Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/250

Rh father; "it is the best place for boys who cannot behave like gentlemen."

Bobby lifted his voice in a dismal wail.

"Oh, I say, Harry, that's a bit severe. is n't it?" asked the good-natured Colonel.

"Yes, please don't send him away, poor little fellow," begged Cousin Polly, "I am sure he did n't mean to be naughty."

"Reprieved, Bobs!" said his father with a laugh. "If you do it again, though, you will be court-martialled."

The two children stared doubtfully at one another after this. Bobby felt that Moti had transgressed the ethical code of his set in telling tales; Moti felt that he was a very rude boy, and a great disappointment as a cousin. But at their age quarrels are not apt to last, and neither of the children was of a sulky disposition, so, when Bobby softly came nearer and said,—

"Do you like puppies? don't you want to see mine out in the stable?" Moti put