Connecticut western news., 1883-06-13
VOL. XII.

"So, John" said she, you have been reading the Crampton Herald. We'll, we'll see how much knowledge you'll ob- tain for your trouble"
 Then, taking roundabout way, so that he might not see her, Mary entered the house and went upstairs to her room and sat down near window that overlooked his hiding-place.
 "What 8 splendid place for observa- tion p said John to himself, as he fixed himself among the bushes.
 Just then up went the window and out came pail of dirty water, thrown by the strong arms of Mrs. Johnson.
 "Ugh ugh ]" said he, crawling back ward as the dirty shower came dripping down through the leaves "this is cir cumstance for which I made no calcula- tion."
 "Belle, where is Mary" called Mrs. Johnson to one of the girls.
 "Up stairs" said Belle.
 Why, what's she doing there? Why doesn't she come down and do the milk ing?
 ''I don't know" was the reply. "She says she's not coming down for some time; you needn't wait breakfast for her."
 ''Just as I expected p said John with 8 sad countenance. "Those boarding schools will ruin any girl. I suppose they'll carry her breakfast up to her. I guess I'll go now; I've learned as much as want to know"
 But John did not go just then some thing again occurred for which he had made no calculation. The squire had several dogs, and among them was one ferocious fellow called Bull. Attracted by the smell of victuals, for breakfast was now cooking, they had gathered about the kitchen door and sitting there with wagging tails were awaiting their morning meal.
 At the first rustic of the leaves as John turned round they pricked up their ears. In moment, after he had moved again, they were over the fence, jumping and bowling and prancing around the thicket as if it contained their greatest enemy. '|Hi. there Hist, Bull Go in, Rover Hurrah, Bob, dogs have got rabbit p shouted the boys, running out and bom- barding the thicket with a shower of sticks and stones, which made John lie as flat as skirmisher under the fire of whole line of concealed enemies.
 s'Get out there! Get out What in thunder's all this fuss about p growled the squire, coming to the spring to wash and thinking the dogs were after cat or B bird.
 In few minutes the family went to breakfast, and the dogs left the thicket.
 The coast seemed clear.
 stNow, or never" said John, as he be- gan to crawl toward the edge at which he crme in.
 A low savage growl stopped him :; there, right in his front, was old Bull, stretched out, with his head between his paws, winking at him, and seeming to say: '1've got you now, young fellow. D
 "Poor old Bull," said John coax ingly.
 A low growl was the only answer
 My poor old fellow! Come here, won't you?" said John, batting on his knee.
 Another growl, fercer than ever. Bull was too old to be fattered.
 John now was mad. "Confound you, you old sc,undrel l! said he, " if I ever catch you away from this place I'll murder you."
 Bull only winked in reply to this abuse.
 John now tried to get out at anothe, place, but Bull moved around upon tho line of investment and took position il Johns front again.
 Breakfast was now over. The squir and the boys came out, took their scythe from the apple-tree and began to whe them.
 The question that troubled John nov was, Where are they going to nov Hi fears were soon confirmed.
 "Where shall we begin p said one c the boys.
 Right here in the corner, and moy round the thicket," was the squire's re ply.
 John groaned in spirit.
 They climbed the fence and began.
 Come out there, Bull" said the ol man, catching sight of the dog.
 Bull was slow about moving.
 "Jake, take him to the barn and ti him."
 Jake led him away, but Bull ever now and then looked back as if he expec ed to see John rush out. John kept very still. It was impossible to see him from th outside and every round took them farth, away, lessening the danger of discover, John now began to think it was tin
 to see or at least hear something Mary. She. from her window, saw h predicament and was delighted with " He is safe, now, till noon," said sh |" He won't come out while father al the boys are in the field. And now ) must breakfast and then dress, for to-ds cousin John comes from the city"
 After while John heard a carria. come up the drive and stop at the fro door. Then he heard Mary's voice e claiming:
 "Why, John, ] am so glad to see you l " Aha p said John in the thicke
 "she has another John, has she? ?" , This was the last of Mary for about
 hour; then he heard her and the ne