The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1880-11-18

W IOoh DIT tHtiu. 1uo FOau Tuua quite
near the tree, and the boys always find
this yard very attractive. But it was
no use to loiter, for just beyond the
tree was the great low house with its
dropping caves and broad verandas,
just like fat man in SLOUGH hat, and
there was any amount of doors and VIM
dows, ready to tell of any raid from the
street.
But the average boy has ways of his
own that are dark and desperate; and,
strange to say, Nature seems for half
of the twenty-four hours to be in direct
league with him, in spite of scientific
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 60
and borrow one when he has peaches
and such things was Ben Copleys
verdict.
'sI say, boys, he's got Uncle Hiram's
Speed up there to tie under the tree
nights, and | believe can go anywhere
for all that dog, he knows me SO WE'LL"
The boys-his chum. ALT, and his
younger brother Charlie-were little
doubtful, but as he, being the largest,
was expected to 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 crept 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 bust
ness.
Several splendid specimens were Sc
cured, when one peach, not very ripe
maybe, came off with smart snap.
Ibis was too much for the dog. He
moved slightly, opened his eyes till
Ben could see them shine in the dark
ness, and next he sprang to his feet
and opened his mouth. And such 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 a 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 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
expecting another rear
attack at every STEP But none came.
In jumping the fence the dogs chain
had caught and held him, and his
bowls soon brought some one from the
house. The boys after a little found
that no one was following; their pace
slackened, and after turning corner
they stopped for a pariey.
Where is your hat, Ben," said |
Charlie. a.sa vi ssa
- 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 Wen catch it,
Fortunes of WARP pronounced ALT, /
and then he began towhistle.
t was plain that he took more cheer
I'll view OF the case, and as long as he |
lad no fear of discovery he couldn't be
to see the use in Whimpering.
Guess I'll go home anyway he
Tentured after a little, and as no one
objected the deserter went his way.
Next morning nothing was said, but
N the table was the lost hat full of
peaches.
Two very small bows, if feelings 90
or anything, edged gingerly past this
llent accuSer, and one went bare-h head
ID till he could snatch the hat unob-
erved. But he didn't take any peaches.
Jays passed and still they were there,
III, growing desperate, he bundled
hem up and tucked them down
through hole in the barn floor. He
lidn't go after any more, though. Both
'oys, without saying much about it,
ave concluded that they are getting
90 big for nighthawking. IN Y 1ri6