The Press., 1891-08-20
Number 21.

was late.
 Strange things may happen in few moments of time.
 Since the sisters had parted, young clergyman, an admirer of Bessie's, had ridden over from the next town, and, at the request of the household, had remain ed to tea, which was much later than usu- al. Then MT. Hale, remembering his own youth, and the few pleasures granted to his daughter, urged MT. Calcott to take his place for the evening walk, while he remained at home to read to his wife.
 All the world waits for lovers and the broad highway in 8 country town is bit of paradise, where he who loves may tell his tale, while the birds whisper sleepily from their nests above, and the trees sing softly in chorus.
 Glove, love, love, it gladdens the world
 so wide,
 Love, love, love, 'tis greater than all be-
 side,
 For close to the heart of God
 He holds our hearts together,
  Which binds the now and forever.'
 As the lovers went slowly on, the pur- pose of their outing was half forgotten !; while Maida had fallen into little reverie peculiar to herself. "Its a glorious night for spooks and hobgoblins and all sorts of nonsense" she said. ''I shall tease papa to tell me the spookiest of spooky stories, when we get to the darkest part of the road"
 On reflection this did not seem best, for it suddenly occurred to her that sister Bess had horror of such things, and for some reason was inclined to be nervous and fanciful. Even the twilight, so dear to Maida's heart, the hour when fancy plays it's pranks, and poems are born, was an unpleasant season to Bessie; she was restless and uncomfortable until the lamps were aglow.
 "She shall not be leased when she is so tired and lovely, and amiable, sweet mis- tress Bess," said Maida to herself.
 In order to impress her own mood upon her father and sister, she began to sing some lines she had found in the course of her reading.
 F "Papa will hear them and smile. He will say: Here comes my little hoyden, and then he will open wide his dear arms, and shall tumble in." She sang in her dearest tones:
 "We come, dark riders of the night, And fit before the dawning light; But not footstep on the green At noon, shall show where we have been. '" l She had but uttered the last word when a dull roar met her ear, and she saw a strange animal approaching slowly to- wards her.
 The large, glaring eyes of the creature seemed to glow like lamps, while its horns were shaking fiercely.
 "Oh, dear" said the girl, mentally ''that horrible Lord Chesterfield has broken his chain again; he is not very furious, as he comes on slowly; perhaps me, "
 "Chet, Chet," she said, gently, ''go home now, that's good Chet.'' The supposed bull came nearer Know. ing his fierce temper, and remembering her fathers frequent warnings, the girl moved steadily toward large tree, the animal following. Maida watched him closely
 She was no coward, and felt quite sure that help was not far away, yet she dared not call loudly, lest she might infuriate the powerful animal, still seen only in the dim, uncertain light Ever since hel father had purchased him, the family had lived in dread lest he should break loose as he had once done, to the dismay of al the hands on the farm
 l With one quick bound she reached the tree, and, thanks to her frequent practice in climbing, was soon among its branch es. To her surprise the creature attempt ed to follow, but fell backward, utterins suppressed roars: Something prompted the girl to say, "Who are you, and wha do you want?'' ",
 Roar, roar, roar.
 "Who are you?" again asked Maida who was convinced that the animal wal not Lord Chesterfield roaming abroad.
 'Tm the devil," said deep, gruff voice
 "Oh," said Maida. "Well, what d, you want ?"
 ''Maida Hale."
 The girl laughed softly; something il the tone amused her, and in an instan she had resolved what to do. Before tn, resolution could be put in force, her sister and MT. Calcott appeared OH the scene.
 Bessie saw only the glaring eyes, tn, rough form, some horns, but no Maida With one loud cry of horror she fell faint ing to the ground, while Maida scrambled down in haste, exclaiming: "Now, Hi ram, you may go; and if the real wicked one is as clumsy and stupid as you are, don't think he will have many follower in this world" 1.. ..' .'- ...
 She had seen only Bessie as she fell and did not know for some moments tha MT. Calcott had taken her fathers place
 Hiram, thoroughly frightened when h. saw the white face of Miss Bessie, drop ped his disguise and ran to the neares brook for water, while the young clergy man attempted to obey Maida's instruc tions, and succeeded in doing everythin wrong. a.. - .'-s.,-. ~,. ...l @e. Now" said Maida, when her siste was once more able to move, "I thinl that MT. Calcott will make a good se, mon on total depravity; although I shoul never believe in it even with Hi right be fore me-" .a.i .a@ eza -,..- t3.. t7s...i .
 When the trio reached Glenridge, Hi ram was in bed, and supposed to be fas asleep; consequently, he escaped all pun ishment that night. ~ 5a z! @a -s {
 When John Dixon heard of the adyeu ture he shook his head solemnly, and sai In his slow doliharofo ,,oonnox t.uY. i,