She paused an instant to collect herself , and then went softly toward the bony beckoner . A nearer look revealed black threads tied to the arm and fingers , the ends of threads disappearing through holes bored in the back of the case . Peeping into the dark recess , she also caught sight of the tip of an elbow covered with a rough gray cloth which she knew very well . Quick as a flash she understood the joke , her fear vanished , and with a wicked smile , she whipped out her scissors , cut the threads , and the bony arm dropped with a rattle . Before she could say , `` Come out , Charlie , and let my skeleton alone , '' a sudden irruption of boys , all in a high state of tickle , proclaimed to the hidden rogue that his joke was a failure . `` I told him not to do it , because it might give you a start , '' explained Archie , emerging from the closet . `` I had a smelling bottle all ready if she fainted away , '' added Steve , popping up from behind the great chair . `` It 's too bad of you not to squawk and run ; we depended on it , it 's such fun to howl after you , '' said Will and Geordie , rolling out from under the sofa in a promiscuous heap . `` You are getting altogether too strong-minded , Rose ; most girls would have been in a jolly twitter to see this old fellow waggling his finger at them , '' complained Charlie , squeezing out from his tight quarters , dusty and disgusted . `` I 'm used to your pranks now , so I 'm always on the watch and prepared . But I wo n't have Brother Bones made fun of . I know uncle would n't like it , so please do n't , '' began Rose just as Dr. Alec came in , and , seeing the state of the case at a glance , he said quietly , `` Hear how I got that skeleton , and then I 'm sure you will treat it with respect . '' The boys settled down at once on any article of furniture that was nearest and listened dutifully . `` Years ago , when I was in the hospital , a poor fellow was brought there with a rare and very painful disease . There was no hope for him , but we did our best , and he was so grateful that when he died he left us his body that we might discover the mysteries of his complaint , and so be able to help others afflicted in the same way . It did do good , and his brave patience made us remember him long after he was gone . He thought I had been kind to him , and said to a fellow-student of mine , ` Tell the Doctor I lave him me bones , for I 've nothing else in the wide world , and I 'll nos be wanting 'em at all , at all , when the great pain hat kilt me entirely . ' So that is how they came to be mine , and why I 've kept them carefully , for , though only a poor , ignorant fellow , Mike Nolan did what he could to help others , and prove his gratitude to those who tried to help him . '' As Dr. Alec paused , Archie closed the door of the case as respectfully as if the mummy of an Egyptian king was inside ; Will and Geordie looked solemnly at one another , evidently much impressed , and Charlie pensively remarked from the coal-hod where he sat , `` I 've often heard of a skeleton in the house , but I think few people have one as useful and as interesting as ours . '' Chapter 20 -- Under The Mistletoe Rose made Phebe promise that she would bring her stocking into the `` Bower , '' as she called her pretty room , on Christmas morning , because that first delicious rummage loses half its charm if two little night-caps at least do not meet over the treasures , and two happy voices Oh and Ah together .
So when Rose opened her eyes that day they fell upon faithful XXXXX , rolled up in a shawl , sitting on the rug before a blazing fire , with her untouched stocking laid beside her .
Archie Bones Charlie Egyptian Phebe Rose beckoner disease left tickle