The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-04-24

whispered Tom. after a while. you know
we found him fast in a hollow limb last
SUMMER"
"But, Tom. the chimney is plenty large
enough for him. / don't believe it is a cat
at ALL"
Thus Whispering, the two boys did not
stir on the straw. but listened with all ears
heard a good deal of granting, and now
and then pieces of mortar fell on the fire.
wood.
.'This is q pretty piokle," suddenly
growled a voice which seemed to come
from a spot midway up the chimney. II
was a fool anyway to come out here on Il
wild goose chase like this"
tits a man." said Robert, "There's a
man in the old chimney, and he can neither
get up nor down."
The boys now heard the movements Of
the person caught in this old trap, and
suspectinR that he was a 'Britisher" after
highest degree. They could hardly refrain
from laughing and the thought that he
might have some confederates on the out
side was all that kept back their .meryi-
ment.
They waited some time. But at last feel
ing sure that the tenant Of the chimney
was completely stuck they silentlyl left their
straw.
"Who's up there?" suddenly called Tom
on the hearth.
Silence fell Immediately. Nothing. was
heard of the imprisoned man.
II guess you didn't think the house was
occupied" continued Tom! AS there was
no response the young patriot resumed:
"We know you nre in the chimney, for we
have been listening to YOU for some time.
The best thing you can do under tho Cir
cumstances is to como down."
But I can't" said a half muff1ed voice
at last. II ara stuck fast in this horrid
place and cannot move either way"
You may not have titled your best. 7
think n little light would help matters"
said Tom.
Robert o.ossed the room at this and
found the finder box and the Hints for
striking fire where they had been left by
the family. He aoon came back and a spark
flew from the sharp stones.
Tt did not take tho kindling long to catch
and when the man in tho chimney saw the
fire and got Il Whit of smoke in his lungs,
he cried out most Justify.
A volume of smoke now roared up the
wide chimney, and the man began to st aug
gle energetioally.
IT do believe he's coming down" laughed
Tom, watching the PARTICLES of MOI tar that
fell into the blaze.
The boys were tanning the smoke up the
chimney, and between puffs they caught
SIGHT of n pair of feet aud then the ends Of
rcd trousers.
Look! q redcoatv' shouted Robe, t. 'As
I live, ! believe we are taking one of the
enemy"
PUT out the fire! Oh, but Pm nearly
scorched to death now. and I ~can't-stand
acknowledgements came down the
chimney.
'Oh, yes. you oan," answered Tom. "a
British soldier ought to stand a good many
things. You came over here to fight us, and
/ daresay you nave lived we'll this winter in
Philadelphin. while We hive just suffered in
the country"
'.But oan't You see that / am burning
up"
"Indeed, sir, we emit see anything of the
kind" replied Tom Cherry i'll the most az
Rravating tones. IA little more effort will
bring you down. Why don't you tryY'
"But I will fall plump into the fre!'
As Tom took a torch from the embers on
tho earth, Robert brought some water
which he dashed upon the blaze. and in An
instant the whole room was almost dark.
tumble, and there was some lively scramb-
ling on the hearth. and the burly figure of
a British sergeant rolled out Oh the floor.
Tho figure out by the tall fellow was a
most ludio'ous one. The Crime of the old
chimney had transformed his handsome
uniform in a suitinR OF SCOT, and his hands
and faco wero of the same hue. He looked
like anything but II of tho kings SOL
diers.
II told you you could como down II you
put forth the proper effort" said Tom.
who are your"
Sergeant billow. Of the Royal Second"
stammered the fellow.
:" don't think you want to appsar on