The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1882-06-24


value to serve as peace otferlng-an
alligator tooth, a rattlesnake's rattle, a
big cone, piece of string, the core of q
turnip, glass button and piece of
rusty iron. For none of these things
would Andy care. He had plenty like
them; only better.
Two boys, in close conversation, came
to the rail fence, taking the road which
led to the river, half a mile off. Pop
pricked up his ears on hearing something
one of them said, and ran to repeat it to
Andy, forgetting, in his excitement, all
about their recent difference.
II say, Mars Andy, now's our chance.
We can get chen wild dat Bob Harris and
Tim Waters for stealin' our clo'es when
we was in swimmin' las Sat day.
Dey's gone down now to go in dair-
selves"
'Good luckr' cried Andy. 81 didn' t
believe we'd get chance for revenge so
soon. You get through your potatoes,
Pop, and let s be off Well show 'em
that stealth clothes is trick we can
play at, too"
Pop wasn't ten minutes digging the
potatoes. Then he walked softly around
to the kitchen window, which was open,
for the weather was very warm, and sues
ceeded in setting the basket on the deal
without attracting the attention of argus
eyed Miss Faithful A little later, when
she went to the door to see how the
wedding progressed, neither of the boys
were to be seen, and she screamed their
names until she was hoarse, without
eliciting any reply save from the echoing
pine-woods.
The boys proceeded With great caution
as they neared the river. In the middle
of it lay a small island, almost overgrown
with bushes, which afforded capital
screen. On the other side of this island
from where the boys were, the water
was very deep, but nearest to them it was
so shallow that they could wade across
with ease and perfect safety, Very care
full to make no noise, they hunted
around among the bushes until they
found two piles of clothes. Hastily pick
ing them up, they ran off with them,
just as a shout was raised by some one
in the deep water.
you'll know how it feels to have
your clothes carried off, now," sung out
Andy, as he and Pop waded back to the
shore in great haste. you'll let ours
alone the next time we go in, reckon"
They did not stop to hear the answer
that was shouted after them, but, hurry
ing home, hid the clothes in an empty
bin in Miss Faithful's corn-shed.
''Let 'em get home as best they can"
chuckled Andy. "We had good right
to take our revenge"
''Lessen us call ourselves de re-
vengers," suggested Pop.
CHATS the name for u.s." cried Andy.
you've hit it this time, Pop. Revenge
is sweet, you know, and l reckon we
never felt better than we do now. Tim
and Bob IL never hear the last of this"
This was Thursday. Every Thursday
night there was prayer meeting held
in Crosstown Methodist Church, stu
ated mile from Miss Faithful's house.
Andy and Pop always went; not be-
cause they liked it, but because Miss
Faithful, who was a devout member of
the congregation, was afraid to leave
them at home, for fear they would burn
the house down or commit some other
desperate deed of a like nature.
please let us stay home tonight.
aunt" pleaded Andy, as he sat with
her at supper, while Pop slowly polished
tins at the sink, averaging a rub every
two or three minutes.
"No, don't ask it, was the decided
reply. 81 can't trust you. Like as not
you'd burn the whole place down before
I'd got half way to Crosstown. Come,
Pop, sit down and eat, while / clear
away the dishes. and then we III start.
You both deserve thrashing for going
off this afternoon without leave, and at
tending meeting is small enough pun
ishment, goodness knows"
The church was full. 1t had been
previously announced that Deacon Ellis
and Deacon Snow, of Chenille, who were
visiting Deacon Marley for few days,
would give in their experience, and the
attendance was consequently very large,
for these gentlemen were looked upon as
" shining lights" and great respect was
paid them. Miss Faithful had invited
them both to a late supper when meeting
should be over, and had, on the way to
church, given Andy and Pop many and
earnest directions as to their conduct on
the forthcoming great occasion.
But neither of the eminent gentlemen
had arrived when Miss Faithful, little
late, entered the church with her two
charges. Already inquiries were being
made about than, and anxiety, mingled
with disappointment, was visible on every
countenance.
Halt an hour passed, and still the
Deacons did not come. And then Dea-
con Marley rose slowly from his seat.
MY friends he said, u am unable
to account for the extraordinary absence
OF our respected brothers. They left my
house at five o'clock with the intention
of taking walk by the river, and, since
they did not return to tea, anticipated
them here. | greatly fear some
has befallen them.
Andy looked at Pop. Pop returned the
look. The same idea presented itself to
the minds of both. 1t was an idea that
struck chill to the very marrow in their
bones.
"Aunt," whispered Andy to Miss
Faithful, I'm awful sick to my stomach
| guess it was that piece of cocoanut pie
ate. I've got to go out. Can't Pop go
with mep'"
He looked SO pale that Miss Faithful
credited his assertion of sudden illness.
and nodded assent.
The bows went ont tooatbar oorof,,l