Uncle Alex came out on the back piazza with his newspaper, and was just going to seat himself in one of the armchairs, when a very large spider, weaving its web among the vines, attracted his attention. He went closer, to look at it: and presently called to Neddie, who was playing in the yard, "Neddie, come and see this huge spider."
"I can't come now, Uncle Alex," replied Neddie; "I'm on duty."
Uncle Alex stopped looking at the spider and looked at Neddie. He had a paper soldier-cap on, and, carrying his toy gun, was gravely pacing up and down before his tent, which was pitched on the grass, under the big cherry-tree. Will Ramsay and two or three other boys were in the adjoining meadow, galloping around on sticks and flourishing wooden swords. There was probably a battle going on, though the cows, chewing their cud under the trees, didn't seem a bit frightened.
