The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1882-08-23
"ARTFUL DODGERS" +"

Olangl swishl rumble and amid
trundling of baggage. barrows, hustling
Of officials and rushing of outward. bound
ticket-holders to secure good seats, n
train rolled into the depot Of large
New England town. Two bright-faced
girls Of, twelve and fourteen, in dark
blue flannel suits, with fluffy golden
hair surmounted by bewitching blue
bows, and black felt hats, hurried
eagerly along the platform, scanning
tho faces of those who alighted.
she hasn't comel" said the younger,
o sudden blankness overspreading the
sunny face.
How disappointed papa and mamma
will ber' said the elder. "Perhaps
she has gone into the ladies' waiting
room. Let's turn back and see."
A quick step beside them, and
dainty little hand on the shoulder of
each, arrested the turning process, and
they found themselves face to face with
q third girl, in brown suit, with
similar fluffy hair, blue bow and felt
hat. Then followed a scene of kissing
and embracing, and food of girl
chatter, till crusty old bachelor buying
q newspaper scowled, and q motherly
fat woman, hurrying along with three
children, bird-cage and two baskets,
gave them q benevolent smile, and
murmured, "Pretty creetursr as an
Offset.
"Oh, Monte, II you hadn't come !"
duetted the two younger girls.
"What news? Has Dit set the house
on fire more than three times, and have
you broken any looking-glasses, Meta ?
Papa and mamma are we'll Of cousep"
The others shook their heads.
"Papa is down with rheumatism
and poor mamma is tired out"
"Oh, why didn't you send postal ?
would have come right home. had
hard work to get away, as it was. Jessie
was 80 determined to have me stay for
Thanksgiving"
"Oh, we're getting along all right,
Joanna's as good as a regiment, you
know, and papa only took to his room
Yesterday. Mamma is around yet, but
sho acts as if she would be down with q
slow fever before many days.
"No news from Elmer, l sup
poseY-this with sigh-and all three
faces olOuded.
"No news"
This was their one sorrow. Elmer,
the gay, handsome, high-spirited broth.
ar SIC year older than Monte, had left
his pleasant home two years before,
leaving no cIew-only o half defiant,
half-reeretful note. Poor ElmerI Poor
loving, longing home group, with for.
giveness ready and yearning in their
steadfast hearts
4n,
some moments.
"Tm sorry l couldn't bring you any
presents, girls" said Monte, GO but
spent all my money, and didn't like II
send to papa for more. Money goes 81
fast in Boston, you know, even in I
two-weeks' visit, and l had to bu!
another pair of gloves. Somebody spilled
ice cream ON my best ones at q socia
ble."
"Never mind. We don't care. Your
present enough yourself, Nonie;'-an'
Dill and Meta gave furtive little hug
under the brown dolman.
"I'm so glad didn't stay a da
longer. Poor papal How he mus
WORRY about not getting to the store
i've great mind to ask Mr.. Stedman t
take me in papa's place till he get
we'll"
"Winona Derrelll A girl like 20
keep books for that large store Hav
you lost your senses ?" exclaimed ID
(short for Della" which she unreaI
onably hated).s
"Why couldn't do it just as we
there as when I help papa at home
replied Monte, quietly. "The salaI
could go right on, and We can surprii
papa with it when he gets we'll. / shan
fell mamma either. She'll think I'm
Aunt Eaie's, heYing lessons with Grae
ns ufuol