The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1892-09-17
THE FUGITIVE MELONS.
Where the Boys Found Them After
an Exciting Chase.

had just opened, and our hands were
full of business We had enjoyed q
pleasant vacation, and took hold of
study with zest.
Among other interests demanding at
tention were certain affairs Of our soci-
ETY., and about a dozen of us were gath
cred, one evening, in Dan Hosmcr's
room for that purpose.
Dan was a large-hearted fellow, pop
ular with everybody, well supplied
with money, liberal, but rather too
fond of making a display.
During the afternoon he had bought
half a dozen muskmelons, with which
to surprise the rest of us that evening;
and, whel the marketman delivered
them, they were placed in a basket H.
der a lounge rear the door, in Dams
room.
In the curse of our business transac-
ton, Gil Robinson, the most mischiev-
Gus fellow among US, sitting on the
lounge directly over the melons, dis
covered them by their odor. and,
when he thought all eyes were turned
the other way, he slyly opened the
door and showed the basket into the
hall. Then, making an excuse to go
out, he placed it on a low roof out of
the back hall window, where he could
reach it from his room without diff
Guilty.
But Charley Gates had witnessed his
performance in showing the basket into
the hall, and, by listening keenly,
knew pretty nearly where he had con-
cealed it.
Soon after CHS return, Charley
passed out, looking as serious as a dea-
con, and. easily finding the prize, re-
moved it to another spot on the back
roof, Immediately under his own
window. However, lit takes a rogue
to catch n rogue"
Craig Hammond, who roomcd in an
other part of the building, was just
coming to the business meeting when
Charley was tiptoeing and clambering
about with the basket, and watched all
his movements, perceiving plainly that
he was carrying on some sort of mis-
chief.
As soon as Charley went back into
Hosmer's room, Craig confiscated the
melons, and, hurrying down the stairs,
stepped quietly into the %woodhouse at
Rev. Mr.. Clark's, and there deposited
the treasure. Then he came to our
meeting, made excuse for being late,
and awaited developments.
When the business was transacted.
and we were about scattering to our
rooms. Dan detained us, saying:
Hold on, fellows! Don'tgoy yet. I've
a little relish TO divide around, if you
like it"
And, stepping to the lounge, he felt
under for the basket.
Not finding it at first, he reached
further under and clear along to the
other end.
Failing in his search, and glancing
vainly around the room, he was greatly
amazed at the disappearance.
well, now. boys, that beats all!
Why. ! bought a nice lot of melons at
the market, and, when the man
brought them up, l told him to put
them right here, under the lounge, in a
basket; and lie did, I'm sure. What
does it meant"
And down he got again on his knees
and felt the whole length of the lounge,
exclaiming:
Gone, gone-Sure as guns!"
After some good-natured chatting
over the matter, there being no help
it, we were again about separat-
ing, when Gil spoke up:
Its too bad. fellows; but, If you'll
step into my room, I've something to
show you, so you can crafty your eyes
if not your p~alates."
"Twenty-four eyes equal twelve
palates," muttered Charley Gates. his
face glowing roguishly. at is to be
hoped nothing will happen to eliminate
the eyes from that equation. VIZ
couldn't stand it"
When we reached Oils room, and he
had struck a light. he went to the win
dow, leaned out, and seemed grasping
for something but secured nothing
substantial than air.
Satisfying himsel; hat he had been
foiled at his game, he drew back,
greeted with the sarcastic rally:
set up your show, Gil; the audience
is becoming impatient"
well, gentlemen, I'm more sold than
lIosmer, and paid in my own coin
Fact is, ! had a basket of melons to
show you, and, to keep them cool,
them out on the roof; but they
seem to have eyaDorated."
Served you right" exclaimed Dan.
And the rest of Is gave way to bois-
laughter.
Half a dozen attempts at wit flashed
on the Instant:
Like an Irishman's flea"
Great anticipations; r~ealizations
ION sunt"
Now you see 1t and now you don't"
When these explosions were ended.
Gates called out in a pitiful
This is too bad, fellows. MY heart
,ches for you in your disappointment
long to relieve you, and, though l can
10 but little toward it, l invite you to
ny humble apartment to share my last
bone and crust"
BY this time we had all absorbed
such a spirit of fun that we needed no
to accompany him.
Every boy, too, was fully convinced
# the fact that we were in pursuit Of a
of melons. under difficulties |
Whether we should ever catch it or not
vas the puzzle; but Craig Hammond, |
II course, thought he was the only fell
who saw the end from the begin
hing.
Like Gil, Charley undertook to pro-
his ''bone and crust through the
and, like Gil. failed, feeling
wildly into the outside darkness
When he turned and faced u.s. the
aughter that filed that room was I'M
Some of us sank to the
loor-it would seem almost in convul-
lone