"This, gentlemen," explained Jeems, without changing his position, "is

Mr. Bennie de Laney on both sides. It is extremely fortunate for Mr. de

Laney that he is a de Laney on both sides, for otherwise he would be

lop-sided."

"You will find a seat, Mr. de Laney, in the adjoining bedroom," said

the first, with great politeness; "and if you don't care to go in

there, you will stand yourself in the corner by that easel until the

conclusion of this little discussion between Jeems and myself.--Jeems,

will you kindly state the merits of the discussion to the gentleman?

I'm out of breath."

Jeems kindly would.

"Bert and I have, for the last few weeks, been obeying the parting

commands of our dear mother. 'Boys,' said she, with tears in her eyes,

'Boys, always take care of one another.' So each evening I have tried

to tuck Bertie in his little bed, and Bertie, with equal enthusiasm,

has attempted to tuck me in. It has been hard on pyjamas, bed

springs, and the temper of the Lady with the Piano who resides in the

apartments immediately beneath; so, at the wise suggestion of our

friends in the windows"--he waved a graceful hand toward them, and they

gravely bowed acknowledgment--"we are now engaged in deciding the

matter Græco-Roman. The winner 'tucks.' Come on, Bertie."

The two again took position side by side, on their hands and knees,

while Mr. Hench explained to de Laney that this method of beginning the

bout was necessary, because the limited area of the mat precluded

flying falls. At a signal from Mr. Beck, they turned and grappled,

Jeems, by the grace of Providence, on top. In the course of the combat

it often happened that the two mattresses would slide apart. The

contestants, suspending their struggles, would then try to kick them

together again without releasing the advantage of their holds. The

noise was beautiful. To de Laney, strong in maternal admonitions as to

proper deportment, it was all new and stirring, and quite without

precedent. He applauded excitedly, and made as much racket as the

rest.

A sudden and vigorous knock for the second time put an end to

hostilities. The wrestlers again sat bolt upright on the mattresses,

and listened.

"Gentlemen," cried an irritated German voice, "there is a lady

schleeping on the next floor!"

"Karl, Karl!" called one of the irrepressibles, "can I never teach you

to be accurate! No lady could possibly be sleeping anywhere in the

building."

He arose from the mattress and shook himself.

"Jeems," he continued sadly, "the world is against true virtue. Our

dear mother's wishes can not be respected."

De Laney came out of his corner.

"Fellows," he cried with enthusiasm, "I want you to come up and stay

all night with me some time, so mother can see that gentlemen can make

a noise!"




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