Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1890-06-26
BERT'S MONITORS.

Bert was determined 10 20. ne
wouldn't ask his father, for he was sure
his father would say no. lie didn't quite
like a positive command, 50 he would
say nothing at all about the matter
Bert was 13 years old, and it was high
time that he began to exercise his own
Judgment, at least when his affairs were
concerned. He should like to know
what harm his going down to the river
for quiet moonlight swim could possi-
bly, do anybody. He would try it, at all
events Ned Sellers would be there, and
Frank Peters. They did not seem to care
whether their parents liked it or not.
Bert could not feel so exactly; but where
was the sense in a boys going to his
father every time he turned round?
He was going. He had fully made up
his mind to that. He went up to bed at
the usual time, however, but his mother,
coming into his little bedroom about half
an hour afterward, was surprised to find
him almost hidden by blanket and quilt,
though it was a warm night in August.
"Why, Bert, you'll smother. Do let
me pull off some of these clothes.
But Bert held them tightly down.
"I amt cold, mother. mean amt
warm
Are you sick?"
sNo'm."
"Two blankets and quilt, laughed
his mother, as she turned away. @Idon't
know what you are made of, Bert.
@And jacket and trousers and stock
ings and shoes. thought Bert, as he
snapped his fingers very softly under
weight of bedclothes.
The beautiful moon hooked in at the
window 1t seemed as if the hours had
never Jagged so. Tie time agreed upon
was II o'clock. Twice Bert found him
self mapping Suppose he should go to
sleep! The idea was not to be enter
tanned for moment. He sat up in bed
and listened, until at length the welcome
strokes greeted his ear. He was tired
and sleepy and very warm. He opened
his door softly and went down stairs.
He took his hat from the nail, and just
then a plaintive "mew" greeted his ear.
"Hushi Be still, Cuff, said he, in
whisper.
Cuff was very glad to see him, and was
determined to tell him so.
Bow, WOW, WOW, was his next greet
ing.
Be quiet, Prince. Stop your noise!"
said Bert, sharply.
Prince knew his young masters voice,
and, like Cuff, was delighted to be near
him, and gave expression to his feeling
in succession of loud barks.
Hadn't you better go down, John?"
asked Bert's mother. i am afraid some
one is trying get in. f"
They can't get farther than the
shed, was the careless reply. <"I left
that open
In few moments all was quiet again.
Prince lay down at Bert's feet and Cuff
stretched herself besidehim. Very care
fully he crept toward the door, hardly
daring to breathe in his anxiety. But
Prince had not been asleep. No, indeed!
He started up at the first sound of his
masters footsteps 1t was evident that
something unusual was going on and he
was determined to be in it.
Il must run as fast as can" said Bert |
to himself. ~Hit or miss, there's moth
ing else for me to do now.
10 go IOFWaFu IN the AuOOnA1gnt Win
his mother watching him from above |
would be foolish, indeed. To remain in |
the shed to be discovered by his father
seemed eqrally unwise. He had very |
little time to think about the matter for
at that moment he heard the well known l
footsteps on the stairs. He darted over /
to the shed closet, shut the door, and /
trembIingly awaited the result.
After standing painfully stiIl for about |
10 minutes, during which Princes signifi-
cant shifts and growls had thrice driven
him to the very verge Of disclosure, he
was left unmolested IN the dark closet.
He opened the door, but the shedseemed
darker Jet. No loving cat or friendly
dog was there to cheer or betray. But /
while he was thinking and wondering.
waiting until ne was sure his father and
mother we're asleep again, the old clock
rang out the hour Of 12. Midnight II
was of no use 70 60 then; he boys would
be gone.
Aud 20 Bert crept up stairs to his roonA