le. The twins were gracious but firm. There
was no arguing, and no faltering. "It is the will of Skull and
Crossbones that the damsel do this," they would say. And the damsel
did it.

Prudence did not feel it was a case that called for her interference.
So she sat back and watched, while the twins told stories, read and
frolicked, and Constance did their daily tasks.

So eight days passed, and then came Waterloo. Constance returned home
after an errand downtown, and in her hand she carried a great golden
pear. Perhaps Constance would have preferred that she escape the
notice of the twins on this occasion, but as luck would have it, she
passed Carol in the hall.

"Gracious! What a pear! Where did you get it?" demanded Carol
covetously.

"I met Mr. Arnold down-town, and he bought it for me. He's very fond
of me. It cost him a dime, too, for just this one. Isn't it a
beauty?" And Connie licked her lips suggestively.

Carol licked hers, too, thoughtfully. Then she called up the stairs,
"Lark, come here, quick!"

Lark did so, and duly exclaimed and admired. Then she said
significantly, "I suppose you are going to divide with us?"

"Of course," said Connie with some indignation. "I'm going to cut it
in five pieces so Prudence and Fairy can have some, too."

A pause, while Carol and Lark gazed at each other soberly. Mentally,
each twin was figuring how big her share would be when the pear was
divided in fives. Then Lark spoke.

"It is the will of Skull and Crossbones that this luscious fruit be
turned over to them immediately."

Constance faltered, held it out, drew it back.

"If I do, I suppose you'll give me part of it, anyhow," she said, and
her eyes glittered.

"Not so, damsel," said Carol ominously. "The Ancient and Honorable
takes,--it never gives."

For a moment Constance wavered. Then she flamed into sudden anger. "I
won't do it, so there!" she cried. "I think you're mean selfish pigs,
that's what I think! Taking my very own pear, and--but you won't get
it! I don't care if I never get into your silly old society,--you
don't get a bite of this pear, I can tell you that!" And Constance
rushed up-stairs and slammed a door. A few seconds later the door
opened again, and her cherished badge was flung down upon Skull and
Crossbones.

"There's your old black string smeared up with red ink!" she yelled at
them wildly. And again the door slammed.

Carol picked up the insulted badge