The Baltimore County union., 1882-12-23

the hall, which was dimly lighted by
the moon, assembled the stairs and reached
the door. The faint rays Of the moon
disclosed chair filled with clothing,
and they could distinctly trace the out
lines Of form beneath the bed clothes,
and had not the remotest idea but that
Sam was enjoying sweet repose upon
Hannah's bed.
A few whispered words were exchang-
ed, and then, as softly and lightly as If
shod with down they drew near.
"All ready" whispered John.
Quick as thought they seized upon the
form OF the sleeper, bed-clothes and all,
bore il swiftly down stairs out into the
snow, and were about to deposit it in a
huge drift, when shrill shrick broke
the stiffness Of the night, and, oh hor-
fort was that Of woman And in
their CONSERVATION they dropped their
burden plump in the middle Of huge
drift.
- ssCood heavensi" exclaimed George,
ait isn't Sam, but some woman, sure as
I'm a sinner, and she has tainted. Run
and call Hannah" |"
George John for goodness sake,
what does this mean, and what have you
there 2" asked Mrs. Carpenter in n
breath.
"Blessed If know" said George /;
"thoughi it was Sam; so we thought
we'd give him dose of snow for get
ting into the best bed and trying to
euchre us. Quick, | believe she has
tainted"
"Just like you," scolded Hannah, as
she assisted in depositing Eva upon the
bed from which she had been uncerc-
moniously taken; "you begin your tricks
on each other before you get fairly in
the house. Clear out -
Long before she was done with her
TRADE, her discomfited brothers had be-
taken themselves down stairs, where
they almost went into Mysteries over the
joke.
"A pretty kettle of fish" said George,
rolling over the floor, and letting Off
peal after peal OF laughter.
al should think it was" said John
holding his sides. "Ohl my. But
what the dickens is to be done about il,
and who do you suppose it is, George ?"
"Some guest Of Hannah's; Of course,
and young and pretty at that. ! don't
know how much it is with you, but /
feel particularly small and extremely
cheap-would sell myself at very low
price"
"Cheap!" roared John "cheap! /
would actually give myself away this
very moment and throw in something
to boot. What We are to do can't say,
but l believe shall dig out of this place
and get back to the city before morning.
amt got the courage to face the music,
so I'll get up and 60"
He began hastily putting on his boots,
and would have put his threat into exc
cution, but for the appearance Of Han
nah, who at once asserted her authority.
"You are not going 4 single step /;
but don't wonder thar you feel asham-
ed Of yourselves. What on earth pos
sessed you, is more than can tell"
"That's right, Han, pitch in, scold
away, I'll take any amount just now, for
I'm as meek as a lamb. But who is it
we have played so shabby trick on ?"
replied George.
"Trick should say it was. Why,
il was Eva Stanley-just as nice a young
thing as ever lived. She is our school
teacher, and this is her week to board
here, and knew you boys would be
squabbling over that room as usual, so
put her there, little thinking you would
come home in stealthy way"
"Eva Stanley whewl A pretty
school marm." And repeating his sis
ter's words, gave a lugubrious groan.
"Hasshc recovcredI" inquired John,
vainly endcavoring to restrain his laugh
ter at the wry faces his brother was
making.
ayes, l soon brought her to; but l
don't believe the poor girl will ever get
over the fright. She said the first thing
she knew she was being lifted up and
carried out, and she couldn't utter 4
sound, but the moment the cold air
struck her she realized that she was be-
ing abducted, or something of the kind,
and had just time to utter 4 scream when
she tainted. II is too bad. should
not wonder il she had taken her death
by being dragged out Of warm bed this
time Of nigh, and dropped into snow.
drift in that fashion. No wonder she
cried, poor thing"
"Cried, did she ?" repeated George,
with groan.
al should think she did. just took
her in my arms and let her have her CRY
out, while explained to her how she
had been mistaken for Sam, and became
the victim Of your mad pranks."
'"That was neat in you, Han. an
awfully glad you huggcd the poor thing,
! wish you would had given her 4 broth
erly squeeze for mc-'pon my honor,
do. Oh dear, am in sackcloth and
ashes from this time henccforth and for
ever" replied George, with another
dismal groan.
"How on earth do you expect us tC
stay and take the conscqucncesI" asked
John, beginning to look serious. al an
for taking myself of instantly. | had
rather face 4 masked battery than thi,
pretty teacher, after making such fool,
OF ourselves"
al don't care il you had" answered
his sister, Indignantly. "The only wa,
is to brave il out, both Of you, and apol
ogize for your rudeness. She is not :
bit stupid, but pleasant and merry, and
no doubt you will have a jolly laugt
over the affair"
"But, Sam how the duce are we &c
get along with him1 You know we'll en-
ough, Han, we shall never here the las
Of IL from him; and that it will b,
brought up at all times and in al
places"