This seemed to touch Zeke.He blushed hotly."It's a darned shame,kid,"he returned sheepishly.
"Mrs.Forbes,come here,please,"said Jewel.The housekeeper had ceased crying,and was watching the pair.She saw that her boy's senses were clearer.She approached obediently,and when the child took her hand her own closed tightly upon the little fingers.
"Zeke,you're a big strong man and everybody likes you,"said Jewel earnestly."Isn't it better to stay that way than to drink out of a bottle,no matter howmuch you like it?""I don't like it so awfully,"returned Zeke protestingly."I like to be sociable with the boys,that's all.""What a way to be sociable!"gasped the child."Well,wouldn't you rather be nice,so people will like to get close to you?""Depends on the folks,"returned the boy with a touch of his usual manner."You're all right,little kid."He put out his hand,but quickly withdrew it.
Jewel seized it."Now give your other one to your mother.There now,we're all together.If your mother thinks you have a disease,Zeke,then she must know you haven't.If you want me to,I'll come out here every day at a quiet time and give you a treatment,and we'll talk all about Christian Science,and we'll know that there's nothing that can make us sick or unhappy--or unkind!Think of your unkindness to your mother--and to me if you go on,for I love you,Zeke.Now mayI help you?"The soft frank voice,the earnest little face,moved Zeke to cast a glance at his mother's swollen eyes.They were bent upon Jewel.