Black-Eyed Susan

CHAPTER II

--OVER THE GARDEN WALL

Philip Vane! The words flashed into Susan's mind as soon as she opened her eyes the next morning, Philip Vane--the new little boy next door! And Susan jumped out of bed and, running to the window, peered eagerly over at the old Tallman house.

Yes, some one was already up and stirring, for smoke was pouring out of the kitchen chimney, but there was no sign to be seen of any little boy.

Breakfast over, Susan hurried through her daily tasks about the house, and then ran out to the chicken-yard, with her bowl of chicken-feed under her arm. She waited until the fowls, with their usual squawkings and cluckings, had gathered about her feet, and addressed them solemnly.

"I've a piece of news for you," said Susan, "and you are not going to have one bite of breakfast until I've told you. There is a little boy coming to live next door, and his name is Philip Vane.