HUGH SHOULDERS A HEAVY TASK Hugh hardly knew how to take that astonishing declaration on the part of the old lady.

He remembered that she was very peculiar in some ways, and the very first thought that flashed into the boy's mind was to the effect that Madame Pangborn might be getting what some fellows would, impolitely of course, have called "daffy." Still her black eyes flashed with all their old-time vigor, and she appeared to be very much in earnest.

More to humor her than anything else Hugh remarked in a sympathetic voice: "I'm sorry to hear that, ma'am.

Of course if I can do anything for you I'll be only too glad of the chance.

Would you mind telling me about it ?" "Thank you for your kindness, my son," she went on, eagerly.