Tama County Republican. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1867-1872, 1867-07-26
RAY LLOYD AT HALBERG.
BY ELMER {. wlLLARD.

Lessons were over for the day, and now the
!! grounds around Halberg Seminary were re-
, sounding with bursts of merry laughter and
chatter. Over the grassy terrace, and down
through the avenue of grand old trees wan
dered the liberated girls, enjoying to the very
utmost their afternoon recess.
AT one of the schoolroom windows, over
looking the merry jewellers, stood four girls
in earnest conversation. Mischievous glances
and intelligent mods passed between several
outsiders, while the words plotting mischief
were silly whispered around. At length the
little group separated, and with verysuncon-
cerned looks the four 'plotters' mingled with
their companions. Presently the old bell Of
Halberg peeled forth the unwelcome signal OF
return. With many long drawn sighs and
inpatient ordinations the reluctant jewellers
turned their backs to the beautiful sunshine
and entered the school.
The last to ascend the broad steps were the
four girls we have observed before Ray
Lloyd the favorite and beauty Of the school
and Anna Mclean, her eliminate, were last
AS EN- Ferriday and her companion were
about entering, an earnest exclamation from
Ray Lloyd drew their attention. With her
dark eyes fairly sparkling with mischief, Ray
was pointing down the avenue where four
handsom horses had been tied to lie seminary
gate, whose owners, professors from neigh
boring college, were just then entering DR..
Halberg's study. The girls all listened breath
less!y as Ray said
.There are four horses; we are all good
riders, and now for ride z
Down the broad path sped the reckless girl
followed at once by her wild companions. In
an instant they were in the saddle, and re-
gardless Of the consequences, they dashed
from the gate just as the Mortified doctor came
to his window in time to witness their esea-
pade
That glorious ride in the mild autumn sun
shine The girls never forgot it. On, be-
meath the tinted leavs, and down through
shadowy wood paths, dashed the merry riders,
waking the sleeping echoes with their eltn
laughter. When fully satisfied, they once
more turned their faces toward the school.
"Oh, the future the futurel' sang Ray
Lloyd, in solemn cadence.
Another burst of clear trilling laughter,
and the daring riders dashed up the avenue
on grand gallop. AS they expected, there
stood the stern old doctor, backed by the four
professors, waiting their approach In SOL
emn silence the principal gazed into the flush
ed faces before him, while the professors
glanced from one to another in silent forebod-
ing of the storm to come. Ek&
Suddenly noticing the anxions looks around
her, and sense Of their ludicrous position
flashing across her mind, Ray Lloyd burst
into a peal of musical laughter. In this she
was readily Joined by her companions, who,
as Anna Mclean afterward declared, were
literally ''dying for good laugh"
sTo your room. young ladies to your room
instantly!" now thundcred the iratc doctor.
The mirth died out from Rays face at once,
but instead Of following the example Of her
rctrcating companions, she stood still, with
quiet face and dignifed demeanor.
~'sMiss Lloyd do you intend to obey me s'-
asked the angry principal.
t"Certainly, sir: but surely you will allow