The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-07-26

ter, but took to his heels as fast as he
could, not knowing whether he, az one Of
the party, would not be liable to arrest
and punishment for what had happened.
And unluckily, he selected as his near
est way home the short cut through old
Mr.. Melton's apple orchard.
Now, it happened that Mr.. Melton had
been very much annoyed by tramps and
vagabonds entering his grounds, and
helping themselves unceremoniously to
his half ripe fruit. So upon that very day
he had unclaimed Leo, his savage bull
Dog, and placed him on guard in the
orchard.
"I'll see if I cant catch some of them
ere young rips! !" said old Mr.. Melton.
Consequently, when he heard the
growls and roars of Leo, and the cries of
a boys voice he did not feel very sorry
for the culprit.
Hold on tight, Leo, good Leo" said
he, as he made his way slowly up from
the barnyard. "Now, young chap. I'll
trouble you to tell me what business
you've got on my premises. Why" with
a long whistle, 'It's Mr.. Harrington's boy!
Loose him, Leo, loose him! How came
you here, Master Cecilia"
Ana while, with one hand he held the
collar of the savage animal, who was still
licking his lips, and cycling his late cap
tive with red, swollen eyes, the old man
stared at the boy.
Poor Cecil who was terribly frightened,
and had his trousers legs nearly torn off
from him, managed to explain that he
was in great hurry to get home, and
that he supposed it was the shortest way
to pass through Farmer Melton's ORCH
ard.
swell, aud 50 it would ha' been," said
the old man, who could not help smiling,
"if it hadn't a-bcn for old Leo. Come
in. my lad, come in, and the old woman'll
sew you up, and brush the mud a bit off
YOU"
But Cecil declined this good-natured
invitation, only stipulating that Leo
should not be let loose again until he was
safely out of the place. To this Mr.. Mel
ton readily agreed.
II hadn't nothing against you, Master
Cecil" said he: Law bless you it's only
them tranps and loafers US torments one
out of ones lifev'
And Cecil made haste homeward, q
sorry sight, all dust and rags, and limping
on one leg where Leo's teeth had taken
such terrible grasp.
AS he entered the gate at the foot of
his fathers garden, an unexpected sight
met his eyes. A pretty little miniature
tent was pitched on the lawn, music was
playing, table was spread, and party
of boys and girls, about his own age,
were playing croquet, fox and hounds, and
a variety of other games. Cecil stood in
amazement.
ooh, Cecil, where have you been?"
cried his little sister, Mary, hurrying for
ward. "Vhis is your birthday surprise
party And when mamma sent to the
school for you, you hadn't been there at
all! And why is your leg bleeding? And
what is the matter with your trowsers?
Oh, Cecil, what has happcncd2"
His father advanced, just as Mary was
putting the last question, and to him
Cecil tearfully confessed his fault.
"Go to your own room, Cecil" said
Mr.. Harrington, sternly, "and spend the
remainder Of the day there! A boy who
disobeys his parents, deserves no birthday
indulgence"'
And Cecil Harrington will never forget
the day he passed, in his solitary room,
rejecting upon his conduct and its conse-
quences. It did him good, however, and
to this day he is better and more ODE
dent boy than when he played truant in
the woods.