The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1880-11-04

inventions of harvest moons and even
ing stars. On the other hand there was
the dog-and here youthful Indignation
rose high.
"Too mean to keep dog-has to go
and borrow one when he has peaches
and such things" was Ben Copley's
verdict.
:" 1 say, boys, he's got Uncle Hiram's
Speed up there to tie under the tree
nights, and believe l can 90 anywhere
for all that dog, he knows me so well.
The boys-his chum. ALI, and his
Younger brother Charlie-were little
doubtful, but as he, being the largest,
was expected 20 take the lead, they
concluded to be brave and follow.
Night came. A scout sent out before
hand to take in the situation had re-
ported the dog lying quietly under the
tree; and now for the venture. 1t was
quite dark, and Ben erept over the
picket fence and edged up toward the
tree with the fear in his heart crammed
down to its smallest compass. The
dog didn't stir, so he thought it best to
let well enough alone; gave up the idea
of making friends with him, and
turned his attention to the main busi-
ness.
Several splendid specimens were Sc
cured, when one peach, not very ripe
maybe, came off with smart snap.
This was too much for the dog. be
moved slightly, opened his eyes till
Ben could see them shine in the dark
ness, and next he sprang to his feet
Il nd a
howl! Ben forgot his peaches, forgot
everything but that he was wanted on
the other side of the fence. Somehow
the dog seemed to think he was want
ed, too, and after tug or two at his
fastening, proceeded to follow as fast
as the dangling chain would permit.
He reached the fence just in time to
secure a large mouthful OF Ben's trou-
sers as this hero was diving into the
darkness on the other side.
The other boys were now some dis
lance down the road, and Ben followed
despairingly, expecting another rear
attack at every step. But none came.
In jumping the fence the dog S chain
had caught and held him, and his
bowls soon brought some one from the
house. The boys after little found
that no one was following; their pace
slackened, and after turning a corner
they stopped for a parley.
Where is your hat, Ben," said
Charlie.
That's the worst of it" answered
Ben, dolefully, ''it's under that tree
and they'll find it and take it home, and
then we'll catch it"
Fortunes of warr' pronounced ALT,
solemnly, and then he began to whistle.
1t was plain that he took a more cheer
full view of the case, and as long as he
had no fear of discovery he couldn't be
expected to see the use in whimpering.
s'Guess I'll 90 home anyway" he
ventured after little, and as no one
objected the deserter went his way.
Next morning nothing was said, but
on the table was the lost hat full of
peaches.
Two very small boys, if feelings go
for anything, edged gingerly past this
silent accuser, and one went bare-head-
ed till he could snatch the hat unob-
served. But he didn't take any peaches.
DAYS passed and still they were there,
till, growing desperate, he bundled
them up and tucked them down
through hole in the barn floor. He
didn't 90 after any more, though. Both
boys, without saying much about it,
have concluded that they are getting
too big for nighthawking. N y. Irt6-
1tlle.