Ed and I went up to see Bob , Sunday , and he said he 'd join the Lodge , if they 'd have him . I 'm going to propose him to-night . '' `` Good ! good ! '' cried Jack , joyfully , and Mrs. Minot clapped her hands , for every new member was rejoiced over by the good people , who were not discouraged by ridicule , indifference , or opposition . `` We 've got him now , for no one will object , and it is just the thing for him . He wants to belong somewhere , he says , and he 'll enjoy the fun , and the good things will help him , and we will look after him . The Captain was so pleased , and you ought to have seen Ed 's face when Bob said , ` I 'm ready , if you 'll have me . ' '' Frank 's own face was beaming , and Jack forgot to `` gobble , '' he was so interested in the new convert , while Mamma said , as she threw down her napkin and took up the newspaper , -- `` We must not forget our ` Observer , ' but have a good one tonight in honor of the occasion . There may be something here . Come home early at noon , and I 'll help you get your paper ready . '' `` I 'll be here , but if you want Frank , you 'd better tell him not to dawdle over Annette 's gate half an hour , '' began Jack , who could not resist teasing his dignified brother about one of the few foolish things he was fond of doing . `` Do you want your nose pulled ? '' demanded Frank , who never would stand joking on that tender point from his brother . `` No , I do n't ; and if I did , you could n't do it ; '' with which taunt he was off and Frank after him , having made a futile dive at the impertinent little nose which was turned up at him and his sweetheart . `` Boys , boys , not through the parlor ! '' implored Mamma , resigned to skirmishes , but trembling for her piano legs as the four stout boots pranced about the table and then went thundering down the hall , through the kitchen where the fat cook cheered them on , and Mary , the maid , tried to head off Frank as Jack rushed out into the garden . But the pursuer ducked under her arm and gave chase with all speed . Then there was a glorious race all over the place ; for both were good runners , and , being as full of spring vigor as frisky calves , they did astonishing things in the way of leaping fences , dodging round corners , and making good time down the wide walks . But Jack 's leg was not quite strong yet , and he felt that his round nose was in danger of a vengeful tweak as his breath began to give out and Frank 's long arms drew nearer and nearer to the threatened feature .
Just when he was about to give up and meet his fate like a man , old Bunny , who had been much excited by the race , came scampering across the path with such a droll skip into the air and shake of the hind legs that XXXXX had to dodge to avoid stepping on him , and to laugh in spite of himself .
Annette Bob Captain Ed Frank Mamma Minot noon to-night tweak