`` 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 Phebe , rolled up in a shawl , sitting on the rug before a blazing fire , with her untouched stocking laid beside her . `` Merry Christmas ! '' cried the little mistress smiling gaily . `` Merry Christmas ! '' answered the little maid , so heartily that it did one good to hear her . `` Bring the stockings right away , Phebe , and let 's see what we 've got , '' said Rose , sitting up among the pillows , and looking as eager as a child . A pair of long knobby hose were laid out upon the coverlet , and their contents examined with delight , though each knew every blessed thing that had been put into the other 's stocking .
Never mind what they were ; it is evident that they were quite satisfactory , for as Rose leaned back , she said , with a luxurious sigh of satisfaction , `` Now , I believe I 've got everything in the world that I want , '' and XXXXX answered , smiling over a lapful of treasures , `` This is the most splendid Christmas I ever had since I was born . ''
Bones Charlie Doctor Egyptian Phebe coal-hod day mummy night-caps twitter