The Real Charlotte

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1919. Excerpt: ... old claw outstretched for her acceptance, and plunged incontinently down a ride in the direction of the voice. In front of her stood a sombre ring of immense pine-trees, and in their shadow stood Garry and James Canavan, apparently in committee upon some small object that lay on the thick mat of moss and pine-needles. "I heard the governor talking to you," said Garry with a grin of intelligence, "and I thought you'd sooner come and look at the rat that's just come out of this hole. Stinking Jemima's been in there for the last half hour after rabbits. She's my ferret, you know, a regular ripper," he went on in excited narration, "and I expect she's got the muzzle off and is having a high old time. She's just bolted this brute." The brute in question was a young rat that lay panting on its side, unable to move, with blood streaming from its face. "Oh! the creature!" exclaimed Francie with compassionate disgust; "what"!! you do with it?" "IH take it home and try and tame it," replied Garry; "it's quite young enough. Isn't it, Canavan?" James Canavan, funereal in his black coat and rusty tall hat, was regarding the rat meditatively, and at the question he picked up Garry's stick and balanced it in his hand. "Voracious animals that we hate, Cats, rats, and bats deserve their fate," he said pompously, and immediately brought the stick down on the rat's head with a determination that effectually disposed of all plans for its future, educational or otherwise. Garry and Francie cried out together, but James Canavan turned his back unregardingly upon them and his victim, and stalked back to Sir Benjamin, whose imprecations, since Francie's escape, had been pleasantly audible. "The old beast!" said Garry, looking resentfully after his late ally; "you never know what he'll do next. I believe if...