The Argosy — page 128: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

114 Shaving the Ponies’ Tals. a ange. an. 1, 1868. blue eyes and long fair curls. For Tod to warn him against going to grief was something new, and I fancied he must be remembering that it was Christmas Day. ‘JT want to jump down, Joe,” answered Hugh, from the top of the bank. | ‘You'd jump in. Stay where you are, I tell you, until I come.” Hugh came leaping down on this side, where there was no danger ; the ditch, or dyke, was on the other. Tod ascended the bank and leaped it at once. * Now then, Hugh, Pll catch you.” He stood on the edge of the dyke, ready to save Hugh, should his foot slip. The worst that would happen would be a wetting ; but Tod meant to take care. Hugh leaped, and Tod caught him just as he was slipping backwards. How it happened I don’t know, but the velvet got a tear in front. Such a rent! ‘¢ Whew !” cried Tod, with a whistle. ‘“ Madam will be brushing my jacket for that.” “IT shan’t say you did it, Joe,” said Hugh, looking down ruefully. He had learnt to be fond of his fine clothes. ‘‘Say it and welcome,” retumed Tod. My back’s broad enough. Mind you walk sedately now, Hugh ; if you get your foot through that hole, you'll have the whole bottom off.” We were near the house on our return, us two talking secrets together (it was only about Mrs. Todhetley), and Hugh racing around, when we suddenly missed him. Tod stood still and looked back. ‘¢What went with him, Johnny ?” I could not say. We should not have minded either, but for the velvet. Hugh was safe anywhere on the land. Tod had told me to smuggle him up-stairs to the nursery, and get Hannah to mend the slit. ‘Perhaps he turned off by the oak-walk, Tod. If so, he is already in-doors.” ‘The young monkey! And Madam is now groaning over the rent ! Well, my back, as I say, 1s broad enough for that.” The Sterlings had arrived, and there was bustle in the drawing-room. Young Mrs. Sterling had brought her baby, a little bundle in a blue cloak ; old Mr. and Mrs. Sterling were talking to the Pater, young Mrs. Sterling was nursing Lena, Mrs. Todhetley was admiring the baby, whose nurse stood at the door. Old Thomas came im to say that dinner was served. Hugh was nowhere to be seen. ‘He's gone up to Hannah of his own accord, Tod,” I whispered. And Tod just nodded in answer; as if not caring one way or the other. They began to cross the hall, and the nurse took the baby up-stairs. Lena had hold of Tod then, for the children were to dine with’ us, and I was behind. Suddenly they stopped in a sort of commotion, and ECOMiIcoOolxs.cO©