The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-06-14

my: sin Thy boundless mercy hide!
"Only to-day have I learned how great
Hath been Thy bounty and my estate"
THE sQUIRE'S APPLES.
It made no little stir in Cranston when
it was rumorcd about that Esquire Waters
had been heard to say, in the presence of
tome twenty or more persons, that whoev-
er he had the good luck to find meddling
with his early fruit, he would treat in a
manner not over and above palatable
No little stir, say, it occasioned, because
the good people Of the thriving, populous
village were keen to learn las all such
good people are) who the trespasser upon
the grounds of the wealthiest man in the
town might be.
But there was little mystery about the
affair that the people of Cranston could
not see through. Had they been told, in
confidence, that the morning after the
depreciation there were innumerable
tracks Of tiny, dainty shoes upon the
green turf, and soft, brown soil of the
nursery; that in one place was found a
small kid glove, and in another bit Of
cambria handkerchief, with the name Of
the owner delicately traced in the corner
had they been told this, I say, they
would have better understood the quiet
way in which the gentleman treated the
robbery, and the profound silence which
he kept when the subject was discussed
in his presence.
But one day when the little wonder had
quite died out in the village, to those who
knew "thc signs of the times" there
seemed an event of some importance
brewing. All day, in the old brick acad-
envy, the laughing, mischievous girls were
knotted together in various places, chat
ting in low, confidential tones.
For awhile as they wound along the
shady way they were silent and cautious,
hardly daring to breathe sentence
above whisper; but each moment they
gained courage, and before they had
traversed through half the grounds their
mirth got the better of their fears, and
they laughingly joined their daring lead
ers, in plan to capture the squire if he
troubled them.
The one that shall catch him first,
shall have him." broke in light, musical
voice, above the buzz and laughter of the
party.
"Good, good" answered another, "but
that will be Kate Weston; our Captain
Kate, !. am sure, for she can outrun any
girl in Cranston. Why, girls, she goes it
like deer!'
"Hush, hush!' captain Kate turned
about suddenly as she spoke, and held
one white hand mp threateningly toward
the party. If you mention the old ogre's
name he'll be sure to be out here. Re-
member, his apples are dearer to him
than his gold-for like most men he
thinks more Of having his stomach well
filed than hls pocketbook."
How beautiful she looked, standing up
there in the full, clear moonlight
liant daring Kate Weston!
"Pshaw, Kate, don't let's try to keeI
still! Let him chase US if he wants to
and see what he'll CATCH" sounded the
pleasant musical voice of little Lucy
Smiley. 81 don't believe I shall drol
another glove fer him to pick up, let mt
run ever 80 fast. I hope he was pleased
with my name stamped upon the wrist"
"He didn't trouble himself much abou
you or your name, I'll wager you, wher
he had Rates dainty 'kerchief to wea
next his heart. That isn't the best of it.
there was specimen of her handwriting
blind as bat he'll see who favored hin
with the bushel-may- basket made out O
the cabbage heads. Kate wrote the yer
ses," retorted Mary Prince, laughing ant
clapping her hands.
"Hush, l say, girls; you mustn't run OF
80; don't want to be caught with any ap
pies. If l have to run, I prefer to ru,
on full stomach. So speak low if 20,
cannot keep from speaking. We arc al
most there, now. Hush! see the ripe
yellow fruit glisten in the clear moon
lightr
Kate tip-toed up to the little thickc
Of trees, followed by the hushed group.
eAfter all, I don't believe there is an,
use in keeping SO STILL" she said, looking
around: 1T seems too much like rea
out-and-out stealing, instead Of graciousl,
condescending to test our lsrdly squire
hospitality. So help yourselves, dears
while I preside as we'll as can in place
Of the gentleman himself. No doub
he'll thank me for it when--he gets
chance!'
"Perhaps, after all, he's hid in thi
thicket of trees and when we get to help
ing ourselves, as you say, he'll come jump
ing out here in the very midst of u.s." sug
gested some one, in timid voice. 9
".Hhaw-dont fear, Hattie! Why, well
scare him to death in five minutes if b,
ventures to show his head. There, TAX
this apple, and this, and this! Catcl
them - fast as I throw them. That
brave! Stand out where you are, and i
you hear any noise, Why, run!" criet
Kate, turning again to the tree. Here
catch my hat, and bring me some locus
teavesl I'm going to ornament upon tn,
occasionl"
She twined the dark leaves in and on
her glossy braids, and then looping he
white apron upon one arm commenced
.1llling it with apples.
Zone for ELY Gray, two for dame Liz
abeth, three for little Bobby, and tina
nice, big bouncer for me! Thank YOU
thank you, Mr.. Waters! The compan,
beg me to tender you, in their behalf
Observation-Disclosures that, girls 2"