Toddie raised his head and explained.
“Izhe a shotted soldier bein’ tookted to where de shooters can’t catch me, like sometimes dey used to be in de war.”
Budge dropped in the road and cried.
“Oh, what is it?” cried Mrs. Burton, kneeling beside Toddie, and taking him in her arms. And Toddie replied:
“Ow!”
“Budge, dear,” exclaimed Mrs. Burton, releasing Toddie, and hurrying to his brother, “what has happened? Do tell me!”
Budge opened his eyes and mouth reluctantly, and replied with a thin voice:
“Wait till I get alive again, an’ I’ll tell you. I haven’t got many words inside of me now; they’re all dropped out, I’m so tired, and, oh——”
“I’ZHE A SHOTTED SOLDIER”