stay,'' he finished blithely.

Billy lifted her chin a little.

``Uncle William, you aren't playing square.
Pete told us what you said when you left.''

``Eh? What?'' William looked up with
startled eyes.

``About--about our not _needing_ you. So we
know, now, why you left; and we _sha'n't stand_
it.''

``Pete? That? Oh, that--that's nonsense
I--I'll settle with Pete.''

Billy laughed softly.

``Poor Pete! Don't. We simply dragged it
out of him. And now we're here to tell you that
we _do_ want you, and that you _must_ come back.''

Again William shook his head. A swift shadow
crossed his face.

``Thank you, no, children,'' he said dully.

You're very kind, but you don't need me. I
should be just an interfering elder brother. I