Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-11-03

| OBnlHe tnem. Iney lnpTeSseu niulj just al
instant, as lnterlopers.
"won't you tell usP" asked Kate of her
father, in n more subdued tone.
"Some day, perhaps. 1t Is rather too
long story for the tea.table."
"Bill, he continued, "do you think you
could catch me boy tomorrow night II
they try that trick againS Don't hurt him,
but just bring him in TO me, and I'll teach
him lessen he will remember"
"Why, George, you are not going TO hurt
the poor little fellow" said Mrs. Phelps,
quito as much In surpise as in protest, for
her husband was not generally given to
harsh methods Of discipline.
The following evening was moonless and
rather cool. There Is something in such
evenings that rouses the imp of mischief in
tho juvenile bosom. Boys, not having any
sentimental nature, feel the thrill and slim
uus of spring exclusively in an accession
OF activity, and a zest for out-of-door life,
which boils over in every sort of mischief
against indoor folks.
On such evenings as this, bands of urch-
ins race about the streets, playing"I spy"
and "Bankalilla," while others tie strings
across the sidewalk In shady spots, and
from behind trees watch with ecstasy and
irrepressible laughter, which too oflen be-
trays them, the trips aud falls OF unwary
pedestrians. Still others are ringing door
bells aud gloating from secure coverts over
| the exasperation OF the householder, whose
company smile can be seen by the light of
his lamp suddenly changing to an express
Is.f, a l,saE ia sol ha
| tim of a familiar trick. Some more eau
tious lads lie a string to the knob and thus
ring the bell from across the street. The
chances are that the one who answers the
bell will not detect the string, and the con-
trivance can be worked till the family Is
half distracted. This is a rare night for
mischief, and there will be bells pulled be-
fore bedtime.
This little chap in roundabouts, for iu-
stance, is evidently brlmful of impishness.
SEQ him stealing along the dusky street
like an Indian scout, his bright eyes peer
ing on every side for opportunities for
pranks. Now, just for The sensation OF it,
he Lides behind a bush as a pedestrian
passes, and then, pretending to himself that
he Is scouting him, he glides stealthily
along behind the unconscious object Of his
espionage with an immense affectation OF
caution, till the latter turns in at some gate.
Now he sees another lad approaching, and,
tingling with excitement, puts himself in
ambush. See him quivering like a cat
about TO spring. Now he jumps out; there
is a little scrimmage, aud shortly the two
fall 10 comparing notes as TO their exploits
OF the evening, and plotting new ones. Oh,
it is rare fun to be a boy on such evenings
as this in village where policemen are
unknown!
| Mr.. Phelps was reading his paper before
tho cheerful CRATE fire which the cool even
ings yet made comfortable. Mrs. Phelps
was sitting opposite, her chubby person
completely filling an easy chair, her small
CATERS resting on the fender, and serving
her eyes as potts d dPpui for complacent
revery. Kate could he seen through the
open door fitting about the table for prep
aralions for tea. Reginald stood looking
out OF the window, absenuy drumming
with his fingers on the pane. At this mo-
ment there was a ring at the door, a short
scuflle in the hall and an instant later Tot
came running into the psrlur, crying out
with much agitation and immense eyes:
sob, papa, Will has got him, and its
Freddy Patterson, and, oh ! Pm afraid he's
hurting him." and with this she began to
whimper.
"What OH earth ails the child r. exclaimed
her father. "What is she talking about?"
"Irs :those everlasting boys at the bell
again hope Bill will shake him we'll"
answered Reginald.
"Bless me, had forgotten all about t."
said Mr.. Phelps, Jumping up. "He must
bring him right in."
"NOw, George, don't do anything dread
full" protested Mrs. Phelps.
"They're coming now" said Reginald f;
at which Mr.. Phelps took his seal again and
resumed his paper.
moment afier Bill hustled little fell
tlo fellow about twelve years old into the
parlor by the shoulders, and stood in the
door barring his escape. He.was a bright,
sturdy, spirited looking lad, as, pauting
from the resistance he had made to his cap
tor, he stood lingering his cap, and looking
crest fallen, frightened, and yet half-defiant.
ut is the very same little imp who was
playing those pranks on the street mo-
ment ago. He has played one too many.l
Tot stood in front of him, her hands on her
hips, staring at him, expecting something
tragical, and ready to cry. Kate peered In
TO the room over BilPs shoulder as he stood
in the door, TO see what was the matter.
Reginald was nonchalently looking on.
Mrs. Phelps's motherly heart at once
warmed toward the pretty little rogue, aud
she turned toward her husband, ready TO
intercede. But there was no need. Bill
began:
"Here's the little-;" but his father,
without giving him a chance to finish his
speech, put down his paper with an air OF
smiling patronage, and welcomed the small
prisoner with the words:
"Why, Freddy how do you dor Glad
to see you. It's good of you to make us a
call. Sit down, my boy"
The little chap was more put out by this
mode of address than il he had been
trounced. He looked wild. Mrs. Phelps
and Kate took the cue at once. The former
asked him how his mamma was, and Kate
took his cap and got him into a chair in the
middle Of the room, sitting in which his
feet barely touched the floor, an attitude
which completed his embarrassment.
"Leps see. Do you go to school now,
Freddyf" asked Mrs. Phelps, with an ap-
pearance of interest.
Eyes, ma'am," he replied in frightened
whimper.
"Who is your teacher2" she asked.
"Mlss Smith, slr-I mean ma'am."
"What do you study, FreddyH" asked