"Oh, you big possum you! Now wake up and explain
yourself." Barry sheepishly opened his eyes.
• "Why didn't you come around and skate with me?" she
demanded.
"Why—l—Oh—But you had somebody else skating with
yon."
"What difference did that make? It was only Cousin
Tom," she replied, with a pout on her pretty face.
"Only Cousin Torn," What a load was lifted from
Barry's heart. A smile now spread over his face, and his
eyes sparkled as of yore.
Meanwhile the girl, who had been regarding him with
some perplexity, broke into a hearty laugh.
"Why," laughing, "I know now what was the
You were jealous. Ha! Ha! Ha!
,Nsti,
-ix and I were seated in our window-seat, each busy
with his troublesome thoughts. But before I go
further in my narration let me tell you first of Nix.
Nix is my constant companion, partner, and counselor.
He shares in all my pleasures and my woes. Some years
ago while strolling aimlessly along the noisy streets of a city
of no mean fame, I was followed by a poor, lonely little dog,
a waif in the world of dogs. ,He followed me to my home,
around which he stayed, attracting my attention daily. One
day I stopped to study this little fellow more closely prepara
tory to a decision to allow him to stay, or to banish him;
when he came fearfully to my feet, and then growing more
bold, endeavored to lick my hand as if imploring mercy.
NIX AND I.
matter.
i3R A DY,