Man on the Box by Harold MacGrath
page 126 of 288 (43%)
page 126 of 288 (43%)
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William winked, there was an answering wink, and the two became
friends from that moment on. "I'll bet you didn't say a thing to Pirate yesterday, when he bolted over the wall with you." "Well, I believe I _did_ address a few remarks to Pirate which would not sound well on dress-parade; but so long as it wasn't within hearing distance, William, I suppose it doesn't matter." "No, sir; I suppose not." "Now, what kind of a master is the colonel?" asked Warburton, strapping on his English leggings. "Well, it's hard to say just now. You see, I've been with the family ever since I was six. The colonel used to be the best fellow _I_ ever knew. Always looking out for your comfort, never an undeserved harsh word, and always a smile when you pleased him. But he's changed in the last two years." "How?" "He doesn't take any interest in the things he used to. He goes about as if he had something on his mind; kind of absent-minded, you know; and forgets to-morrow what he says to-day. He always puts on a good face, though, when Miss Betty is around." "Ah. What night do I have off?"--of a mind that a question like this would sound eminently professional in William's ears. |
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