The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1882-08-04

eyed Miss Faithful. A little later, when
she went to the door to see how the boys
wedding progressed, neither of the boys
were & 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 eau
ton as they neared the river. In the
middle of it lay small island, almost
cvergrown with bushes, which afforded
a 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 careful to make no noise, they
hunted around among the bushes until
they found two piles Of clothes. Hastily
picking them up, they ran off with them
just as shout was raised by some one
in the deep water.
"You 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 reveng-
ers," suggested Pop.
"That's the name for u.s." cried Andy.
"You've hit it this time. Pop. Revenge
is sweet. you know, and I reckon we
never felt better then we do now. Tim
and Bobll never hear the last of this"
This was Thursday. Every Thursday
night there was prayer meeting held in
Crosstown Methodist Church, situated
mile from Miss Faithfuls 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 like nature.
"Please let us stay home tonight,
aunt" pleaded Andy, as he sat with her
at supper, while Pop slowly polished the
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 to Crosstown. Come, Pop
sit down and eat, while clear away the
dishes, and then we'll start. You both
deserve thrashing for going off this
afternoon without leave, and attending
meeting is small enough punishment,
goodness knows"
The church was full. 1t had beon pre-
viously announced that Deacon Ellis and
Deacon Snow, of Glenville, who were
visiting Deacon Marley for few days,
would give their experience, and the at
tendance was consequently very large,
for these gentlemen were looked upon as
"shining lights" and great respect was
shown them. Miss Faithful had invited
them both to late supper when meet
ing 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 them, and anxiety, mingled
with disappointment, was visible on
every countenance.
Half an hour passed, and still the
deacons did not come. And then Deacon
Marley rose slowly from his seat.
"Nly friends, he said, 81 ana unable
60 account for the extraordinary bsence
OF our respected brothers. They LETT
my houce at five O'Clock With the inten-
ton of taking walk by the river, and,
since they did not return TO tea, / an
ticipated meeting them here. 1 greatly
fear some accident 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 marrowin
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 me?"
He looked so pale that Miss Faithful
credited his assertion of sudden illness,
and nodded assent.
The boys went out together, careful
not to glance at each other, for fear of
being suspected of their completely in
the absence of the deacons.
We've done gone an done it now,
shore huff, whispered Pop, with
shiver, when they were once out of the
church.
They set off for the river with the
speed of young deer. When within
few yards OF it they heard shouts for
help.
Oats dem." said Pop. "Dey mus
be pow'ful mad by dis time"
The deacons were, indeed, considera-
bly, out of temper, as well they might be,
for they had been wading around in the
shallow water near the island for nearly
three hours, shouting at the top of their
lungs for assistance.
"Hollo I" answered Andy, "what d
want ?"
He asked the question by way of TAX
ing every precaution against suspicion,
for, of course, he knew very we'll what
they wanted
Some wicked boys stole our Clothes"
answered Deacon Snow, and we've been
here ever since half-past 5. Whoever
you are, I'll give you dollar if you'll go
to Deacon Marley's, and tell him to send
US something to put on"