell was telling us about last night." "M-hm." "I've thought of her ever since, and I guess she is one of God's people that needs comfort- ing. Don't you think so? " "What?" scowled Blue in surprise. Doodles repeated innocently, adding, "It must be pretty dreadful to lie there all day long without anybody to talk to." Blue nodded, wondering what scheme Doodles was amusing himself with now. " I 'm glad you think just as I do," the small boy went on, "because, of course, you'll have to do most of it for me." Blue straightened in his chair, and began to listen with more interest. "At first I did n't see any way I could com- 116 THE PASSING OF THE DANCER fort her, and then I thought of Caruso. It was his singing that made me think oh, he sung just beautifully!" "And the door wasn't open, was it?" put in Blue. "Too bad! I shut it, the hall was so cold." "Door?" Doodles looked puzzled. "Why, the hall door! You wanted the sick woman to hear Caruso, did n't you?" "Oh!" Doodles brightened understandingly. "I did n't think about the door. Maybe she could hear if it was open." "S'posed that was what you were drivin' at." "No! I meant for you to take him down to her room. You would n't mind, would you?" The query wore an anxious tone. Blue's grimace would not have encouraged a stranger, but Doodles laughed contentedly. He knew his brother. "Caruso don't sing much now," the elder boy argued evasively. "Mr. Gillespie said they didn't in the winter." "I know," admitted Doodles. "But I guess he would, if I wanted him to. You whistle to him, and see if he won't." 117 Blue good-humoredly struck up a tune, and to his surprise and disappointment the bird started into song. "There!" Doodles clapped his hands glee- fully. "Wha' 'd yer stop him for?" laughed Blue, for Caruso was suddenly silent. "Never mind, he'll do it again!" He did to the uneasiness of Blue. "Do you want to take him now?" asked Doodles trustingly. "And tell her, please, that I'd have come myself if I could." "I don't b'lieve she'd care anything about hearin' him," began Blue, feeling after an excuse. "Seem's if anybody would, 'specially if they were sick," replied Caruso's master plaintively. "I don't see how I can comfort folks any other way." Blue looked curiously at his brother. "You seem to be fierce to comfort some- body all of a sudden," he laughed. "Of course, I am! Are n't you?" "Id'n'know why?" The clear eyes of Doodles met his brother's squarely. "You remember what the minister 118 THE PASSING OF THE DANCER said last Sunday?" A touch of surprise was in the query. Blue's cheeks turned a deeper red. " Guess I was n't payin' much 'tention," he admitted honestly. " Comfort ye, comfort ye my people," Doodles repeated in a soft voice. "Oh, I know that! The choir sung it." "Yes, that's what the Lord told his mes- sengers to do, and the minister said we all ought to be God's messengers and carry com- fort to people. So I want to comfort that sick lady. You see, I can't do much comforting, but I thought I could send Caruso, if you'd take him. Of course, it won't be as if I really went myself; but do you think God will mind? He knows " "I guess it's you doin' it, all right," Blue hastened to assure him. He picked up the cage. "Come along, old feller, you an' I'll go comfortin'!" Doodles delightedly waved them out of sight, and then leaned back with a smile. Shortly Blue reappeared, but alone. "Oh! what did she say? Wouldn't he sing?" 119 DOODLES " I did n't try him. She wants you. She says she's heard you singin' hymns up here, and nothin' would do but I must come right up after you. Want to go? I'll take you pick- aback." "You can't so far!" "Yes, I can! I never thought of it before. Come on!" It was the way Doodles often rode to bed, and he was soon on the stairs regretting in a whisper that he had not stopped to brush his hah-. "Your hair's all right, kiddie," Blue de- clared; but the small boy continued silent misgivings realizing that smooth locks were not always looked upon by his brother as essential. It was a dusky little room which they en- tered, in chilling contrast to the sunny kitchen they had just left. Caruso sat ruffled on his perch, the picture of gloom. "Oh, I'm so glad you've come!" cried the sick woman. " I 've wished and wished I could hear that again ' Jerusalem, the Golden,' you know." She lay quite still through the singing, now 120 THE PASSING OF THE DANCER gazing at Doodles, now closing her eyes as if weary. "Thanks," she said at the end. "It carries me back! Jim liked it so much!" She turned suddenly to Blue, who was sitting on a small trunk, Doodles having been put into the only chair. "Do you know what a beautiful voice your brother has?" "Has he?" smiled Blue. "I like to hear him sing." "Oh, but it's a wonderful voice! Never taken lessons, has he?" "No," Blue told her. "He ought to. But there's time enough, tune enough. Sing something else!" So Doodles sang again, one hymn after another, in response to her repeated demands. "I wish Jim could 'a' heard that," she sighed, as the last notes of "The Ninety and Nine" dropped into silence. "Poor Jim all alone!" With half-shut eyes she rambled on reminiscently. "Why did n't I go when he wrote he was first violin in the orchestra! If I only had! But I never dreamed I never dreamed anything would happen! I wanted to stay and earn a little more, just a little 121 DOODLES more for the baby's stone. She'll have it now she and Jim together. Carbury said there was enough glad I got it! Carbury '11 see it's done right he said he would al- ways does as he says. Wish I could be there too! I do want to lie side o' Jim and the baby! Never mind! I shall see them! 'T won't be long! Seem 's if I could n't wait ! I '11 tell him how sorry I am I didn't go he was al- ways good to me! If I'd only been there! I wish ' A fit of coughing interrupted her broken talk, and when it was over she lay ex- hausted on her rumpled pillow. Blue fidgeted about on the trunk, and looked undecidedly over at Doodles; but the little brother sat motionless, gazing at the sick woman with sad, anxious eyes. She was a girlish slip of a creature, with a face that might have been beautiful but for its lines of suffering. Presently she roused. "Oh, it's you!" she smiled. "I thought it was Somerby I hate Somerby! Please sing some more I guess you sung me to sleep. I feel quite rested." Only a moment Doodles paused; then he 122 THE PASSING OF THE DANCER began the old, old hymn, " Jesus, Lover of My Soul." The woman lay with close-shut eyes, and once the singer halted, thinking she might be drowsing; but she looked up quickly, with a "Go on! Don't stop!" and he sang it through to the end. "Lamb of God" and "Pass Me Not" left her still begging for more, and Doodles kept on until he knew by her breathing that she was really asleep. Shortly, however, she awoke, and surprised him by asking abruptly, "Should you like a fiddle?" "Oh, wouldn't I!" exclaimed Doodles. " Ghristarchus let me use his as long as he stayed; but he's gone, and I can't play any more," he ended plaintively. "You shall have Jim's!" she cried passion- ately. "Now I know why I did n't burn it up ! " The brown eyes of Doodles grew big with horror. "Burn it up?" he breathed. "Yes," she replied wearily, "I did n't want anybody to have it I was afraid Somerby 'd get hold of it. Don't you ever let Somerby have it!" she burst out fiercely. "No matter 123 DOODLES what he says, don't you let him have it ! Prom- ise me that, promise me that!" "No, I won't let anybody have it ever!" Doodles said earnestly. She seemed satisfied, and went on. "It's a comfort to think that 's settled. It 's worried me about Jim's fiddle. I 'm glad you 're going to have it you'll love it! I wanted to give you something for singing to me so beauti- fully. It is good of you to come. There's no- thing else in the trunk of any value, but you can have all there is. It is a nice fiddle I don't know how much it cost, but a lot of money my, how Jim idolized it!" "I had an Uncle Jim once," said Doodles; but she did not heed. "You'd better take the trunk right up- stairs now," she went on hurriedly. "No- body '11 need it there's money enough under my pillow. I 've saved plenty oh, if I could only have kept on a little longer, I 'd have had enough to take me home I did want to lie side o' Jim and the baby!" The cough seized her again, and the parox- ysm was so violent that Blue took fright and ran up to see if his mother had come home. 124 THE PASSING OF THE DANCER But the kitchen was empty, and Granny, too, was nowhere to be found. When he returned, the woman was talking a strange medley of words which the boys could not piece together to make anything understandable. Suddenly she burst into a gay little song, for a moment her voice rising full and strong, and then dropping into weak huskiness. Spent with the effort, she lay quiet for a little, but was soon singing again, sacred strains and rag- time ditties running in and out of one another in startling confusion. The words grew indistinct, the notes halt- ing; they gave place to low mutterings, and finally all was still. Blue watched the gentle rise and fall of the coverlet, and at last tip- toed over to his brother. The woman opened her eyes, and, gazing earnestly at Doodles, uttered with apparent effort the one word, "Sing!" So promptly did he respond, Blue breathed an ejaculation as he whirled himself back to the edge of the trunk. "A bide with me! Fast falls the ev en tide, The darkness deepens Lord, with me a bide! 125 DOODLES When oth er help ers fail, and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, a bide with me!" Softly, distinctly fell the words, while over the face of the sick woman stole a look of peace. Blue found himself following the hymn with unwonted interest. Never had he heard Doodles sing like that. "It's better 'n church!" he whispered under his breath. "Hold Thou thy cross be fore my clos ing eyes; Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; Heaven's morn ing breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee! In life, in death, Lord, a bide with me!" The room was silent. The little singer leaned back in weariness. Blue, with a glance toward Doodles, bent nearer the cot. The woman lay as if sleeping, though not a flicker stirred the covers. Blue's face took on a look of awe, and noiselessly he stepped to his brother's side. "We'd better go upstairs now, you're get- ting tired." "She may want me to sing again," he ob- jected. "No, she won't. She's fast asleep." Doodles looked across at her. 126 THE PASSING OF THE DANCER "Well," he yielded, putting his arms around his brother's neck. Mrs. Stickney had not returned, the sun was low, and the kitchen was growing shad- owy; but the warmth felt grateful after the chill of the room downstairs. " I '11 get somebody to help me bring up that trunk," Blue decided, "and then for my papers it's almost time." "Don't forget Caruso!" "I declare! I had!" He dashed away, re- turning at once with the bird. "Is she still asleep?" queried Doodles. "Sure!" Blue nodded, and darted off again. With the trunk actually in the kitchen, Doodles felt the violin to be less mythical. How wonderful it would be to have one of his very own! He was glad Blue did not urge the boy to stay, he was in haste to have the trunk opened. But the lock appeared to be an intri- cate kind, which Blue could not work, and he finally had to run off for his papers, leaving the trunk still closed. Doodles was not slow to acquaint his mother with the happenings of the afternoon. "That dancer!" she exclaimed, before he 127 DOODLES had scarcely begun his story. "Have you and Blue been down in that dancer's room? What possessed you? I should never have let you go if I had been home." "I guess I comforted her," replied Doodles in excuse. "She seemed to like my singing." "Well, I'd rather you wouldn't go down again," said Mrs. Stickney. "Nobody knows who or what she is, except that she sings and dances in some cheap theater. What was it about her riddle?" Doodles told, and his mother listened; but before he had finished, Granny O'Donnell called her away. She was gone a long time. Blue was with her when she came back, and both were strangely grave. After tea Mrs. Stickney tried to unlock the trunk, but did not succeed, and Doodles went to bed without seeing his violin. CHAPTER XII THE HEART OF THE FLATIRON IT was Mrs. Jimmy George that found the road to the heart of The Flatiron. "Gracious me! what if 't was my Jim and my baby!" she wailed, twisting her little hard-worked hands over Blue's story of the dancer and her passionately-expressed long- ing to lie "side o' Jim and the baby." "Why," mourned she, her blue eyes tearful, "I'd 'a' carried her some o' my strawb'ry jell, if I'd only known! Gracious me, ther' 's sights o' things we'd do, but we don't have no chance! I'm awful sorry! You say she'd saved up to pay her fun'ral expenses? Would n't ther' be 'nough to take her out home?" Blue shook a prompt negative. "Mother says ther' ain't, and Giles Gaylord says ther' ain't. Wish ther' was!" Mrs. Jimmy George picked up her whim- pering Evangeline, while her forehead puck- ered into two little hard lines above her nose. " Say," she burst out excitedly," it 's a roarin' 129 DOODLES shame to let that poor thing be buried in th' town lot, 'way off f m her own folks ! Gracious, what if 't was me! Say, you just tell Gaylord not to make no 'rangements till I see him!" Blue stared. Had Mis' George suddenly gone crazy? "Maybe he's started," he said slowly. "He was goin' " "Well, run tell him! Quick!" she urged, skipping across the hall and disappearing be- hind a neighbor's door. Mrs. Jimmy George was neither a beauty nor a scholar; but as her still worshipful husband often averred she was "game clear through." During the next hour the peevish Evange- line was pacified only on the fly, and for the first time in her short life she began to realize that her mother was not always hers to com- mand. At the end of that hour Mrs. George as- tonished Mr. Gaylord by putting into his hand a teacupful of small coin gathered from those residents of The Flatiron whom she had been able to reach. "An' you just wait till th' men folks come home to dinner," she exulted; "if they don't 130 THE HEART OF THE FLATIRON fork over enough to carry that poor little thing out to her Jim, I ain't no guesser!" Giles Gaylord waited, and again the cracked teacup surprised him. How many sacrifices those half dollars and quarters and dimes and nickels and pennies stood for nobody knew, for they kept their secrets well. Some were guessed about. There was little Tillie Shook, the dressmaker apprentice, who had been planning to buy some "real" lace to trim the neck of her best frock; she finally purchased "imitation Val." which was, she said, just as good for her. Then, John Braun- ersreuther, who supported his wife and seven children by driving a pair of fat horses for the brewery, gave up his cherished Sunday news- paper for two whole months and the paper boy wondered why. Leona Montgomery and Frederica Schine suddenly stopped patroniz- ing the "movies," and their fellow-workers in the box shop rallied them about it without discovering the reason. Mrs. Jimmy George herself never bought the blue messaline girdle she had been scrimping and saving for, not even when it was marked down, in the department store window, to sixty-nine cents, 131 DOODLES and The Flatiron respected her reticence on the subject. But there was no longer any doubt that the little dancer was going home to lie "side o' Jim and the baby." On a cold December afternoon Granny O'Donnell opened her hospitable door, and The Flatiron streamed in, to honor the loyal woman whom in life many of the tenants had never seen. They came by two's, by three's, by whole families; they filled the room, they overflowed into the hallway, they even dropped down upon the stab's, and every- where was gentleness, courtesy, and rever- ence. The Curate of St. Mark's read the serv- ice for the dead, and Doodles sang "Rock of Ages." Leona Montgomery, in her clear soprano voice, started "Crossing the Bar"; but sobs soon choked the song, and a girl from the theater went on with it to the end. "It was a lovely fun'ral anyway!" declared Mrs. Homan, wiping her eyes, as the crowd trooped up The Flatiron stairs, after having followed the dancer to the very door of the baggage car. "'Twas a fun'ral that would satisfy any earthly mortal, livin' or dead!" And no one disagreed with her. CHAPTER XIII " JIM'S FIDDLE" AFTER the dancer had started on her long journey to "Jim and the baby," Giles Gay- lord dropped into the Stickney kitchen. "Lucky the theater folks knew her home address, or we'd have been in a fix. Kitty Blue how strange that she should have the same " "What!" interrupted Mrs. Stickney, "her name Blue?" "Yes. Did n't I tell you?" She shook her head absently. "Blue! Jim Blue!" she murmured. Then she darted across to the trunk in the corner. "This has got to come open!" she exclaimed decidedly, stooping once again to try the key. "Blue, bring me the oil bottle, will you? I '11 put on a little more." Footsteps in the hall were followed by a knock. Mr. Gaylord opened the door. As 133 DOODLES Mrs. Stickney was inquired for, he passed out at once. "I am Mr. Somerby, Edgar Somerby of the People's Theater," was the suave introduc- tion, and Blue's mother found herself facing a well-dressed, smooth-mannered stranger, whose glittering eyes ranged the room even while he was speaking. "I have called to thank you for your kind- ness to our late comrade," he began effusively. "We all appreciate it more than I can express. Unfortunately I was out of town while Mrs. Blue was ill, and so did not know when she er passed away. I just heard of it, not an hour ago, coming in on the train." He had taken the chair offered him, and was leaning back comfortably. "This is a very sad affair. We all feel Mrs. Blue's death deeply. I was shocked at the news. We were great chums, Kit and I. In fact," he lowered his voice con- fidentially, "I fully expected to marry her some day it has broken me all up ! She was a wonderful dancer! Ever see her pirouette? No? Too bad! She was bound to be famous if she'd 'a' lived. She'd been at it since she was eight years old. Her mother was a baller- 134 "JIM'S FIDDLE" ina of some little reputation, I believe. Too bad Kit had to die! Her toe-dancing was simply marvelous! And to think I shall see it no more! " He sat for a moment regarding the diamond on his finger. Then, with a sigh, he asked languidly, " Did she leave any effects er anything in the way of musical instru- ments, do you know?" "I have seen none," was the quiet answer. The man scowled. "She told me not long ago," he resumed, "about a fiddle she had I think it belonged to her husband. She said it was n't er valuable at all, but in case er anything happened to her, she wanted me to have it, simply as a memento. So you don't know what became of it when her room was cleaned out?" His sharp little eyes seemed endeavoring to pierce those which faced him placidly. Doodles held his breath in terror. Must his treasure be wrested from him before he had even looked upon it? "I never spoke to the woman in my life," was the easy answer, "and I did not go into her room until after she died. If there was any fiddle there, I did n't see it." 135 DOODLES "Did you look about much?" he ques- tioned. "Oh, yes! We wanted to learn her name, and thought there might be letters." "And you found nothing?" eagerly. "Only a few little articles of no value. The money for her burial expenses here was in a purse under her pillow." " So they told me and how you made up enough to send her home. It was extremely kind of you. But I 'm sorry about that fiddle," he mused. "I had set my heart on having it for Kit's sake. Of course, you've heard nothing of her giving it to anybody?" he sud- denly probed. Doodles went white. What would his mother ? But she was already speaking in that soft, even voice of hers. "If she was so anxious for you to have it," she smiled, "she would not have been likely to give it to anybody else, would she?" She met his eyes fearlessly. "Well, no, er she wouldn't," he ad- mitted, with a queer laugh. "But in her dying condition she might have been forced into almost anything, you see." 136 " JIM'S FIDDLE" "We are all of us poor people," said Mrs. Stickney quietly; "but I don't know of any one in this house mean enough to compel a dying woman to give up anything against her will. Besides, if the instrument was good for nothing, what should a stranger want of it?" Mr. Somerby shrugged his shoulders. "They might imagine it was valuable. Some folks are so fierce to get the earth they '11 grab any er old thing that floats their way. Then you think there is no use in my ques- tioning the other residents? " He awaited her answer with sharp, half-shut eyes. "It would hardly seem so: but, of course, you can do as you please." "Guess it would be a er waste of time, though I hate to give it up. It is possi- ble Kit disposed of it. I've heard she was hard-pushed sometimes too bad! I'd have helped her in a minute if she'd 'a' let me; but she was a er proud little minx al- ways so er independent. I should like one little memento of Kit," he mused. "I can't realize I shall never see her toe it again." He rose, and with a lingering hand-shake repeated his thanks to Mrs. Stickney and 137 DOODLES The Flatiron, after which he said his good- byes. When the feet of Mr. Somerby were actu- ally upon the stairs, the three looked at one another. Blue threw up his arm and whirled a silent cheer. Doodles grinned delightedly. "It is well that lock bothered," said their mother, dropping beside the trunk again. "I'm sorry he came. I hated to quibble in that way, but I could n't see what else to do. We must honor the woman's wishes, at all events. I would n't let him have it now any- way," she ended under her breath. "Why, Doodles promised straight that he wouldn't give it to him or anybody else say," Blue suddenly burst out, "I bet he lied about the fiddle, don't you?" "Looks a little like it," she answered, still working at the lock, "but we can't tell." "We sha'n't dare let anybody know about it, shall we?" queried Blue. "They '11 have to if I play on it ! " Doodles's voice held dismay. "We won't decide what to do till we get it," Mrs. Stickney smiled. "It does n't look as if that would be very soon. I never saw such a 138 " JIM'S FIDDLE" stubborn thing as ah!" At last the key turned, the lock clicked! She threw back the cover, disclosing a wavy mass of pink. "My!" cried Blue, " guess that's her dancin' dress." He held up the fluffy short- skirted frock. "Is it there?" Doodles bent forward excitedly. His mother was lifting out more dresses, blue and yellow and white. Then came a long, green-covered something which sent the color into Doodles's face and then drove it away. "Lock the door!" ordered Mrs. Stickney in an undertone. Which Blue did. She laid the instrument across the small knees, and the boy's breath came fast and fluttering as he lifted it from its case. A look of awe stole into his eyes his violin! his own! He clasped it to his heart, and bent his head reverently. "Why don't you " began Blue, and then stopped. Doodles was giving thanks. CHAPTER XIV THE LETTER THE boys were still examining the violin when they were arrested by a little broken wail. They turned to see their mother crying over an open letter. With a bound Blue was at her side. "What is it? What is the matter?" he demanded. " He was your Uncle Jim ! " She put her handkerchief to her eyes, and began to sob. "Uncle Jim? her husband?" Blue's astonished voice sounded strangely unnatural. The mother assented. "I knew his hand- writing the minute I saw the envelope. I was afraid of it when Mr. Gaylord told me the name oh, if I'd only known! Now it's too late ! " She dropped her head to the cruel edge of the trunk, and wept aloud. "It serves me right! I held myself above her just because she danced in a theater! O God, forgive me! I ' ve got my pay for being so high and mighty ! There I could have found out all about my 140 THE LETTER dear brother if I'd treated her like a Chris- tian! And I left her to die alone my own sister-in-law!" Mrs. Stickney's remorse was pitiful to see. Blue did not know what to say, but stood there, silent and uneasy. " Don't cry, mother dear!" pleaded Doodles. "You didn't know, and I guess I comforted her so that's just the same." "No, no, it is n't, you blessed child! I'm a wicked woman; but I'm glad as can be that you went to see her, and sung to her. That 's my only consolation. And I should n't have let you go if I'd had my way! Oh, what did make me so heathenish!" Later, when the violence of her grief had subsided, she read to the boys what was doubt- less their uncle's last letter to his wife. D , M , Dec. 2, 19. KITTY DEAREST, Throw up your hat, and give three cheers for Teuff el ! Then think of me first violin in the orchestra! Teuff el has at last waked up to the merits of the humble. I won't tell you what he is going to pay me good news has 141 DOODLES been known to work havoc, and I must dole it out to you in small spoonfuls, for fear ! But there's the cutest little cottage waiting for my word waiting for us right on Prescott Street, too! What do you think of that? Yes, I can afford it! You needn't worry! Don't stop to finish up your engage- ment! They'll let you off they've got to! It seems as if I could n't wait to have you in my arms again! I know you will want to work till you have enough for the baby's stone; but just let me attend to that ! I '11 save every spare cent till we have it. At last I 've come to the place where you can stop work and rely on me. Only Heaven and I know how I have looked forward to this day it has been long in coming! But I won't think about the past. Now you can rest! How I have rebelled at being obliged to let you go on the stage again! We'll hope that is all over. Don't wait for anything, but take the first train west! I met Nora and Louis this morning. They had heard of my good luck, and were full of congratulations, and, of course, wild to see you. It is almost tune for rehearsal, and I 142 THE LETTER must say good-bye. Come just as soon as you can pack up, Kitty darling! Send a card ahead if there's tune anyway I'll meet the next train. Good-bye wish you were right here where I should n't have to say it! How could I ever have let you go ! Your own JIM. Mrs. Stickney sighed as she folded the sheet. "It sounds just like Jim," she declared. "He had n't changed a mite. If I could only have seen him once more or even heard about him! I shall never get over it!" Later, after a little talk, it was decided to say nothing concerning the trunk or its con- tents. The family shrank from the wonder- ment of then* neighbors and the inevitable questions that would follow the disclosure. So The Flatiron never knew what a tidbit of gossip had been missed. For a while Doodles could not be coaxed to try his precious fiddle. He felt that the man with the ferret eyes had ears to match, and who knew how near he might be lurking? But as the days passed, and he was seen no more, 143 DOODLES the small boy gained courage, until finally his desire conquered his fear, and, one stormy evening, he began to play. Mrs. Stickney, not having heard the assur- ance of the giver, and her opinion being un- consciously colored by Mr. Somerby's com- ments, was not prepared for the exceeding richness of the tones that Doodles brought from the instrument. Blue at once voiced his thought. "That man was a big liar!" "Look out!" reproved his mother. "You know he was!" he insisted. "He wanted to get hold of that fiddle, so 's to sell it I bet he did!" Doodles paid no attention to the talk. He was in another world the world of music and rapture. "He ought to take lessons," Blue told him- self over and over, and even tried to save up his spare nickels for a possible teacher. Once he appealed to his mother, but she shook her head with such sad finality that he ventured no more. If Doodles ever longed for knowledge be- yond his own rare gifts and the little that 144 OXE STORMY EVENING HE BEGAN TO PLAY THE LETTER Christarchus had taught him, the wish never left his heart; and Blue declared that he played " better and better every day." The Flatiron took the violin as thought- lessly as it took many other things, and few comments were made concerning the acquisi- tion of the instrument. That the playing was enjoyed by all within hearing was manifest by open doors up and down the corridors, as well as from the homely bits of approval that came by diverse ways to the Stickney kitchen. These short, dark days were Caruso's silent season. Thus the violin became Doodles's work, play, comrade, and comforter, during the long hours while his mother and Blue were away. CHAPTER XV HOSPITAL DAYS IT was on a cold April morning that Mrs. Stickney awoke feeling very ill. The exertion of dressing increased her distress, and after rousing Blue she lay down again. He kindled the fire, filled the teakettle, and dressed Doodles. "I don't see why I should be sick," she worried. "I was well enough last night when I went to bed. I cannot go to the shop if this pain does n't let up." "You'll feel better when you've had some breakfast," Blue told her cheerfully; but her reply was a sudden wince, and only with a mighty effort did she keep from groaning aloud. The boy had so often assisted about the meals that he worked without awkwardness or delay, and presently he had a slice of toast delicately browned and the tea simmering fragrantly. Yet Mrs. Stickney could not eat; 146 HOSPITAL DAYS she leaned back in her rocker, white with suffering. Remedy after remedy was of no avail, and finally Blue ran down to ask Granny O'Don- nell what should be done. Granny limped upstairs at once, and soon coaxed the sick woman to sip a steaming herb drink, one of her favorite cure-alls. "It seems as if I did feel a little easier," was the verdict at school tune; so Blue went whistling down the street in the belief that his mother would speedily recover. At noon, however, he opened the kitchen door on a sorrowful group, Granny, Mrs. Jimmy George, and Doodles. Granny was anxiously endeavoring to be calm, but the other two were weeping openly. Evangeline, in her mother's arms, unnoticed in the strain of the moment, was blissfully engaged in the forbidden delight of pulling down her mother's hair. Blue turned to Granny, a woeful question in his eyes. "I'm awful sorry for yer!" began Mrs. Jimmy "Goodness gracious, Evangeline George, what are you doin'!" She gathered 147 DOODLES together her falling tresses, administering a tiny slap to the pouting culprit. "If that kid ain't a terror! I'm wonderin' all day long what she'll be up to next!" "She's in th' bidroom," nodded Granny to Blue, across the now wailing Evangeline. "Don't ye go to worryin', me dear! 'T ain't goin' to be mooch, likely!" He waited for no more, but darted to the half-shut door, pushed it wide, and went in. His mother held out her hand. "My poor boy!" she said tremulously. "What is it?" he managed to ask. "I've got to go to the hospital and have an operation! I sent for the doctor I grew so much worse Granny said I must so she asked Donovan to telephone. He said right away I'd got to go oh, it seems 's if I couldn't! What will you do you and Doodles?" "When you goin'?" "At half-past one." "Not to-day?" with alarmed emphasis. "Yes. The doctor said it was my only chance." Her voice broke and then steadied 148 HOSPITAL DAYS again. "I am not afraid; but you " she baited for composure. " Don't mind me!" Blue spoke out bravely. "Doodles and I will be all right. You won't have to be gone long." "He says a week or ten days even if all goes well." She fingered her shawl fringe nerv- ously. "Sit down here a minute," pulling gently at his sleeve. He dropped to the edge of the bed, while she went on hesitantly. "I wanted to say, if I if anything should happen, you'll take care of Doodles and keep him with you as long as you live?" "Of course, I will, mother! But there is n't goin' to anything happen!" "You can never tell! The doctor admitted there is danger. And if I should n't come back, I want you always to do right and grow up to be just as good a man as you know how to be. Go to Sunday school, and to church, too, when you can! I wish now I 'd have gone myself, and not thought of clothes or being tired well, if God gives me another chance I'll try to do better." She sighed. "I guess I have n't set you a very good example " 149 DOODLES ' ' You have too ! " Blue burst out. " You 're all right!" The mother put his hand to her lips, and held it there. "You're a good boy now," she resumed, "and I want you to keep so. Don't ever drink or swear! Read your Bible every day, and never forget your prayers night and morn- ing!" "Don't you worry!" Blue said huskily. "I'll do all you want me to." "I'm sure you'll do your best, but if I'm not here to help," she shook her head slowly, "I don't see how you're going to get along. The town may want to send you both to the asylum, and I 'm afraid Doodles would n't be happy there oh, I ought not to worry! God will take care of you, but I can't help feeling anxious. At any rate, keep Doodles with you! You will, won't you?" "I'd like to see anybody try to get him away from me!" scouted Blue. "He'd wish he was out o' the tussle before he was many minutes older!" The mother smiled faintly. "All right!" she agreed. "I'm glad you feel that way. 150 HOSPITAL DAYS I've always tried to make it as easy for Doodles as I could, and I know you do." They sat in silence for a long moment. Then she resumed, " There's four dollars in my purse; that'll last you a while. The rent is paid for nearly a month more, and all you '11 want is food. Don't spend for anything un- necessary, but buy what you need to keep well and strong." "I guess I shall do it all up straight," Blue reassured her. "Say, how you going to get over to the hospital? It's a good way, and you ain't able to walk - "The doctor said he'd send somebody with a car another doctor, I believe. He thought it would be easier than the ambu- lance. He told me to be very careful going downstairs, and to keep still till I went." "Ye'd betther be takin' a bite befure long it's all riddy," broke in Granny's gentle voice. Mrs. Stickney could eat nothing, but Blue went as bidden, and tried to keep up a brave show, for the sake of Doodles. The afternoon was dreary. Blue would not go to school, but stayed with his brother 151 DOODLES except for the short time that he raced over his paper route. It had been arranged for him to go to the hospital at six o'clock, to learn how his mother had borne her operation and, possibly, to see her for a moment. But an entirely unprecedented accident delayed him. At half-past five the clock stopped, and it was not discovered until long after six. Then Blue caught up his cap, and started on a hard run. It was a hot and breathless boy that at last halted on the hospital steps and pushed the bell button. "It is too late," the attendant answered. "You cannot be admitted to-night." "But I want to know how my mother is, Mrs. Stickney," faltered Blue. At the moment a girl was crossing the hall, and turned towards the other with the quick query, "How is she?" "On the verge of collapse!" was the low reply. "Dr. Grace says she'll never come out of it; she can't last till morning!" A gust of wind swept through the long hall, swinging the door together. It shut with a snap, and Blue, stunned by what he had heard, walked slowly down to the big gate. 152 HOSPITAL DAYS How could he go home to Doodles with such news ! The nurse must have meant his mother, yet would they have been so cruel as to refuse him admittance and then coolly let him know that she would die before morning? It was too horrible! He walked on and on and on, his mind in a tumult. When, finally, he took notice of his surroundings, he could not tell where he was. A policeman set him right, and with a sick heart he turned towards home. Home! The name mocked him! It would never be home if his mother did not come back. One faint ray of light pierced the black- ness of his soul, the woman might, possibly, have referred to somebody else! If he could only know! But there was no way of finding out before morning, and a night of such sus- pense might kill Doodles. His feet lagged as they neared the home corner. He felt that he could not face his brother with the uncertain story. What should he do? He turned, and began to walk back the way he had come. Suddenly there came to his mind the name of Dr. Hudson, the physician his mother had called he would know! Of course, he would! His office was in the bank block, not 153 DOODLES three squares away! He struck into a run, and did not stop until he stood at the entrance of the building. He searched for the number of the office, and was carried up in the elevator. The door was locked. A card bore the in- formation, "Gone to dinner. Back at 8.00." Blue read it disconsolately. Should he wait? "If I knew where he lived," he muttered, "I'd go to his house." His next thought was to find out, and in a moment he was consulting a directory in one of the shops below. Pres- ently he was on his long way to 1062 Garden Street; but when he reached the place he was again disappointed. The Polish maid who answered his ring told him, with hesitation and many gestures, "Doctor not home dinner he go ! " "What shall I do? "involuntarily passed the boy's lips. "What is it, Mary?" A lady was coming downstairs. "I wanted to see the doctor, and find out how my mother is!" Blue cried eagerly. "Dr. Hudson will be back in a short tune, I think. Will you come in and wait?" The sympathetic voice and manner were 154 HOSPITAL DAYS winning, and Blue was soon seated in the physician's office, answering the lady's ques- tions and telling his story. "We need not wait for Doctor," Mrs. Hud- son decided. "I think we can find out now." She crossed to the telephone, and Blue sat tense, his heart quickening, as she called the hospital number and gave her inquiry. What would be the answer? A happy " She's all right!" was flung in his direction; then the telephoning continued. Before the boy had recovered his poise, the doctor's wife was at his side. "What you overheard must have referred to some one else. They say that your mother's operation was a success, and that she has come out of the anaesthetic better than they expected. I am so glad for you ! Now you will have good news for the little brother at home! " She had thoughtfully arranged for him to be admitted to the hospital ward early the next morning, and he left the house with the touch of her motherly hand still upon his shoulder and the sound of her cheering voice still in his ears. Mrs. Stickney did not return home in a 155 DOODLES week, as the boys had hoped, and Doodles longed for his mother with a craving that Blue, who visited her regularly, every day, could scarcely comprehend. " She '11 be here in a week or so, old feller don't you worry!" the elder brother would laugh, and then drop it from his mind. But Giles Gaylord understood. His mother's life had gone out in a hospital, and his heart yearned for the lonely little lad. Accordingly he laid plans, and on a sunny afternoon he astonished Doodles by running in briskly and asking if he would like a ride. 4 'Now?" cried the boy, his face alight with dawning joy. ' ' Right now ! ' ' was the gay answer. ' ' Car 's at the door!" Doodles did not guess of then 1 destination until they stopped at the great white building, and only then when he saw the words over the door, "St. Luke's Hospital." Barriers had a pleasant way of falling before Giles Gaylord's smile; so now, although it was not a visiting hour, he walked in at the big door, with Doodles in his arms, up the broad stairway, and down the ward straight 156 HOSPITAL DAYS to the window where Mrs. Stickney sat read- ing. "Mother!" It was scarcely more than a murmur, but to the young man all the terror and joy and longing of the last ten days were blended in the one word. The call had to be short; but it was full of happiness, and presently Doodles was in the car again, gliding out into the greening coun- try where blossoms of gold starred the fields and roadsides. They did not talk much. The radiant little face beside him was enough for the driver, who had always a spare hand to tuck in the robe whenever it fell away from the slight form. Once or twice he called the boy's atten- tion to some rare bit of landscape; but for the most part the way was silent. At a tiny house on a green knoll the car stopped. 1 ' Where are we going now? ' ' queried Doodles. But Mr. Gaylord only laughed mysteriously as he lifted him out. In a moment the little lad was seated in a quaint, old-fashioned room with a sanded floor and queer little tables and straight-backed 157 DOODLES chairs. The tables were laid with dainty white china and shining old silver, and right in the middle of each was a glass boat filled with dandelions. A young girl in white cap and apron brought in a pitcher of milk and some odd-shaped biscuits, with a dish of cookies and buns. Then he suddenly remembered that he was very hungry. Did anything ever taste so good! Weariness flew away on wings of magic. Tongues grew merry, and soft laughter became so infectious that the pretty serving-maid smiled happily to herself just beyond the door. It was a wonderful little feast. And the ride back to town well, there was never such a ride, Doodles thought. They found Blue at home and hunting, with a vague fear, for his missing brother. "I wish you could see how many thank- you's I feel," Doodles said, as Mr. Gaylord set him carefully among his cushions; "but you couldn't hold them all they'd spill over. I think you must be one of God's com- forters." CHAPTER XVI CAEUSO SINGS IN PUBLIC CARUSO was in fullest song now that spring was in town, and he did all that he could to cheer his best friends. His task was hard, and, whether he perceived its difficulties or not, he sang from dawn to dark, and did not even stop at night whenever the moon gave him light to sing by. Yet, much as they loved the songster and his music, the Stickney family could not be won over to forgetfulness of the real trouble that shadowed them. The mother gained but slowly, the third week at home found her still unable to work, and the question that constantly confronted her was, "What will become of us?" Granny O'Donnell, whose income was ample for her slender needs, had been an ac- tual fairy godmother to the boys during those lonely hospital days, and now she was con- tinually cooking more food than she could eat, and bringing the surplus up to the Stick- 159 DOODLES ney kitchen. Frequently, too, small bills would be discovered hiding under a plate of doughnuts, a pan of rice, or a pot of beans. Mrs. Stickney felt that this must not be al- lowed too long, and if she could not work what then? The worry was kept from Doodles as much as possible, yet his mother saw with a heartache that he was graver than usual, and, in consequence, she sang when it would have been easier to cry, hoping night after night that the next morning would see the re- turn of her old strength. After a little she did gain sufficiently to permit her to resume her place in the shop; but she found it impossible to work at her former speed, and her weekly envelope some- times held less than half her usual pay. "Say, mother!" Blue burst in with, on a May afternoon, "Miss Holcomb wants to know if Doodles and Caruso can come up to the settlement to-night. They're going to have a concert, and they want Doodles to play and Caruso to sing yes, and Doodles to sing, too!" "Why, I don't know," Mrs. Stickney began, glancing uncertainly towards the 160 CARUSO SINGS IN PUBLIC cushioned chair. But the boy's face decided it, radiant as it was with the sudden prospect. "I guess it won't hurt him," she finished. They started at seven o'clock, Blue and Joseph Sitnitsky with Doodles between them, and Mrs. Stickney carrying Caruso and the violin. Fears that strange surroundings and the somewhat noisy crowd might frighten the little gray singer into silence were presently forgotten, for as soon as the lights went low and the cage was placed in the bright rays of the full moon the slim bird began his wonder- ful song. The audience, having been warned against demonstrations, was almost mouselike in quietness, and the singer went on and on as carelessly merry as if he were caroling in the home kitchen. A few of his hearers knew what to expect from him, but to the majority his marvelous singing was as novel as it was en- tertaining. When, at last, he broke off sud- denly to scold at a tiny girl who had strayed from her mother and too near his cage, the assembly burst into such applause as was un- usual even at the concerts of the Cherry Street Settlement. 161 DOODLES After that Doodles sang "Old Folks at Home," and was encored so heartily and so long that he gave "Edinboro Town," one of his mother's favorites when she was in a gay mood. Further along on the programme he played several simple melodies on his violin, and as he slipped into "Annie Laurie" he glanced towards Caruso, whose cage had been set back into the shadow. Quite as if await- ing a signal, the bird struck into tune, and away they soared together, the mocker and the violin, to the uncontrolled delight of the audience. After the entertainment Caruso held an impromptu reception, for everybody wanted a closer view of the slim gray bird with the aston- ishing powers of song. Many questions were asked for Doodles to answer, and the small boy reached home too excited to do anything but talk. It was long after midnight before he could sleep. "I ought to have known better than to let him go," regretted the mother; but Blue argued, "It won't hurt him! Will it, old fel- ler?" And Doodles, his eyes shining out of his weariness, declared in favor of his brother. 162 CARUSO SINGS IN PUBLIC But in the early morning he awoke in un- usual pain, and it was only after his mother had dosed him again and again with a soothing remedy that he fell into slumber. Yet he in- sisted on being dressed in tune to eat break- fast with the others, especially that he might better enjoy the corn cake which Granny had brought up to them. "This will fix you out all right," Blue told him, his mouth full of the dainty. Doodles nodded, with a brave, wan little smile. "It was nice for Granny to give it to us," he said. "Granny's the girl for me!" declared Blue, swimming his own and Doodles's piece in the maple syrup which had accompanied the cake. " She 's the best friend we have," his mother agreed. "Don't pour on so much, Blue! We must be careful " Blue understood the unfinished sentence. Yet he said, "Doodles and I like 'much,' don't we, kiddie?" Then he set the pitcher aside, and ate his second helping without replenish- ment of the sweet. Doodles dozed away an hour or two of 163 DOODLES the long forenoon, and was beginning to feel quite rested when a knock announced a caller. To his cheery "Come hi!" the door opened upon a woman, a stocky, youngish woman, with pale blue eyes, heavy cheeks, and a dou- ble chin. She swept across to the cushioned chair. "How d' ye do! I thought I'd find you at home," with strong emphasis. "I was at the concert last night," she went on, seating her- self somewhat laboriously in the offered chair; "perhaps you remember me." Doodles gave a smiling assent. He could hardly have forgotten that plumed hat with its gorgeous pins, the shimmering green satin gown, and, when she had drawn off one of her long white gloves, those stubby red fingers, sparkling to the knuckles with dia- monds. She abruptly introduced her errand. "I have come to talk about your bird. I took a fancy to him last night, and I want to know what you'll sell him for." " Oh ! " It was a frightened, pitiful little cry, and, all in an instant, Doodles's face matched 164 CARUSO SINGS IN PUBLIC it. "I don't want to sell him I would n't sell him for anything!" The woman laughed, a cold, hateful laugh that flashed fear through the boy's heart. "I guess you will," she winked coaxingly, " when you know what I '11 pay for him. I '11 give you twenty dollars! Just think, tw-en-ty bright silver dollars!" She smiled quite as if the matter were set- tled, but there was no response on the scared white face opposite. Doodles looked straight past her to the cluster o| faded red roses on the wall paper back of her chair. " Tw-en-ty beautiful bright silver dollars!" she reiterated in a wheedling tone. "I don't want to sell him!" Doodles in- sisted firmly, his eyes still on the roses. "Well, now," she resumed, "I know you're a sensible little boy, and you listen while I tell you how it looks to me. I understand that your mother is in rather straitened circum- stances, being just out of the hospital, and not very well, and all. So, you see, twenty dollars would help her wonderfully. Of course, you love her dearly, better than anything else in the whole world, don't you?" 165 DOODLES Doodles bowed his head miserably. "I knew you did. And if you could give her a lift with twenty dollars now, when she needs it most, how beautiful it would be! You know you are not able to work as your brother does; but you can do this, and then your dear mother will stop worrying and grow strong and well again. I am sure you are not a selfish boy, to want to keep all the good things to yourself." She paused, noting with almost a start the effect of her cruel words. The drawn little face had grown whiter and stiller with every fling, until she feared he was going to faint. But as he sat rigidly in his chair she went on. "You'll let me have the bird, won't you?" she coaxed. "And those twenty silver dollars will make your mother so happy! I can imag- ine how she will kiss you and call you her darl- ing, blessed little boy!" Suddenly Doodles fixed his big brown eyes on the woman's own, and involuntarily she recoiled. Their misery and reproach stabbed her soul. She dropped her glove, and stooped to pick it up, fumbling with its buttons. When 166 CARUSO SINGS IN PUBLIC she looked again, Doodles had turned away, and her composure came back. "You want those bright silver dollars, I know, so I'll count them over for you." She opened her bag, and tore apart a paper roll. Out poured the coins in a shin- ing heap. "See!" she cried. "Aren't they pretty? And they're all yours!" She began counting, "One, two, three, four, five," they dropped one by one into the boy's passive hand. " I don't want them ! " he choked, and threw them passionately back into her lap. Then, with an overpowering sob, he turned from her and hid his face in his pillows. "Why, now, you mustn't do that!" she exclaimed. "I thought you wanted to help your mother and keep her well, so she would n't have to go back to the hospital " He looked up in terror. "Will she have to go again, if " "Why, of course," she broke in glibly, "if she worries and don't get strong, her trouble may come on " "P'raps I'll let you have him to-mor- 167 DOODLES row," he said hurriedly. "Blue will know what is best." "Oh, I wouldn't say anything to your brother about it!" she hastily advised. "He might say you'd better keep the bird, without realizing how much good the money would do your mother; because he would wish to please you on account of your your lameness, you know. Oh, if you really want to help your mother, as I 'm sure you do, you '11 let it come as a surprise to her and Blue that will be the very best way." She glanced at the clock. It was almost noon. She had no wish to meet that shrewd- eyed brother of Doodles, in fact she was frantically anxious to avoid him, and she quickly pulled on her glove. "You'd better let me take the bird along," she smiled, "and then you can give the money to your mother when she comes home to din- ner. Won't that be nice?" She arose, and poured the coins on the table. "No! Oh, no!" cried Doodles wretchedly. "I can't now! I want to think! You wait wait till to-morrow! Then maybe " he began to sob again. 168 CARUSO SINGS IN PUBLIC The town clocks started to strike. Blue might be in at any minute! "Well, well!" she said soothingly, "stop crying, and I'll come again to-morrow. I must be going now. Remember not to say anything about this, if you really wish to help your mother! I know you'll want those twenty dollars to give her to-morrow! My, how happy they'll make her! Good-bye, darling ! " She threw him a kiss from the door- way, which he did not see. His eyes were too full of tears. At dinner he was unusually quiet, and he ate but little. "You'd better begin on that tonic again," his mother decided, and after the meal she fetched a bottle from the cupboard and pre- pared him a dose. Poor Doodles! What tonic could reach this new and startling trouble! But he swallowed it meekly, and did not know whether it were bitter or sweet. Next morning he was pale and haggard, and confessed, on being questioned, that he had lain awake a long time in the night. Mrs. Stickney shook her head gravely, and reproached herself again for having allowed 169 DOODLES him to go to the settlement concert. "I ought to have known better ! " she said over and over. After she had gone to the shop, and while Blue was washing the breakfast dishes, Caruso began to sing. The accompanying rattle of the knives and plates seemed to spur him on, for he put in all his usual notes and many others, and sang "Annie Laurie" twice through without stopping. "Don't he go it, this morning!" exclaimed Blue, as the bird stopped suddenly, and hopped down to his water cup, to refresh his throat. There was no response from Doodles, and the elder boy turned to see his brother with head towards the window. "That was a dandy performance, wasn't it, kiddie?" Blue persisted. No answer. "What's the matter, old man? Feel worse?" A soft, suspicious-sounding "No" sent Blue over to the window, hands dripping. With a little protesting gesture Doodles turned to the doubtful comfort of his pillows, and began to sob. 170 CARUSO SINGS IN PUBLIC "Why, kiddie!" Blue drew him into his arms. "Is the pain so bad?" The fair head shook decidedly. "What in the world is it then?" The sobbing increased. "If you won't tell me, how can I do any- thing for you?" Blue gave a soft laugh. "Shall I get some medicine?" "N no." Caruso started to sing again, and Doodles pressed his head close against his brother, as if striving to shut out the sounds. "Does his singing hurt you? " Blue asked in some surprise. "N no yes o h!" "Here, then, shut up, you!" commanded Blue, flinging a hand in the direction of the cage. There was instant silence. "Oh, don't stop him! Let him sing! Dear, dear birdie!" "Why, I thought the noise made you feel bad!" ' "No, oh, no!" "Well, what does ail you?" cried Blue, almost with impatience. Then he patted the 171 DOODLES small shoulder tenderly. " Can't you tell brother?" Doodles still shook his head, but he reached for Blue's hand, and stroked it. "Whew! 'most school time! I must finish those dishes in a jiffy!" Left to himself, Doodles lay limply against the cushions, now and then giving way to a long, heavy sigh. "Wish you'd tell me before I go," urged Blue, halti ig beside the little brother's chair, cap in hand. "I've only a minute speak quick!" he prodded playfully. "Oh, don't go! don't! don't!" pleaded Doodles with sudden passion, holding to Blue's coat with gripping fingers. The boy tossed his cap on the table. " 'Course I '11 stay, if you want me to; but if I do, you've got to tell me what ails you! And you might's well soon as late." "I can't!" "Yes, you can! Why not?" "She said" "Who said?" "The woman she " "What woman?" 172 CARUSO SINGS IN PUBLIC "I do' know oh, she said I must n't tell you!" "Well, you must! Where was she?" "Here." "When?" "Yesterday forenoon." " What 'd she come for?" "She wants Caruso!" "Does she! Well, she can't have him! You do' know who 't was?" "No. She was at the concert." "Oh! Then't wasn't Mis' Sweeney!" "Why, you saw her! That fat one with diamonds all over her fingers." ' ' Aw ! ' ' Blue's expression told the rest. ' ' So she come sneakin' round to try to get that bird!" "She said 't would help mother." "Help mother?" Blue was mystified. ' ' The money, ' ' Doodles explained. " She '11 give twenty dollars for him!" "Twenty dollars!" scorned Blue. "Not much! Why, Sandy Gillespie said he was worth two hundred!" Doodles sat up straight, his eyes big with wonder. 173 DOODLES "Two hundred! You never told that before!" Blue laughed. "Didn't mean to now. I thought it was safer not to." "Two hundred dollars!" repeated Doodles under his breath. He looked across at the mocking bird with incredulous eyes. "Wha' 'd you say to her?" Blue queried. Doodles repeated as much of the talk as he could recollect. "And she's comin' again this morning?" "I s'pose so oh, don't leave me alone, don't!" "'Course I won't, kiddie! Wha'