Weeps! and Co.

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 172, 17 April 1937, Page 9 (Supplement)

Weeps! and Co.

Neo Xc. 4. jSe-'i'VV.

(Concluded from last week.)

"TV ELL, Bob," said Rex, climbing up ‘ the haystack ahead of his captors, "they found me—and don’t forget your promise.” The others came climbing up and they formed a ring, with Bob and Rex in the centre. Apples were handed out again, and amid the munchings a cross-examination of the elusive captive was begun. Tony started it.

"Rex,” he said solemnly, "you have not attended any of our meetings for & week. What is the matter?” Rex grinned, and they all waited in expectant silence for his reply. “Well, u-m-n, fact is . . be mumbled, beginning. “Yes?” four voices piped urgently. “Fact is,” said Rex hastily, "I’ve been rather busy you know, u-m-m—--but I’ve not forgotten I’m a Wooper, don’t worry.

"We do think you 'might have attended the last meetings,” said Betty reproachfully; "we go back to school on Monday and the gang has to be broken up until next holidays.” "Well,” Rex said, “it is school, as a matter of fact, that has been keeping me busy—preparation, you know.” He eaid it heavily, as if it was with an effort.

“Rex!” three flung themselves at him, “ragging” him and laughing. “You do make lame excuses. You’re much too old for school!” Rex and Bob both burst out laughing and the others joined in. "Just wait until next holidays and we’ll all be Woopers together again.” Rex said, preparing to go. “Just now, however, I will have to resign because of the busyness of my other activities. You will see what they are,” he added mysteriously .as he went, “on Monday.”

"Well, now, just what 'does he mean by that?” said Betty, and after long arguments they gave it up.

Monday came much too early, and a disbanded Woopers and Peepers' gang wound slowly up the road to school foremost of their companions. They had forgotten the discomforts of woollen socks and strong shoes, of ne.at-brushed hair and tidy clothes in another heated argument about the new school-teacher. Nobody was sure whether it was a man or woman, old or young, but most were inclined to be pessimistic. The five—for Claude had returned home—dashed into school and walked in solemn self-consciousness into the clean-smelling newness of the new year’s classroom. There, standing at the desk sorting some papers was—Rex. "Rex!” they gasped, "what are you doing here?” Rex grinned cheerfully. "I told you I would see you on Monday,” he said. "As a matter of ” "What’s the new teacher like? Have you seen him?” asked Betty. "Yes; as a matter of fact ” "How awful; I knew it would be a lady,” groaned Tony. Rex burst out laughing, and Bob, unable to contain the secret any longer, burst out: “He, he's ” But Rex got in first. “I’m your new schoolmaster,” he exclaimed. For a moment all but Bob were completely flabbergasted. Then they all burst out laughing. “Hurrah, hurrah!” they yelled. “But you must remember not to call me ‘Rex’ in class, and that I am your teacher after all,” said Rex. “Woopers,” said Tony seriously, “let’s forget he ever was a Wooper—until next holidays.” They gave three cheers as the rest of the school started to come in, and Rex joined them. (The End.)