Page:The mislaid uncle (IA mislaiduncle00raym).pdf/78

 confused with the weird pictures of tortured men gazing at her from the trunks of gnarled trees, and thoughts of a myriad of uncles, each wearing eyeglasses, and sitting with glistening bald head beneath a brilliant light. The light dazzled her, the dreams terrified her, and the little face that dropped at length upon the open page of the great folio was drawn and distressed.

"For goodness sake! I suppose she's sleepy. I believe that children do go to bed early. At least they should. If I'm to be a correct sort of 'uncle,' even for one night, I must get her there. I wonder how!" considered the gentleman.

The first thing was to wake her, and he attempted it, saying:

"Josephine! Josephine!"

The child stirred uneasily, but slumbered on.

"Uncle Joe" laid his hand upon her shoulder rather gingerly. He was much more afraid of her than she could ever be of him.

"Miss Josephine! If you please, wake up."