Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1881-06-18
Our Young Folks.
A RUNAWAY TRUNK.

1--WE won't give II up II we have TO go
on foot.
"Well," said Fred, 81 don't see ally
way, unless we do go a-foot for we
have only got two dollars between us
and the fare to Portland is more'n two
dollars apiece"
"Pete Ratestuff got over harder
spots than this" said John. land l
know we can. ~
John Sheldon, a bright, quiCkwitted
boy, of about fourteen, is the son of a
well-to-do farmer of Oxford County,
Maine. The other boy. Fred. Hard
ing, lis jhepillage doctors son, lew
months younger. The two are excel
Aent friends. They have been reading
"Perilous Adventures OF Pete Rates
tulf, the Boy Sailor" Reused by the
daring deeds and wonderful escapes Of
the hero, mania to go to sea has
fallen upon them. They think there S
no good in asking their fathers ad-
vice, SO they are laying plans in secret.
John has learned that the fishing
schooner Brittomart sails for New
fOundland the 25th, and it is now the
oath. The two boys start from beneath
the "High Top" sweetng tree, In the
orchard where they have been sitting.
"Ain't there no way to go on the
freight tramp asked Fred, throwing
an apple.c core toward chipmonk
chattering on the stone wall.
"No, | guess not" said John,
th0ughtfully. "But I've got an idear'
he exclaimed exultantly, crumplng up
his old straw hat, and giving it an up
ward fling.
"Quick! out with it," said Fred.
"There's an old trunk of grandpa s
up in the garret! Do you see, Fred9
Chuck what we want in that, get in, and
one of US goes as baggage! What do
you say to that?'
"You've struck it!'' exclaimed Fred.
"Let's go at it. I'm in for that. Why
you're as cute as Pete"
"We'll have to start in the morn
ing" said John. "We'll have a gay
time. Wen see a bit OF the city when
we're through our business with the
Captain
Not doubt but that they could &C
as sailors had once entered their heads.
OF course Captain DAILY would take
them.
1T was decided that Fred should gel
leave, and come down and stay al
night with John. He was to take with
him what he wanted, and they d pacl
what they could in the trunk.
A little after dusk, Fred came over
bringing his best suit, lot of dough
nuts, small pistol, and his new base
ball, tied together in an old handker
chief. These, with some of John pos
sessions, were packed in the trunk
-lnavinG nnt-a-rarn rnnnnu. ,,ls.a -fa-.
for an early start in the morning
The boys retired in good season, bu
not to sleep. At half-past eleven, Johl
looked at his watch, for he had q prett,
silver one given him at his last birth
day. He said:
"Why, Fred, if you'll believe it, j
amt but half-past eleven"
The same was repeated at one, an,
again at half-past two At three the
rose and dressed, went softly down til
6tdilS, anu Oub lulO Ouc COOI, ulCut, COl
tember morning.
Each taking a handle of the trunk
they went toward the station, abou
three miles off. They reached the dc
pot, as they hoped to, before any on
was about.
1t required some talking, on John
part, to persuade Fred that he, be n
the smaller, ought to 90 in the trunl
There was just room for him to Gu
down on his side.
He got in, John shut the cover, locke
the trunk, and sat down beside it.
"How dye feel, FredP" he asked, ;
length.
kinder boxed up said Free
"There amt no room to spare"
Soon the depot was opened.
John bought his ticket, got his cheC
and when the train came steaming
he first made sure the trunk was put OF
and then he got on board. and off the
went.
AID Station, in yard just b
hind the depot, were kept some deer,
fox, raven and other animals.
Their fame had reached Johns ear
and. as there promised to be a stop
several minutes for breakfast, he lie
the car and went round to see ther
and, for time, they quite drove b
sea-voyage from his mind.
There came a sudden reminder, ho'
ever, when he heard the puff, puff,
the engine and the rumbling Of the cal
Then he started and ran round to t
, front OF the depot, only to see the ira
moving oif-without him!
| "Well, now, / was foolp'
{ thought, as he looked after the wants
, ing train.
: He asked man. standing near, VIII
, the next train went to Portland.
mot till afternoon, was answere
This was blow to John. Added
r his desire to reach the city was moi
little anxiety as to Fred's condition
l the trunk.
: What a long four hours he had
9 wait Time had never dragged so
+ fore!
r Atlast the longed-for train came, a
v John reached Portland in safety.
r The next thing was to find his trur
= He went up to man standing ne
: some baggage, and asked him how
get trunks
Where's yer checkP" asked
J. man.
g John showedit
o The man looked among the trunks
+ "There amt no trunk like that herr
}. he said.
g John stood a minute, dismayed.
n There must be one somewhere" ="
70 said, not little anxious. "Is tn
t. another place to find trunks"
c "Nots | know Of said the m
g "Did yer trunk come along with you