The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1891-03-20

was in despair, but wrote her letter
explaining matters and begging to be
again taken into favor. ] was overjoyed
to receive an encouraging reply. She
forgave me and would not give me up,
but her brother was very angry and
would not permit her to see me- If
would come upon the following evening
to the farm / could reach her window
by means of the grapevine, and we could
think the matter over
This letter cheered me up wonderfully,
and when the clock struck 8 upon the
following night walked gayly to the
farm, passed around to The ear and per-
ceiyed white figure - the window. A
large dog, which was fastened in kennel
under the window. threatened to raise
an alarm, but few words from Agnes
quieted him. clambered up the vine
and was soon at her side. was so hap
py that the grapevine might have been
the ladder to paradise. Agnes was for
giving and lovely, and we conversed for
half an hour without a thought of the
lower world.
was calmly gazing at the farm which
would soon be my own when heard the
door open. Upon turning saw the OBJ
noxious brother standing in the door
way, with very suspicious whip in his
hand. He looked angry, and | imme-
diately comprehended his purpose. It
was not in human nature to remain
quiet, and when he sprang toward me
with an angry howl answered with q
yell, and springing through the window
began slipping down the vine.
Iwould no doubt have made master
" retreat, but was bnt few feet from
the top when the brother cut the fasten-
ings with his knife, and the vine and
myself fell together Unfortunately |
dropped upon the roof of the kennel
The roof, not being able to hold showers
Of fallen humanity, gave way, and |
tumbled directly into the jaws Of the
bulldog. The jaws, with q howl. fast
ened upon my leg, and for moment
there was a terrible battle between us
At last the dog unfastened to take a
fresh bite, and ! took advantage for the
moment to get away: but my enemy
again fastened upon my coat tails, and
as could not drag dog and kennel over
the fence was unable to move.
The dog pulled one way and the
other, and for while the issue was very
doubtful, but caught glimpse of one
of the farm laborers advancing with a
pitchfork and gave desperate jerk. It
was too much for the strongest Of cloth
and. leaving the torn portion in the dogs
possession, bounded away toward the
barnyard fence. But discovered in time
that was charging upon the couched
pitchfork of the servant, and, turning
quickly to the right, took flying leap
over the garden wall Unluckily at
tempted to fly without wings; my feet
caught in the stones and turned a
somersault into the garden
Instead of falling upon the grass !
diyed headforemost into straw bee
hive The beehive went over on the
ground and followed, but the bees
were the first to pick themselves up
and when ! arose upon my feet there
was a whole colony ready to settle upon
me.
They swarmed in my hair. and crawled
under my clothing until was frantic
The more stamped and beat and
raved. the more they stung me. At last
gave a stamp of tremendous force; my
tight patent feathers burst, and just as
my feet protruded at the sides stepped
in the overturned hive might as well
have stepped in the fire. the little tor
mentors stung my feet, and ! danced
like bear upon hot plates and for the
same reason
was still wildly beating the air. when
perceived all the farm servants. whom
my shouts had aroused, charging in a
body They shouted Thief. and flour
ished their weapons and began to think
Of leaving that neighborhood in hurry
But was determined upon revenge. /
could not be stung any worse than !
was; SO grasped the hive that stood
upon the bench and hurled it into the
crowd. had the pleasure of seeing it
drop upon the brothers head like huge
hat. and to see the individual throw It
off and roll upon the ground in anguish.
never derived 50 much pleasure trom
hearing person swear before.
could hear my pursues breathiug
hard near me. and expected every mo-
mept to feel the spikes Of the pitchfork
behind, when l stumbled over q stone
and fell headlong into the river The
men behind, unable to check themselves
followed. and the next moment we were
all struggling in the water,
It was not deep, and was the best accj
dent that could have happened to me. as
it rid me of the bees soon arose and
scrambled mp the steep bank. where |
stood to look around In one place q
head appeared above the water; in an
other Q pair Of feet kicked in the air
without any visible owner. Hats, pitch
forks and men were mixed in confused
heap. while al plunged and pafged like
shoal Of poFppises Although was
snarting with pain the scene was too
ludicrous to be gazed on with sober
countenance, and ! laughed until lcould
roar no longer
But when reached my rooms did
not feel 90 well knew that had lost
Agnes forever. besides the heavy sum
for the gig and the new suit Ny face
was swelled for many days. and could
not leave the house. To be sure. some
Of the neighbors had witnessed the
battle, and when it was shown how | had
punished them ! was quite hero among
my friends Praise however. did not
replace the missing money. and Agnes
+; would not speak to me in the street
+, So was wretched