The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1881-11-05

specify home, and secreted it behind the tOg-fence
back of the house. He did not care that Miss
Betsey should discover it,
The next morning he prepared for school rather
early and for fear that Miss Betsey should suspect
anything wrong, he Jumped" the sober old clock
along good half-hour, while the old lady was in
the cellar skimming the milk
He did not go the road to the SCHOOL, house, but
sneaked about, through the fields and pastures,
to escape observation. And what wonder? He
carried the ch0ke-cheyry fmb olong with him?
On coming near the school-house, he laid down
the buzzing nest and cautiously reconnoitered
the vicinity for other early boys" but all was
silent about the rude little building save the
harsh warm chir-r-r-r Of the harvest-fy and the
sharp seedlings of a red squirrel, as he sat upon
the fence and scrutinized the lad fearlessly, as
though he were aware of his cruel purpose.
The soft. warm breeze stirred the leaves gently,
and the sun shOne bright into the opening upon
the yellow golden rod and purple daisies making
the little yard all aglow with rich color: and as
Odge turned the corner suddenly, flock of yell
low birds arose from bed of furry thistles and
fitted away through the tall weeds. But neither
the soft wind, bright sun rich color could
touch his better nature, which lay deep down III
the mutinous little heart just now submerged
with thoughts of revenge.
Odge went into the little entry, then lifted the
wooden latch and peered into the school-room,
and being satisfied he ran out and brought in
the hornets nest, swinging the door to after him,
that no prying eyes should observe his move
ments unknown to him.
Placing the big nest in the darkest corner of
the desk, he removed the wad; but now no angry
insects came forth or gave sign of life.
He was afraid he had smothered them, and
gave the nest slight tap but still all was quiet.
Impatient, and fearful of the arrival of some one,
he raped earnestly upon the resounding cone and
shook it.
All! then there was a mighty pouring forth.
He had severed the nest from the limb, tearing
large hole in its top The angry hornets, which
had seemed so dormant, came out in a black
cloud, ready for fight to the death.
In moment, and before Odge could get down
from the high desk, big fellow had stung him
upon the lips and another upon the hand. He
struck out furiously among them and made for
the door
But here he stopped and stared in horror
scarcely noticing the stings which were dealt him
right and left The door was fast, and Odge was
a prisoner with his terrible foes.
He now remembered that he had broken the
latch-spring the previous morning, in scutfie
with one of the boys, and the teacher had prom
ised to bring another that morning.
The full peril of his situation burst upon the
boy and frantic with pain and terror, he fled
about the room, now crawling under the benches,
now racing over them, beating the air and howl
ing fearfully.
All in vain, the enraged insects set upon him
with greater energy at every blow His cries for
help rang out with maddened pain, as he dashed
from corner to corner to eyade the tiny yet pow
erful creatures.
ooh, they're killing me. Save me-save me,
somebody" shriebed Odge, falling in heap be-
side the door, and shaking it with all his might.
But it held fast. The maddened boy leaped to
his feet, and again made a circuit of the room.
All at once, he thought of the chimney, and,
knocking aside the boughs, he dashed into its
capaciOus throat, and scrambled and worked his
way up into it amidst suffocating and binding
clouds of SCOT and ashes.
He thought he might climb out upon the low
roof and escape to the bushes, but at that moment
voices sounded outside, and then several boys
rushed eagerly into the room.
They were met promptly by ORIGINS late tor
mentors, and the astonished lads beat hasty re-
treat giving vent to various expressions of feel
ing in epithets more pithy than choice.
The newcomers held a hasty consultation be-
hind the bull-thistles then emerged and again
entered the room with bushes in hand and fought
valiantly for possession several minutes but We're
completely routed-the hornets following them
out in an angry cloud.
About this time some girls came in sight, but
were advised to keep shady"-which they accor-
dinghy did by retiring to the bushes.
Meanwhile, more boys appeared and, after an
other consultation, each provided himself with
torch of birch-bark, peeled from the huge sticks
of fire-wood in the yard, in one hand and a good
switch i'll the other
They again sailed into the room A good
many times it was doubtful which would hold
the house; but at last, by dint of smoke and fire,
the hornets beaten and singed from the field,
though few still buzzed about the yard.
Now the timid girls ventured near, and the
teacher appearing, the matter was exhaustively
discussed, and many were the uncompIimentary
epithets applied to whoever had ''cut the mean
caper."
In the meantime, Odge clung to the rough
stones and listened attentively. 1t was most
uncomfortable situation and his numerous stinSs