Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-08-31
VOLUME XVI.
lng about it. | couldn't hear all they said,
but heard enough to show what they were
Of

~ YOU tLilik they are coming to-mgltl
b asked the Squire, after a pause. -.
Yes, sir !; shall ! let out the dog 2"
: No, he might bite Them"
And serve 'em right" ..
l would rather have them brought into
me- You may get Reuben to stand watch
with you, and if you catch them, you may
q bring them into the house"
= Yes, Sir" said James.
, Tom and Frank met as agreed upon, and
started in company for the garden
Did you bring bag Z" asked Frank.
No, but have got an extra handker-
chief that'll hold good lot" .
All right; we can hide 'em in the bush
es, and go to 'em when we want Them
BY halt-past eight it was quite dark
There was no moon, and only here and
there star was visible
" It's a jolly night" said Frank.
Just the thing"
At length the boys reached the picket
fence that surrounded the garden
" Get over first" said Tom.
With some difficulty, Frank cambered
up, but got caught in the picket and tum-
bled to the ground.
=" Are you hurt 2" whispered Tom.
"No, but I've torn my trowsers Look
out sharp for them plaguey pickets"
" \ ow where are the trees 2" asked Tom,
when he had got over.
" There's one get up and shake it, and
I'll pick 'em up"
"No, Frank, you're the best at climb
ing"
40 yes, no doubt you'd rather pick 'em
up"
"Well, I'll climb the next tree
|, 4 Il
rough voice, which made both the bows
turn pale. They started to run, but the
pursuers were too quick for them. Tom
was soon struggling in the grasp of the
gardener, and Frank tried in vain to get
away from Reuben, boy Of sixteen, who
assisted on the place
"1ou let me go !" said Tom, struggling
energetically.
" I'd rather not ! I've been waiting
for you for some time, my fine fellow"
" If you don't let me go, I'll bite" said
Frank to his captor
If you do, I'll have to pull your teeth
out" said Reuben laughing
What are you going to do with us, any
way?"
Going to carryyou in to Squire Pitman.
He wants to see you
Terrified by this threat the boys begged
piteously to be freed but their captors were
inexorable Finding struggles and entreat-
les alike useless, they resigned themselves
passively to their fate, while visions of ar
rest and Imprisonment filled their hearts
with dismay
Squire Pltman was sitting in his library,
looking over the evening paper, when
noise was heard at the door, and Reuben
and the gardener appeared, each with a
boy.
Here they are, sir" said James.
We've caught EN-" said Reuben.
Bless my SOUL" said the Squire, "and
what are their names 2"
This one is Tom Grey, and the other
one is Frank Green"
Very well, you may leave the young
gentlemen here with men
"Yes, sir"
Rather reluctantly James and Reuben let
go their hold of our young adventures, and
left the room.
Tom and Frank looked sideways at the
Squire, expecting to be seized and shaken,
or at the best receive a severe scolding-
What was their surprise, when the old gen
tleman came forward very pleasantly, and
said
Boys, I'm very happy to see you. like
to receive visits from young people, though
| think it better in such cases for them to
come through the gate, and not get over
the fence as they are liable to tear their
| clothes"
Frank looked down at his torn trowsers
in little bewilderment
Pray sit down." said the Squire, polite
ly.
Tom and Frank sat down on the corners
of two chairs, evidently i'll at ease.
How old are you, Thomas believe
that is your name 2"
Twelve, sir"
And you, Frank ?"
{" am twelve, too"
And | am seventy 1t was really kind
of you to come and call upon an old gentle
man like me. But the evenings are short
you ought to have come earlier"
Tom looked at Frank in silent wonder.
He didn't know what it all meant If he
had been taken up, that he would have un-
derstood but the Squire's manner puzzled
him completely
Are you fond of fruit, Thomas ?" asked
the Squire, innocently.
"Ye-es," said Tom, little uneasily.
Do you like it too, Frank 2"
Pretty well, said Frank, who was lit
tie afraid of committing himself
So | suppose. Most boys do"
Squire Pitman rose from his seat, and
rang the bell. ....
"You may bring in some plates and
knives" said he to the servant, and lay
them on the table,"
This was done. Next the old gentleman
went to the closet, and brought. out a bas-
ket of peaches
" generally keep a little fruit" he re-
marked, ''to treat the friends who are kind
enough to call upon me. Help yourselves"
The wondering boys did SO, and commenc-
ed eating. They wondered whether the
shaking would come up after the peaches
were eaten. Even if it did they would
have the satisfaction of eating them.
ado you like them ~ asked Squire Pit
man, who seemed to enjoy seeing the boys
eat.
, Yes, sir" said Tom, "they're tip-top"
Pm glad you think so have several
peach-trees in my garden. James, the gar
dener, was telling me that there was some
/ danger of boys getting in and robbing the
| frnn hrfI / In,p e. l. h., !