Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1882-07-29

fdlJnIul, VINO was deYOut member or
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
dt supper, while Pop SLOWLY polished the
tins at the sink averaging rub every
two or three minutes.
mo, don't ask It," was the decided re-
ply. | can't trust you. Like as not
you'd burn the whole place down before
I'd got half to Crosst0wn. Come, Pop,
sit down and eat while l 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 been prt :
ylOusly announced that Deacon Ellis and
Deacon Snow of Glenville. who were Wis
iting 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
them both to late supper when meet
to church, given Andy and Pop many and
earnest directions as to their conductor
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 ev-
cry cOuntenance.
Half an hour passed, and still the dea-
cons did not come. And then Deacon
Marley rose slowly in his seat.
"My friends" he said, 81 am unable to
account for the extraordinary absence Of
our respected brothers. They left my
house at five o'clock with the intention
they did not return to tea, | anticipated
meeting them here. Igreatly 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 marrow in
their bones.
"Aunt," whispered Andy to Miss Faith
full, Pm awful sick TO my stomach. |
guess it was that piece of cocOanut pie
| ate. I've got to go out. Can't Pop 60
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 look at each other, for fear of be-
ing suspected of their completely in the
absence of the deacOns.
"We've done gone an done it now,
shore huff, whispered Pop, with a
shiver, when they were once out of the
church..
They set off for the river with the
speed of young deer. When within a
few yards of it they heard shouts for
help.
"Dat's dem," said Pop. "Dey mus be
pOw'ful mad by dis time"
The deacOns were indeed considerable
out of temper, as well they might be, for
they had been wading around in the
shallow water near the island for near
ly three hours, shouting at the top of
their lungs for assistance.
''Hollo~ answered Andy, what d. We
want?"
He asked the question by way of taking
every precautiOn against suspicion, for,
of course, he knew very well what they
wanted.
"Some wicked boys stole our Clothes"
answered Deacon Snow, land we've been
here ever since half-past five. 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"
"And I'll give you another dollar if
you hurry up" said Deacon Ellis.
The boys were off like flash, and re-
turned in short time with all necessa-
ry garments, and Deacon Marley follow
ing in their wake.
1t was too late now for the deacOns to
attend church; the congregation had dis
persed. So they went at once to Miss
Faithfuls, where, over g0OdlY supper,
they recOunted the story of their wrongs.
Andy and Pop were sent to bed, after
receiving high praise for their timely
aid.
"What made you think of coming to
the riverp" asked Deacon Ellis, as he
patted Andy on the head in benign
manner.
Deacon Marley said you had gone
there to walk" answered Andy, in very
low tone, land we thought you might
have fallen in"
"Good boys" said the deacon. "YOu
deserve holiday tomorrow for this"
Inc boys ulu uOI appear very dppreCl-
alive to the praise lavished so freely
upon them. Miss Faithful, made suspi-
ciOus by sad experience, detected embar-
rassment in their manners, and guilt in
their faces. A horrible thought seized
her as she recollected their unexplained
absence of the morning. She waited
until the deacons had lighted their pipes
and then excused herself for a few min
utes.
Going up stairs she opened the door
of the back attic. Pops bed was empty. |
In the front attic the condition of affairs |