Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-12-03
Burt's Monitors.

determined to Co. lie wouldn't ask his
father, for he was very sure his father would
say No. lie didn't quite like to disobey
positive command, so he would say nothing
at all about the matter
Burt was thirteen years old, and it was
high time that he began to exercise his own
judgment at least, where his own affairs
were concerned lie should like to know
what harm his going down to the river FOR
a quiet moonlight swim could possibly do
to anybody. lie would try it, at al events
Ned Selars would be there, and Frank Pc
ters. They didn't seem 10 care whether
their parents liked it or not. Burt couldn't
feel so, exactly but still where was the
sense in a boys going to his father every
time he turned round
He was going He had fully made up
his mind to that. He went up to bed at
the usual time, however but his mother,
coming into his little bedroom about half
an hour aflerward, was surprised to find him
almost hidden by blanket and quilt though
it was a warm night in August
Why, Burt, you'll smother Do let
me pull of some Of these clothes.
But Burt held them tightly down. 81
amt cold, mother mean, | amt warm"
Are you sick ?"
Nom"
1.-Two blankets and quilt, laughed his
mother, as she turned away. don't
know what you're made Of, Burt"
Aud Jacket and pants and stockings
and Shoes thought Burt, as he snapped his
fingers very softly under the weight Of the
bedclothes
The beautiful moon looked in at the little
window There had been times when Burt,
gazing at her pure, pale face, had maryelled
that any boy could have the heart to do
wrong when her soft light was shining on
him; but tonight she seemed to say Come
on, come on. tell no tales The night in
doors is warm and sitting. The river is
cool and clear. My beams are there before
you. Come on, come on ~
1t seemed as if the hours had never
Jagged 80 heavily. Eleven o'clock was the
time agreed upon. Twice Burt found him
self mapping. Supposipg he should 60 to
sleep. The idea was not to be entertained
for a moment. He sat up in the bed and
listened, listened, listened, until at length
the welcome strokes greeted his ear. He
was tired and sleepy and stupid and very
warm. He opened his door softly aud went
down stairs. He dare not unlock the front
door, for Garndpas room was just across
the hall, and Grandpa always slept with
one eye open. He crept through the kitchen,
and found himself in the shed. Was ever
anything more Fortunate? The outer door
was open.
He took his hat from the nail, and Just
then a plaintivo new greeted his ear.
Hush Be still, Cuff" said he in a
whisper
But Cuff wouldn't be still She was
very glad to see him, and being a demon
strative little pussy, was determined to tell
him So
New, Me.aw, cried Billy the mock
ing-bird, from his cage above
Dear me- thought Burt, " they'll wake
father up, as sure as the world"
But it was not an unusual occurrence for
Billy to sing in the night. Indeed, his mid
night music was sometimes oyerpowering.
Burt stood very still for a moment, but
could hear no one stirring. He walked on
few steps, Cuff purring loudly and rub
biDg her soft gray sides against him, in the
exuberanoe of her affection.
"BOw, WOW, WOW, wow" barkcd the
faithful watchdog,
Be quiet, Prince. Stop your noise "
Prince knew his young masters voice,
and like Cuff, was delighted to be near him.
He gave expression to his feelings in sue
cessions of loud, quick barks.
Plague take it all - thought Burt, im.
patiently not daring to speak or move.
" Hadn't you better 60 down, John ~
asked Burts mother, anxiously. I'm
afraid some one is trying to get in"
They can't get further than the shed, "
was the careless reply. 81 left that open"
And in a few moments all was quiet again
Prince lay down at Burt's feet and Cuff
stretched herself out beside him. If be
could only have administered to each of
them a sleeping powder or mild dose of
chloroiorm then and there.
Time was passing. The boys would
surely be there before him. Very care
fully he crept toward the door, hardly dar-
ing to breathe, in his anxiety
But Prince had not been asleep. No,
indeed lie started up at the first sound of
his masters footsteps. Itwas very evident
that something unusual was going on, and
he was determined to be "in it,"
81 must cut as fast as can" said
Burt TO himself; hit or miss, there's
nothing else for me to do"
He was preparing to suit the action to
the word, when Snow, the old family
horse, who for few days past had been al
lowed to wander about the clover fields at
her own sweet will, put her white nose just
inside the door and gave loud and fiercely
prolonged neigh.
Hang it !" muttered Burt, between his
teeth. 81 shall expect to sec some Of the
cows next. | don't care if all the animals
on the place come, I'm going"
He was walking de6antly from the
door, when he heard his mothers voice at
her window. 81 never can sleep, John,
with a horse crying around. | wish you'd
go down and see what the trouble is And
do lock the shed door. haven't slept five
minutes tonight
What was Burt to do now2 To 60 for
ward in the moonlight, with his mother
watching from above, would be madness in
deed. To remain in the shed, to be discov-
eredby his father. seemed equally impolitic
He had very little time to think about tho
matter, for at that moment he heard the
well known footsteps on the stairs. He
darted over to the shed closet, pulled the