of Robinson Crusoe and his man Friday was produced, while Marguerite
and her friends received more compliments from the young aspirants
than the most gallant cavalier of the sixteenth century ever paid to
the queen of love and beauty. But the last remark was a deep thrust
from the innocent and unconscious boy.

"You darling old Madge! I am going to tell Mr. Lawson you got us up,
and I am sure we will get the prize. And I bet you I'll not forget
to put a word in for you too, Miss Marguerite, and mind you Mr.
Lawson don't consider me no small account."

The manner in which this twelve-year-old urchin got off the speech
had a telling effect. His air of importance brought a burst of
laughter, but it could scarcely hide the blushes that played
hide-and-seek on the girl's face--which fact fortunately escaped the
notice of the Listers.

The long-looked-for hour has arrived, and Crusoe and Friday emerge
from their "den," as Miss Verne contemptuously designated the
curiosity-shop. On this occasion Marguerite remains at home. Her
constitution is rather delicate, and owing to a slight cold and
throat irritation it is deemed advisable to exercise caution.

"I am sorry that you will not have your papa's company this evening.
There is to be a meeting of the Board. There is always something
going on."

"Don't mind me, mamma. Please bear in mind I am good company for
myself. I remember once reading a passage in some book which said
that all the pleasure we derived had its source in ourselves, and