Page:Gadsby.djvu/263

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GADSBY

Mary, coming out from His Honor’s parlor, said:—

“Oh, I forgot to notify you of this. Norman has got about fifty kids from Grammar School boys and girls, anxious to follow in your Organization’s foot-prints.”

Was Gadsby happy? Did Gadsby thrill? Did that long-past, happy day float in glowing colors through his mind? It did. And now that old, hard-working bunch of kids, grown up, now, and with kids of its own; that loyal bunch of young sprouts was taking root; was born again!

Oh, how Youth crawls up on you! How a tiny girl “almost instantly” shoots up into a tall, charming young woman! How a top-spinning, ball-tossing, racing, shouting boy looms up into a manly young chap in Military School uniform! Gadsby was happy; for, wasn’t this a tonic for his spinal column? So His Honor said;—

“Allan, I think Branton Hills will officially aid this stadium plan. I’ll put it up to Council.”

But, Allan Banks, not Kid Banks now, was just so old as to know a thing or two about Council bills; and, out as a solicitor, naturally sought a good showing on donations won, so said;—

“A Council donation will fit in grand, sir; but how about grouchy old Bill Simpk——

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