The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1881-07-02
Our Young Folks.
A RUNAWAY TRUNK.

we won't give it up if we have TO go
on foot"
"Well," said Fred, 81 don't see any
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. "and l
know we cam"
John Sheldon, bright, quick-witted
boy, OF about fourteen, is the son of
well-to-do farmer of Oxford County,
Maine. The other boy, Fred. Hard
ing, is the village doctors son, a Jew
months younger. The two are excel
lent friends. They have been reading
"Perilous Adventures of Pete Rates
tuff, the Boy Sailor" Reused by the
daring deeds and wonderful escapes of
the hero, mania to 90 to sea has
fallen upon them. They think there's
no good in asking their fathers adj
vice, so they are laying plans in secret.
John has learned that the fishing
schooner Brittomart sails for New
foundland the 10Th, and it is now the
24th. The two boys start from beneath
the High Top" sweeting- tree, in the
orchard where they have been sitting.
" Amt there no way to go on the
freight tramp asked Fred, throwing
an apple core toward n ohipmonk,
chattering. on the stone wall.
mo, | guess not" said John,
thoughtfully. But I've got an idear'
he exclaimed exultantly, crumpling 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 garnet! Do you see, Fred 2
Chuck what we want in that, get in, and
one of us goes as baggage! What do
you say to that?"
you've struck itr' 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. Gwen have gay
time. Wen see bit of the city when
we're through our business with the
Captain"
Not doubt but that they could 90
as sailors had once entered their heads.
OF course Captain DAILY would take
them.
1t was decided that Fred should get
leave, and come down and stay all
night with John. He was to take with
him what he wanted. and they'd pack
what they could in the trunk.
A little after dusk, Fred came over,
bringing his best suit, lot of dough-
nuts, a small pistol, and his new base
ball, tied together in an old handker-
chief. These, with some of Johns pos.
sessions, were packed in the trunk,
leaving not a very roomy place for q
boy. Half dozen or more air holes
were bored in the sides. All was read y
for an early start in the morning.
The boys retired in good season, but
not to sleep. At half-past eleven, John
looked at his watch, for he had pretty
silver one given him at his last birth
day. He said:
"Why, Fred, if you'll believe it, il
amt but half-past eleven"
The same was repeated at one, anC
again at half-past two. At three they
rose and dressed, went softly down TIL,
stairs, and out into the cool, drear, Sep
TENDER morning.
l. Each taking a handle of the trunk
they went toward the station, abou
three miles off. They reached the de
pot, as they hoped to, before any one
was about.
1t required some talking, on John.
part, to persuade Fred that he, being
the smaller, ought to go in the trunk
There was just room for him to cur
down on his side.
He got ill., John shut the cover, locked
the trunk, and sat down beside it.
GLOW dye feel, Fred?" he asked, al
length.
kinder boxed up" said Fred
There amt no room to spare"
Soon the depot was opened. .
John bought his ticket, got his check
and when the train came steaming in
he first made sure the trunk was put on,
and then he got on board. and off they
went.
John enjoyed the ride. Twice only
had he been on the cars before, and
never alone, so there was the charm OF
novelty about it.
AT D. Station, in a yard just be-
hind the depot, were kept some deer, a
fox, a raven and other animals.
Their fame had reached Johns ears,
and. as there promised to be q stop OF
several minutes for breakfast, he left
the car and went round to see them;
and, for time, they quite drove his
sea-voyage from his mind.
There came sudden reminder, how
ever, when he heard the puff, puff, of
the engine and the rumbling Of the cars
Then he started and ran round to the
front OF the depot, only to see the train
moving otf-without him!
John felt badly, and did not know
what to do.
"Well, now, 1 was fooln' he
thought, as he looked after the vanish
ing train.
He asked a man. standing near, when
the next train went to Portland.
mot till afternoon" was answered.
This was blow to John. Added to
his desire to reach the city was not a
little anxiety as to Fred's condition in
the trunk.
What long four hours he had to
wait! Time had never dragged so be-
fore!
At last the longed-for train came, and
John reached Portland in safety.
The next thing was to find his trunk.
He went up to a man standing near
some baggage. and asked him how to
get trunks. l..
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